Decreased Blood Glucose Levels Research Articles

BuZhong YiQi Formula Alleviates Postprandial Hyperglycemia in T2DM Rats by Inhibiting α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase In Vitro and In Vivo

Background/Objectives: BuZhong YiQi Formula (BZYQF) can alleviate type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, its efficacy in managing postprandial hyperglycemia in T2DM needs to be further confirmed, and its underlying mechanism and pharmacodynamic material basis have not been sufficiently investigated. Methods: A T2DM rat model was induced to measure postprandial glycemic responses following glucose and starch ingestion. In vitro assays of enzymatic inhibition and the kinetic mode were performed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of BZYQF on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities. The main constituent contents of BZYQF in a simulated digestion assay were measured to screen the active constituents in BZYQF against α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities via Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses. Finally, the total flavonoids were purified from BZYQF to perform in vitro activity validation, and the flavonoid constituent activity was verified through molecular docking. Results: In vivo assays showed that BZYQF significantly reduced the blood glucose values of CON rats but not T2DM rats after glucose ingestion, while BZYQF significantly reduced the blood glucose levels by 15 min after starch ingestion in CON and T2DM rats, with more significant decreases in blood glucose levels in T2DM rats. In vitro enzymatic assays showed that BZYQF could inhibit the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase in competitive and non-competitive modes and in an uncompetitive mode, respectively. Furthermore, BZYQF showed a stronger inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase activity than on α-amylase activity. Simulated digestion showed that simulated gastric fluid and intestinal fluid changed the main constituent contents of BZYQF and their inhibition rates against α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, and similar results were rarely found in simulated salivary fluid. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the total flavonoids were the active constituents in BZYQF inhibiting α-amylase and α-glycosidase activities. This result was verified by examining the total flavonoids purified from BZYQF. A total of 1909 compounds were identified in BZYQF using UPLC-MS/MS, among which flavones were the most abundant and consisted of 467 flavonoids. Molecular docking showed that flavonoids in BZYQF were bound to the active site of α-amylase, while they were bound to the inactive site of α-glucosidase. This result supported the results of the enzyme kinetic assay. Conclusions: BZYQF significantly alleviated postprandial hyperglycemia in T2DM rats by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glycosidase activities, in which flavonoids in BZYQF were the active constituents.

The Effect of Cinnamon-Based Cookies on Blood Glucose and Antioxidant Levels of ST-Induced Diabetic Rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a significant public health concern as its global prevalence continues to rise. Non-pharmacological treatments may offer promising results for diabetic patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cinnamon-based cookies on blood glucose and antioxidant levels in diabetic rats. Methods: A randomized block design was used, involving five groups: a non-diabetic group, a positive control group receiving 0.6 mg/kg/day of glibenclamide, a negative control group receiving aqua dest, a group receiving cinnamon extract cookies (0.2 g/kg), and a group receiving powdered cinnamon cookies (0.6 g/kg). A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into these groups (n = 8 per group). Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). The intervention lasted for 21 days, during which body weight and blood glucose levels were monitored on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 21. At the end of the intervention, the rats were sacrificed, and blood serum was collected via intracardiac puncture. Body weight was measured using a digital scale, while blood glucose levels were determined using a glucometer. The serum was then analyzed for SOD, MDA, and insulin levels using the ELISA method. Results: The study demonstrated that both types of cinnamon cookies significantly decreased blood glucose levels by day 3, with the cinnamon powder cookies achieving levels comparable to those of non-diabetic rats by day 7. Additionally, both types of cookies significantly improved SOD and insulin levels and reduced MDA levels in the rats. However, the body weight of the diabetic rats was not fully restored. Conclusion: These findings suggest that cinnamon could be utilized in food product development for blood glucose control, with cinnamon powder potentially offering more favorable results. conclusion: These findings suggest that cinnamon could be utilized in food product development for blood glucose control, with cinnamon powder potentially offering more favorable results.

Key molecular scaffolds in the development of clinically viable α-amylase inhibitors.

