Abstract
Purpose: To examine the potential of extracts from selected herbs used in African traditional medicine in diabetes patients, and to determine their effect on traits of metabolic syndrome in rats fed a high-fat and high-fructose diet.Methods: Ethanol and aqueous extracts were prepared from Mangifera indica (MI), Lonchocarpus eriocalyx (LE), Urtica massaica (UM), Schkuhria pinnata (SP) and Launaea cornuta (LC). Ethanol extracts (1:100 dilution) were examined for inhibition of pancreatic lipase and α-glucosidase activity invitro. Furthermore, aqueous extracts were administered for 74 days to male Wistar rats fed a high-fat and high-fructose diet to assess their effect on traits of metabolic syndrome.Results: Ethanol extracts showed at least 30 % inhibition of pancreatic lipase in vitro but no effect on α- glucosidase activity. Administration of the aqueous extracts caused significant reduction in liver triglycerides (except for LE). Muscle triglycerides and fat were also reduced, with the most pronounced effect elicited by LE. Urinary glucose excretion and plasma triglycerides, but not hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, were reduced by UM compared to control.Conclusion: This exploratory study indicates that UM may be considered a candidate for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.
 Keywords: Kenyan traditional medicine, High-fat diet, High fructose, Insulin resistance, Triglycerides, Diabetes, Liver steatosis
Highlights
The prevalence of diabetes is increasing globally [1]
Weight gain and decrease in energy intake were similar in all groups (p > 0.05; Welch ANOVA) (Table 4 a)
Effect of plant extracts on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance of rats Compared to the control, plant extracts caused slight, nonsignificant (p > 0.7 or p > 0.2, respectively) changes in the concentrations of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and urinary glucose ranging between -10 and -25 %
Summary
The prevalence of diabetes is increasing globally [1]. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) occurs 5 to 10 times more frequently in obese adults than in adults with normal weight. For determination of α-glucosidase and lipase activities, the residue of aqueous extraction was re-extracted with 6 L of absolute ethanol for 2 h at 37 °C, filtered, and centrifuged at 6100 x g for 10 min at 4 °C, and the supernatant was collected and concentrated to 300 mL. Many plants have antidiabetic [9] and anti-obesity properties to varying degrees [10]. Plants may be utilized as alternatives to the common pharmacological treatments for diabetes and obesity [11]. Few plants have been scientifically evaluated for their antidiabetic properties and efficacy [12]. Mangifera indica L, Lonchocarpus eriocalyx (Harms), Urtica massaica Mildbr., Schkuhria pinnata (Lam) and Launaea cornuta, commonly used by the people of Embu and Mbeere counties of Kenya to treat diabetes [13], were investigated for their antidiabetic properties
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
