Mechanism of Action of Moringa oleifera (Moringa) in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by impairment of carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism which results from defect in the secretion of insulin, insulin utilization or both. According to CDC, 30.3 million people have diabetes in the USA out of which 23.1 million people have been diagnosed and 7.2 million people have not yet been diagnosed. Approximately 84 million American adults have prediabetes. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing both in developed and developing countries. Standard drugs are available in the market for the treatment of diabetes. However, many people with diabetes are turning to medicinal herbs for treatment. The assumption of those who use medicinal herbs is that the herbs are edible and do not carry attendant side effects as the drugs in the market. Moringa oleifera is among the medicinal herbs used locally for diabetes. It is widely cultivated in India. Research has shown that Moringa oleifera is an edible plant that has multiple benefits in diabetes. In many parts of Africa, moringa is widely used for self‐medication in diabetes and hypertension. Its mechanism of action as an antidiabetic has not been well elucidated. This study was undertaken to examine if moringa affects carbohydrate metabolism like acarbose that reduces hyperglycemia by inhibiting alpha‐glucosidase. The alpha‐glucosidase inhibition study of moringa aqueous leaf extract was performed in vitro in a 96 well‐plate using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as the source of alpha‐glucosidase. The assay was analyzed in a multiskan spectrophotometer and the absorbance was read at 400 nm. A parallel test was run with acarbose. Acarbose, gave a dose‐dependent inhibition of alpha‐glucosidase and moringa showed also activity of a similar mechanism, but not as potent as acarbose. It has been reported that herbal medicines have multiple mechanisms of action. More studies need to be carried out to identify other possible mechanisms of action of Moringa oleifera as an antidiabetic.Support or Funding InformationCOE