The escalating cases of type II diabetes combined with adverse side effects of current antidiabetic drugs spurred the advancement of innovative approaches for the management of postprandial glucose levels. α-Amylase is an endoamylase responsible for the breakdown of internal α-1,4-glycosidic linkages in dietary starch, producing oligosaccharides. Subsequently, α-glucosidase degraded these oligosaccharides to monosaccharides, which are absorbed into the bloodstream and become available to the body. The inhibitors of α-amylase reduced the digestibility of carbohydrates accompanied by delayed glucose absorption, leading to decreased blood glucose levels after meals and thus, inhibition of the enzyme seems to be a crucial strategy for diabetes management and improving overall glycemic control in diabetic patients. The present review article emphasizes the therapeutic promise of recently discovered potential α-amylase inhibitors, highlighting their in vitro, in silico and in vivo profiles. Ultimately, we addressed the contemporary challenges and potential routes ahead in the search for safe and reliable α-amylase inhibitors for clinical use, summarizing the most recent research in the field.

A short-course of low-dose insulin detemir effectively decreases blood glucose levels in gestational diabetic women undergoing dexamethasone treatment to promote newborn lung maturity.

Pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus undergoing glucocorticoid treatment to prevent neonatal respiratory distress syndrome could have increased glucose level. We performed a retrospective study and reviewed gestational diabetic women who received an intramuscular dexamethasone injection (6 mg, every 12 hours, 4 times) in our hospital between December 2018 and June 2020. Eligible pregnant women were assigned to the study group (with simultaneous subcutaneous insulin detemir injection, 2-4 units per day) or the control group (without insulin detemir injection). The fasting and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose levels were measured before and on days 1, 2, and 3 after the insulin detemir injection. The changes in their blood glucose levels were compared before and after the drug administrations as well as between the 2 groups. A total of 104 pregnant women were analyzed, including 48 women in the study group and 56 women in the control group. The blood glucose levels increased, with the peak levels occurring on the next day, after the dexamethasone administration in both groups. Compared with the control group, the study group had lower 2-hour postprandial blood glucose levels on days 2 and 3 after the insulin detemir injection (P < .05). There were no statistically significant differences in the fasting blood glucose levels between the 2 groups. Dexamethasone administration increased the blood glucose levels in the pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus. A short-course of low-dose insulin detemir administration effectively lowered the blood glucose levels in these women.

Mizagliflozin ameliorates diabetes induced kidney injury by inhibitor inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress.

Mizagliflozin (MIZ) is a specific inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransport protein 1 (SGLT1) originally developed as a medication for diabetes. To explore the impact of MIZ on diabetic nephropathy (DN). Diabetic mice were created using db/db mice. They were administered either a low dose (0.5 mg/kg) or a high dose (1.0 mg/kg) of the SGLT1 inhibitor MIZ via stomach gavage for 8 weeks. Subsequently, mesangial cells (MCs) were isolated and subjected to high glucose conditions in culture to assess the effects of MIZ on DN. The results showed that low doses of MIZ significantly reduced albuminuria to a level comparable to that achieved with high doses in db/db mice. High doses of MIZ led to a substantial increase in body weight in mice, along with decreased blood glucose levels and food intake. Moreover, the intervention with high-dose MIZ notably decreased the expression of extracellular matrix genes, such as collagen type 1 alpha 1 mRNA levels. While the expression of SGLT1 increased after exposure to high glucose, it decreased following treatment with MIZ. Furthermore, MIZ intervention was more effective in improving lactate dehydrogenase levels in MCs induced by high glucose compared to canagliflozin. MIZ also significantly elevated levels of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione, while reducing malondialdehyde levels. These findings indicate that MIZ can ameliorate DN by inhibiting SGLT1, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Administration of a Next‐Generation Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917‐GLP‐1 Alleviates Diabetes in Mice With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a persistent and steadily progressing metabolic condition distinguished by unregulated high levels of blood glucose. GLP1 receptor agonists have recently gained recognition as first‐line therapies in selected instances, as per the updated ADA guidelines, highlighting their efficacy not only in glycemic control but also in their broader health benefits. Nonetheless, the efficacy of GLP‐1 is limited by its brief duration of action, rapid clearance from the body, and challenges associated with subcutaneous administration. In this study, we examined the potential diabetes‐mitigating effects of a genetically engineered strain of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN)‐GLP‐1, previously developed by our group. We utilized mouse models for both Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to assess its efficacy. In the case of T1DM mice, the results revealed that EcN‐GLP‐1 resulted in a notable decrease in blood glucose levels. Furthermore, it exhibited a protective influence on the structural integrity of islet β‐cells; downregulated the expressions of key inflammatory markers such as TLR‐4, p‐NF‐κB/NF‐κB, and Bax/Bcl‐2; promoted the insulin secretion; and reinstated the perturbed diversity of microbial species to a normal state. Similarly, EcN‐GLP‐1 had a pronounced impact on T2DM mice, manifesting increased presence of islet β‐cells, decreased inflammatory response and apoptosis, and regulation of lipid metabolism in the liver. In summary, the genetically modified EcN‐GLP‐1 strain demonstrates the ability to alleviate diabetes by enhancing the islet β‐cell population, mitigating inflammatory reactions and apoptosis, optimizing liver lipid metabolism, and reinstating a balanced microbial diversity. These findings hold promise as a potential avenue for treating DM.

Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-conditioned Media with Natural Immunomodulatory Agent Resveratrol on Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a condition marked by elevated blood sugar levels and primarily recognized by the destruction of beta cells caused by an autoimmune attack, which is a significant characteristic of T1DM. Recent studies have demonstrated the regenerative potential of conditioned medium therapy. In light of this, the current research sought to assess the impact of Mesenchymal Stem Cell conditioned media (CM) and CM with resveratrol (CM+ Resveratrol) on the management of T1DM in Swiss albino mice. By leveraging and modifying existing conditioned medium therapy, this study aims to evaluate its effectiveness in treating T1DM. Diabetes was induced in animals using the diabetes-inducing agent streptozotocin (STZ). The animals were then divided into five groups: Normal control, Disease Control, Resveratrol, Condition Media, and CM + Resveratrol. Treatments were given to the animals accordingly. The study period was 28 days. During this time, the animals were monitored for foodwater intake twice a week, blood glucose levels, and body weight. At the conclusion of the 28-day study period, biochemical estimations were performed for serum insulin levels, C-peptide levels, anti-inflammatory cytokines levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. Additionally, histopathology of the pancreas was performed. The test groups showed a significant decrease in blood glucose levels, an increase in Cpeptide levels, and a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels compared to the disease group. However, no statistically significant change within groups was observed in terms of serum insulin and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels. The improvement in diabetic symptoms, such as polyphagia, polydipsia, and weight loss, was observed in the treatment group, along with pancreatic regeneration, which indicated improved insulin secretion. In the current investigation, we concluded that CM and CM+ Resveratrol, as natural immunomodulators, have the capacity to regenerate injured pancreatic beta cells and have antidiabetic action, together with immunomodulating impact. Nonetheless, future studies on this therapy appear to be promising.

Sulfa Drugs Are the Leader of Drug Discovery via Its Side Effects

The sulfa drugs are bacteriostatic when used side effects appear as a decrease in blood glucose level which led us to oral hypoglycemics (Sulfonylurea drugs), and diuretic action which led us to diuretics (Thiazide drugs), these side effects attention us to the discovery of diuretics and oral hypoglycemics. Sulfonamides are synthetic antibacterial which were the first antibacterial compounds till the presence of Penicillins, the sulfonamides are used as urinary tract infection treatment and treatment of certain forms of malaria and prevent infection of burns, the sulfa drugs act via inhibition of di hydro folate reductase enzyme (DHFR), they act by interfering with synthesis of folic acid which is vitamin B9 (Member of Vit. B complex) which required by all living cells.

Effects of Ganoderma lucidum Supplementation on Obesity and Metabolic Alterations Induced by High‐Carbohydrate‐High‐Fat Diet in Rats

