Abstract
BackgroundChrysophyllum cainito L., a tropical fruit tree, has been used as an alternative medicine for the treatment of diabetic patients in many countries. However, there is very limited scientific rationale for this medical use. The present study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of the extract from C. cainito stem bark and the possible mechanisms underlying this activity.MethodsPhytochemistry and in vitro antioxidant capacity of the extract were studied. Hypoglycemic activity of the extract was examined in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The effect of C. cainito extract on glucose absorption and glucose uptake were conducted using mouse isolated jejunum and abdominal muscle, respectively. Finally, an in vitro effect of C. cainito extract on α-glucosidase activity was evaluated.ResultsC. cainito extract possessed a strong antioxidant activity comparable to the ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene. The extract at 500 mg/kg significantly reduced the area under curve of blood glucose level in oral glucose tolerance test in normal mice. In alloxan-induced diabetic model, similar to glibenclamide, a single dose of the extract significantly decreased fasting blood glucose level from 387.17 ± 29.84 mg/dl to 125.67 ± 62.09 mg/dl after 6 h of administration. From the isolated jejunum experiment, the extract at any doses used did not inhibit glucose absorption. However, the extract at 50 μg/ml significantly increased the amount of glucose uptake by abdominal muscles in the presence of insulin (P < 0.05). Lastly, it was found that the extract produced stronger inhibition of α-glucosidase activity (IC50 = 1.20 ± 0.09 μg/ml) than acarbose (IC50 = 198.17 ± 4.74 μg/ml).ConclusionDirect evidence of antidiabetic activity of C. cainito stem bark with possible modes of action, glucose uptake stimulation and α-glucosidase inhibitory effect, was reported for the first time herein. These data support the potential use of this plant for the treatment of diabetic patients.
Highlights
Chrysophyllum cainito L., a tropical fruit tree, has been used as an alternative medicine for the treatment of diabetic patients in many countries
Extract yield of C. cainito stem bark prepared by maceration method using water was 11.22 ± 0.54%
Antioxidant activity To access the antioxidant activity of the extract, DPPH, ABTS free radical scavenging and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay were performed
Summary
Chrysophyllum cainito L., a tropical fruit tree, has been used as an alternative medicine for the treatment of diabetic patients in many countries. The present study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of the extract from C. cainito stem bark and the possible mechanisms underlying this activity. Several parts of C. cainito, such as fruit, leaf and stem, have been used as alternative medicines for the treatment of diabetic patients in many countries, there is limited pharmacological basis for this therapeutic application. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of the aqueous extract of C. cainito stem bark in animal models. The effects on glucose absorption, glucose uptake and α-glucosidase activity were examined as the possible mechanisms underlying antidiabetic property of the extract
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