Abstract
Phytochemical examination of the MeOH extract from the stems and stem bark of Cornus walteri (Cornaceae) led to the isolation and verification of a tirucallane triterpenoid, (-)-leucophyllone, as a major component. Its structure was elucidated using NMR spectroscopy and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The effect of (-)-leucophyllone on insulin secretion in INS-1 cells was investigated. (-)-Leucophyllone increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) at concentrations showing no cytotoxic effect in rat INS-1 pancreatic β-cells. Moreover, we attempted to determine the mechanism of action of (-)-leucophyllone in the activation of insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1). Treatment of INS-1 cells with (-)-leucophyllone markedly increased the expression of these proteins. Our findings indicate the potential of (-)-leucophyllone as an antidiabetic agent.
Highlights
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder primarily characterized by reduced insulin secretion, and its global incidence has been on the rise [1]
insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1) compared to untreated controls in INS-1 cells
Based on the results from our study, we conclude that (-)-leucophyllone identified from C. walteri was capable of Glucosestimulated insulin secretion (GSIS)
Summary
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder primarily characterized by reduced insulin secretion, and its global incidence has been on the rise [1]. Compounds isolated from various plants have been reported to enhance insulin secretion via the regulation of pancreatic β-cell function, including cytopiloyne from Bidens pilosa [5], capsaicin from Capsicum annuum [6], berberine from Rhizoma coptidis [7], curcumin from Curcuma longa [8], epigallocatechin-3-gallate from Camellia sinensis [9], and genistein from Glycine max [10]. Cornus walteri Wanger, better known as Walter’s dogwood, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the family Cornaceae This medicinal plant has received attention for its anti-photoaging and anti-diarrheal effects [11,12]. IRS-2, PI3K, Akt, and PDX-1 compared to untreated controls in INS-1 cells. These results established the underlying mechanism of action of (-)-leucophyllone to enhance GSIS. The biggest drawback of natural product research is still difficult to separate enough components for animal testing, and we need to further study the mechanism of action using other experimental models and diabetic animals in future studies
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