Ganodermalucidum (GL), commonly called Reishi mushroom, has been utilized in traditional medicine against multiple ailments including obesity and metabolic complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of the powdered supplementation of GL (2.5% w/w of diet) and its ability to ameliorate obesity and associated metabolic alterations in high‐carbohydrate‐high‐fat (HCHF) diet–fed obese female Wistar rats. Thus, after 56 days of feeding the mice with different treatments, we measured physiological parameters to evaluate the effect. Phytochemical analysis by HPLC identified the bioactive polyphenols in GL. Results demonstrated that GL supplementation significantly (p &lt; 0.05) prevented the net rise in body weight and reduced organ weights and abdominal fat deposition in obese rats. It improved glucose intolerance, decreasing blood glucose level (6.2 nmol/L) compared to HCHF diet–induced obese rats (8.67 nmol/L). It also significantly ameliorated the plasma lipids parameters including total cholesterol (106.4 mg/dL), triglyceride, LDL‐C (55.26 mg/dL), and VLDL‐C, restored the elevated serum profiles of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and elevated the antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) (42.58 U/g tissue), catalase (CAT) activities, and glutathione (GSH) (62.63 nmol/g tissue) in obese rats. Furthermore, GL prevented hepatic fat infiltration in HCHF diet–fed rats preventing steatosis. Different bioactive polyphenols including catechin, rutin, cinnamic acid, vanillic acid, quercetin, ferulic acid, and kaempferol were detected in GL by HPLC analysis, which might be responsible for its activity. Bangladeshi cultivated GL possesses antiobesity effect and is rich in phenolics that could prevent obesity‐associated metabolic disorders.

Phytochemical Screening and Anti-hyperglycemic Effect Test of Ethanol Extract of Waru Leaf (Hibiscus tiliaceus) on Glucose-loaded Mice

Background: The treatment of diabetes mellitus relies on synthetic drugs with various side effects. Therefore, it is necessary to explore alternative treatments with herbal therapies, such as Hibiscus tiliaceus leaves. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the anti-hyperglycemic effect of an ethanol extract from Hibiscus tiliaceus leaves in glucose-loaded mice. Methods: The initial stage of dried leaf characterization was to ensure the identity, quality, purity, and safety to be used, and then extracted using the maceration method with 70% ethanol solvent. The next step was phytochemical screening to identify secondary metabolite content. The anti-hyperglycemic effect was evaluated using the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on 25 male mice divided into five treatment groups. The negative control group was given Na CMC 0.5% w/v Na CMC, and the positive control group was administered glibenclamide. The ethanol extract of Hibiscus tiliaceus leaves was administered at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg. Approximately 200 µL of blood was collected and analyzed for glucose levels. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS ver. 25 program. Results: Hibiscus tiliaceus leaves contain alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. The highest decrease in blood glucose levels was observed in the ethanol extract group at a dose of 400 mg/kg BW, with a decrease of 78.52%, followed by a dose of 200 mg/kg BW of 76.63%, a dose group of 800 mg/kg BW of 73.48%, and a positive control group (glibenclamide) of 34.68%, which was significantly different from the negative control group (Na CMC 0.5%) (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The ethanol extract of H. tiliaceus has anti-hyperglycemic effects.

Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on serum 25 (OH)D Levels, hand grip strength, blood sugar levels, and cognitive function in the elderly

ABSTRACTBackground: The aging process in the elderly can be caused by a decrease in vitamin D precursors and reduced Vitamin D levels due to impaired absorption of Vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a role in cognitive function, acts as an immunomodulator affecting blood glucose levels, promotes muscle atrophy, and affects the intranuclear VDR concentration and gene expression of VDR.Objectives: To determine the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on Serum 25(OH)D levels, hand grip strength, blood sugar levels, and cognitive function in the elderly.Materials and Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental pre-posttest control group design with a total of 60 subjects included and divided into two groups. The treatment group received vitamin D3 at a dosage of 1000 IU/day for three months, while the control group was given a placebo. Blood serum levels were used to obtained serum 25(OH)D and blood sugar level. Hand grip strength values were measured by a hand grip dynamometer, and cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) Questionnaire. The data was analyzed using the Wilcoxon test, and the bivariate analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test.Results: Most subjects were between 60 and 92 years old and had a vitamin D deficiency. Significant (P&lt;0,05) differences were observed in serum 25(OH)D levels, blood sugar levels, and cognitive function following the intervention. The differences in serum 25(OH)D levels were 8,50±6,17, blood sugar levels were -21,68±25,88, and cognitive function was 2,23±3,05. Additionally, hand grip strength increased after the intervention (mean=0,42±4,66) but was not statistically significant (P=0,633).Conclusion: There is an improvement in cognitive function and a decrease in blood glucose levels, along with an increase in 25(OH)D levels after three months of vitamin D supplementation. However, hand grip strength did not significantly increase after supplementation.Keywords: Vitamin D3 Supplementation; serum 25(OH)D; hand grip strength; blood sugar level; cognitive function; elderly.

