Clinacanthus nutans: Its potential against diabetic vascular diseases

Ahmad Khusairi Azemi,Aida Hanum Ghulam Rasool,Siti Safiah Mokhtar

doi:10.1590/s2175-97902020000118838

Ahmad Khusairi Azemi, Aida Hanum Ghulam Rasool + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/s2175-97902020000118838

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Abstract

Diabetes is an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, with approximately 80% of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity linked to vascular complications such as atherosclerosis. It has been estimated that up to one-third of patients with diabetes mellitus use some form of complementary and/or alternative medicine. One plant that has received attention from diabetic patients for its perceived antidiabetic properties is Clinacanthus nutans, a member of the Acanthaceae family that is known as snake grass. Ethnomedical applications of this herb have been identified for the treatment of certain conditions, including fever, diabetes, skin rashes, and insect bites. This review aims to assess the potential of C. nutans to be used in the prevention and/or treatment of diabetic vasculopathy. Evidence for antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and dyslipidemic properties of C. nutans, as shown from experimental studies, is presented and discussed. Diabetes, inflammation, and hyperlipidemia are known to play significant roles in the initiation and severity of diabetic cardiovascular disease; thus, targeting these factors might be beneficial for preventing and/or treating diabetic vasculopathy.

Highlights

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by altered glucose and lipid metabolism, which leads to persistent hyperglycemia
Individuals with diabetes have a greater risk of developing vascular complications despite intensive glycemic control, stressing the need for novel approaches to lessen the burden of diabetic-mediated macrovascular injury
In terms of antioxidant properties, it has shown greater DPPH radical scavenging activity in a dose-dependent manner. It upregulated the expression of SOD1, SOD2, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase and showed the greatest effects on ABTS and FRAP radical scavenging

Summary

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by altered glucose and lipid metabolism, which leads to persistent hyperglycemia. The vascular endothelium plays a significant role in diabetes-associated atherosclerosis through the regulation of vessel permeability, inflammation, coordination of leukocyte trafficking, and thrombosis (Funk et al, 2012; Kolka et al, 2013; Sharma et al., 2012). Endothelial cells regulate vascular function and structure because of their strategic anatomic position between the vessel wall and circulating blood. Biologically active substances are synthesized and released to maintain nutrient delivery and vascular homeostasis and to ensure adequate blood flow, while preventing leukocyte extravasation and thrombosis. NO protects blood vessels from endogenous injury by mediating molecular signals that inhibit leukocyte and platelet interaction with the vascular wall and prevent vascular smooth muscle proliferation and migration

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