Catechin Isolates from Gambir (Uncaria gambir Roxb) Maintain Glucose Homeostasis in Diabetic Model Rat

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is rising globally. Oxidative stress, which can result from hyperglycemia in diabetes, might have negative consequences. An antioxidant is needed to prevent hyperglycemia. Cathechin isolates are derived from gambir, which has many antioxidants. This study examines catechin isolates from gambir (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) effect on glucose homeostasis in rats induced by alloxan. For this experiment, 35 male rats were employed. Male rats were given alloxan (150 mg/BW, IP), and after 72 hours, blood glucose levels were assessed. If blood glucose levels exceeded 200 mg/dl, three oral catechin isolates were administered (T1=10 mg/kg/day, T2=20 mg/kg/day, and T3=40 mg/kg/day). Following blood collection on the experiment's last day, fasting blood glucose, glucagon and insulin levels were measured. Catechin isolates decreased blood glucose levels in all treatment groups compared to the positive control group (T1 = 150.750 ± 14.359 mg/dl; T2 = 159.750 ± 15.434 mg/dl, and T3 = 153.375 ± 20.207 mg/dl vs 385 ± 60.989 mg/dl) significantly (p value-0.05). A decrease in glucagon serum level was also observed in the treatment group vs positive control (T1: 193.855 ± 36.009 pg/ml, T2 = 286.689 ± 20.313 pg/ml, and T3 = 319.462 ± 30.060 pg/ml vs 529.825 ± 74.279 pg/ml), significantly. Catechine isolates in the T3 group showed an increase in insulin serum level compared to the positive control group significantly (T3 = 216.640 ± 38.230 µIU/ml vs 69.833 ± 3.071 µIU/ml). In conclusion, catechin isolates from gambir decreased blood glucose levels by reducing glucagon and increasing insulin serum levels.

Enhanced compound selection using holistic virtual screening for gatifloxacin analogues to overcome dysglycemic effects

Gatifloxacin, a fluoroquinolone-class antibacterial agent, is effective but has been associated with dysglycemic side effects, leading to the withdrawal of its oral formulation. Patients treated with gatifloxacin have shown notable decrease blood glucose level and after four days of treatment there will be increases in blood glucose levels. To mitigate this issue, novel gatifloxacin derivatives were designed and assessed for their efficacy and safety through in silico molecular docking studies. The derivatives aim to prevent dysglycemia by blocking human pancreatic alpha-amylase (PDB ID: 5TD4). These modifications are hypothesized to retain antibacterial effectiveness while minimizing blood glucose fluctuations. Using AutoDock, molecular docking of gatifloxacin and its derivatives with α -amylase (PDB ID: 5TD4) revealed binding energies, with gatifloxacin exhibiting a binding interaction of -7.1 Kcal/mol; meanwhile derivatives i) Gati I = -9.0 Kcal/mol, ii) Gati-II showed -8.2 Kcal/mol; iii) Gati III -8.5 Kcal/mol; iv) Gati IV = -9.3 Kcal/mol; v) Gati V = -8.9 Kcal/mol; vi) Gati VI = -7.6 Kcal/mol; Acarbose = -13.8 Kcal/mol. Unlike gatifloxacin, these derivatives demonstrated stronger binding interactions with 5TD4, potentially reducing dysglycemic risks. This study contributes to design the targeted antibacterial agents that minimize dysglycemia-related complications, thus enhancing clinical outcomes.

Investigation of Pajanelia longifolia Leaf Extract for Antidiabetic Activity

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a medical condition characterized by heightened levels of blood sugar, stemming from either inadequate production of insulin or an impaired response to insulin at the cellular level, whether due to a relative or absolute deficiency of the hormone. Traditional herbal remedies have a significant role in the treatment of DM. Pajanelia longifolia, known by the general population as Pajanelia or Tender wild jack has been a component of traditional herbal medicine in India and other Asian countries for the treatment of various ailments. The current research assessed the antidiabetic activity of Pajanelia longifolia leaf extract in streptozotocin (35 mg/kg, oral route) induced diabetic rats. The study utilized an in vivo streptozotocin induced diabetic model and an in vitro rat hemidiaphragm model for assessment of antidiabetic activity. Acute toxicity studies conducted on liposomes of Pajanelia longifolia leaf extract (2000 mg/kg body weight) proved the drug to be non-toxic. The effects of various doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o.) of extract were assessed. Glimepiride (2 mg/kg) and insulin (0.25 IU/ml) were used as the standard drugs for in vivo and in vitro studies, respectively. The decrease in blood glucose levels and the elevation of muscle and liver glycogen content in diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin and the increased glucose uptake and glycogen content observed in in vitro rat hemidiaphragm technique proved that Pajanelia longifolia leaf extract has significant antidiabetic activity.

Applying auricular magnetic therapy to decrease blood glucose levels and promote the healing of gangrene in diabetes patients: a case report

Applying auricular magnetic therapy to decrease blood glucose levels and promote the healing of gangrene in diabetes patients: a case report

A Narrative Review of Moringa oleifera Lam., Moringaceae, Swietenia mahagoni L. Jacq., Meliaceae, and Momordica charantia L., Cucurbitaceae Plants Found in The Bahamas as Antidiabetes Phytomedicine.

Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam., Moringaceae), West Indian mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni [L.] Jacq., Meliaceae), and Cerasee (Momordica charantia L., Cucurbitaceae) are plants that are used for medicinal purposes in The Bahamas. They have various medicinal uses, including treating diabetes, anemia, inflammation, dermatological issues, backaches, cold, flu, and gastrointestinal problems. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge about natural products found in The Bahamas that can be used to treat diabetes mellitus. The search terms "Moringa oleifera Lam.," "Swietenia mahagoni (L.)," "Momordica charantia L.," "Tecoma stans," "Persea americana," "Psidium guajava," "Hamelia patens," and "Carica papaya L." in combination with "diabetes" were utilized to obtain pertinent data by searching PubMed and Google Scholar. Moringa oleifera Lam. significantly decreased fasting glucose levels in rodents after 3 months of consumption. The ethanolic extract of S. mahagoni seeds and the methanol extract of its bark can decrease blood glucose levels. Momordica charantia L. and H. patens Jacq. produce the same hypoglycemic effects as metformin. The plant extracts and compounds of T. stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth, P. americana Mill., P. guajava L., and C. papaya L. showed diverse pharmacological activities such as reducing fasting glucose, lowering blood pressure and blood sugar, decreasing total triglycerides and total cholesterol, and improving structural damage of cardiac muscles caused by diabetes. Literature analysis reveals that the diverse pharmacological activities of various plants native to The Bahamas show promise as a medicinal food in the treatment of diabetes.

Activity Test of The Combination Papaya Leaf Extract (Carica papaya L.) and Soursop Leaf Extract (Annona mu-ricata L.) on Decreasing Blood Glucose Levels in Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common health disorders and its prevalence rate is increasing every year. Natural compounds can be an alternative treatment for DM. Previous re-search reports for papaya leaves (Carica papaya L.) and soursop leaves (Annona muricata L.) showed activity in lowering blood glucose levels when used alone. Therefore, in this study, the two samples were combined to lower blood glucose levels. Both leaves were extracted using the decoction method. This study aims to identify secondary metabolite compounds in papaya leaf extract (Carica papaya L.) and soursop leaf extract (Annona muricata L.), then continued with determining the activity and effectiveness of lowering blood glucose levels. The results of the identification of secondary metabolite compounds showed several groups of compounds such as flavonoids, saponins and tannins. The combination of papaya leaf extract and soursop leaf extract showed a decrease in blood glucose levels. In more detail, EDPS 1:2 and EDPS 2:1 were statistically significant against negative controls. EDPS 1:2 showed the most effective percentage reduction in blood glucose levels at 22.72%

Intestine epithelial-specific hypoxia-inducible factor-1α overexpression ameliorates western diet-induced MASLD.

Intestine epithelial hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) plays a critical role in maintaining gut barrier function. The aim of this study was to determine whether pharmacological or genetic activation of intestinal HIF-1α ameliorates western diet-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Metabolic effects of pharmacological activation of HIF-1α by dimethyloxalylglycine were evaluated in HIF-α luciferase reporter (ODD-luc) mice. Male and/or female intestinal epithelial-specific Hif1α overexpression mice (Hif1αLSL/LSL;VilERcre) and wild-type littermates (Hif1αLSL/LSL) were fed with regular chow diet, high fructose (HFr) or high-fat (60% Kcal) high-fructose diet (HFHFr) for 8 weeks. Metabolic phenotypes were profiled. Dimethyloxalylglycine treatment led to increased intestine HIF-α luciferase activity and decreased blood glucose levels in HFr diet-fed male ODD-luc mice. Male Hif1αLSL/LSL;VilERcre mice exhibited markedly improved glucose tolerance compared to Hif1αLSL/LSL mice in response to HFr diet. Eight weeks HFHFr feeding led to obesity in both Hif1αLSL/LSL;VilERcre and Hif1αLSL/LSL mice. However, male Hif1αLSL/LSL;VilERcre mice exhibited markedly attenuated hepatic steatosis along with reduced liver size and liver weight compared to male Hif1αLSL/LSL mice. Moreover, HFHFr-induced systemic inflammatory responses were mitigated in male Hif1αLSL/LSL;VilERcre mice compared to male Hif1αLSL/LSL mice, and those responses were not evident in female mice. Ileum RNA-seq analysis revealed that glycolysis/gluconeogenesis was up in male Hif1αLSL/LSL;VilERcre mice, accompanied by increased epithelial cell proliferation. Moreover, an in vitro study showed that HIF stabilization enhances glycolysis in intestine organoids. Our data provide evidence that pharmacological or genetic activation of intestinal HIF-1α markedly ameliorates western diet-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in a sex-dependent manner. The underlying mechanism is likely attributed to HIF-1α activation-induced upregulation of glycolysis, which, in turn, leads to enhanced epithelial cell proliferation and augmented gut barrier function.

Natural Remedies and Health; A Review of Bee Pollen and Bee Bread Impact on Combating Diabetes and Obesity.

Diabetes and obesity are complicated multifactorial conditions that have been highlighted as a significant global burden for both health care and national budgets and their complications are considered a substantial public health concern. This review focuses on the potential anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties of bee pollen (BP) and bee bread (BB), two bee products with a long history of use in traditional medicine and supplemental nutrition. Recent studies, encompassing cellular models, experimental models, and clinical trials, have shed light on the therapeutic potential of these bee products. BP and BB are rich in phytochemical constituents like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are believed to confer their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity properties. These bee products have shown promising results in the treatment of diabetes and obesity, underscoring their potential as natural therapeutic tools. BP and BB possess properties that aid in decreasing blood glucose levels and body weight. BP and BB have been found to enhance insulin sensitivity, alleviate oxidative stress, regulate appetite, adjust levels of hormones linked to obesity, while bolstering anti-oxidant defense systems. BP and BB nutritional qualities and health benefits make them promising candidates for further research towards diabetes and obesity treatment strategies.

In vitro and in vivo anti-hyperglycemia effects of extract of Faloak (Sterculia quadrifida R.Br.) leaves

Despite the availability of various conventional treatments, diabetes mellitus remains a serious global health concern with an increasing prevalence. This trend underscores the need to explore potential natural alternatives. Faloak, an indigenous plant of Indonesia, has been traditionally used for various health conditions, yet its potential as an anti-hyperglycemic agent has not been comprehensively investigated. This research focused on identifying the ingredients of Faloak leaves that could lower blood sugar levels and confirm these effects in laboratory and animal models. At various concentrations, the in vitro evaluation assessed the inhibitory effect of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. For in vivo evaluation, male mice were administered glucose, sucrose, and starch after being pretreated with Faloak leaf extract, and their blood glucose levels were monitored for 120 min. Faloak leaf extract demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. The IC50 values for sucrose and maltose inhibition were 30.37 and 65.36 mg/mL, respectively, while α-amylase inhibition showed an IC50 of 27.02 mg/mL. In the in vivo test, mice pretreated with the extract exhibited significantly decreased blood glucose levels at 120 min compared to the control group. These findings indicate that the ethanolic extract of Faloak leaves possesses promising anti-hyperglycemic activities, positioning it as a potential candidate for developing plant-based blood glucose management. Our results demonstrate that Faloak leaf extract exhibits substantial anti-hyperglycemic properties, inhibiting vital digestive enzymes and effectively reducing postprandial glucose levels. Identifying active ingredients paves the way for further research to elucidate specific bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action