Hypoglycemic Potential Research Articles

Porous starch microspheres loaded with luteolin exhibit hypoglycemic activities and alter gut microbial communities in type 2 diabetes mellitus mice.

Luteolin (LUT), a natural flavonoid known for its hypoglycemic properties, is primarily sourced from vegetables such as celery and broccoli. However, its poor stability and low bioavailability in the upper digestive tract hinder its application in the functional food industry. To address these challenges, this study employed porous starch (PS) as a carrier to develop PS microspheres loaded with luteolin (PSLUT), simulating its release in vitro. The research assessed the hypoglycemic effects of LUT in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice both before and after PS treatment. In vitro findings demonstrated that PS improved LUT's stability in simulated gastric fluids and enhanced its in vivo bioavailability, aligning with experimental outcomes. PSLUT administration significantly improved body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), pancreatic islet function, and other relevant indicators in T2DM mice. Moreover, PSLUT alleviated abnormal liver biochemical indicators and liver tissue injury caused by T2DM. The underlying hypoglycemic mechanism of PSLUT is thought to involve the regulation of protein kinase B (AKT-1) and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT-2). After four weeks of intervention, various PSLUT doses significantly reduced the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio at the phylum level and decreased the relative abundance of harmful bacteria at the genus level, including Acetatifactor, Candidatus-Arthromitus, and Turicibacter. This microbial shift was associated with improvements in hyperglycemia-related indicators such as FBG, the area under the curve (AUC) of OGTT, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), which are closely linked to these bacterial genera. Additionally, Lachnoclostridium, Parasutterella, Turicibacter, and Papillibacter were identified as key intestinal marker genera involved in T2DM progression through Spearman correlation analysis. In conclusion, PS enhanced LUT's hypoglycemic efficacy by modulating the transcription and protein expression levels of AKT-1 and GLUT-2, as well as the relative abundance of potential gut pathogens in T2DM mice. These results provide a theoretical foundation for advancing luteolin's application in the functional food industry and further investigating its hypoglycemic potential.

Identification, rapid screening, docking mechanism and in vitro digestion stability of novel DPP-4 inhibitory peptides from wheat gluten with ginger protease.

To better understand the hypoglycemic potential of wheat gluten (WG), we screened dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitory active peptides from WG hydrolysates. WG hydrolysates prepared by ginger protease were found to have the highest DPP-4 inhibitory activity among the five enzymatic hydrolysates, from which a 1-3 kDa fraction was isolated by ultrafiltration. Further characterization of the fraction with nano-HPLC-MS/MS revealed 1133 peptides. Among them, peptides with P'2 (the second position of the N-terminal) and P2 (the second position of the C-terminal) as proline residues (Pro) accounted for 12.44% and 43.69%, respectively. The peptides including Pro-Pro-Phe-Ser (PPFS), Ala-Pro-Phe-Gly-Leu (APFGL), and Pro-Pro-Phe-Trp (PPFW) exhibited the most potent DPP-4 inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 56.63, 79.45, and 199.82 μM, respectively. The high inhibitory activity of PPFS, APFGL, and PPFW could be mainly attributed to their interaction with the S2 pocket (Glu205 and Glu206) and the catalytic triad (Ser630 and His740) of DPP-4, which adopted competitive, mixed, and mixed inhibitory modes, respectively. After comparative analysis of PPFS, PPFW, and PPF, Ser was found to be more conducive to enhancing the DPP-4 inhibitory activity. Interestingly, peptides with P2 as Pro also exhibited good DPP-4 inhibitory activity. Meanwhile, DPP-4 inhibitory peptides from WG showed excellent stability, suggesting a potential application in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) therapy or in the food industry as functional components.

Investigation of the hypoglycemic mechanism of the ShenQi compound formula through metabonomics and 16S rRNA sequencing.

Introduction: Herbal formulations are renowned for their complex biological activities, acting on multiple targets and pathways, as evidenced by in vitro studies. However, the hypoglycemic effect and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Compound (SQ), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, remain elusive. This study aimed to elucidate the hypoglycemic effects of SQ and explore its mechanisms of action, focusing on intestinal flora and metabolomics. Methods: A Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rat model was established through a high-fat diet, followed by variable glucose and insulin injections to mimic the fluctuating glycemic conditions seen in diabetes. Results: An eight-week regimen of SQ significantly mitigated hyperglycemia, inflammation, and insulin resistance in these rats. Notably, SQ beneficially modulated the gut microbiota by increasing populations of beneficial bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Akkermansia, while reducing and inhibiting harmful strains such as Ruminococcus and Phascolarctobacterium. Metabolomics analyses revealed that SQ intervention corrected disturbances in Testosterone enanthate and Glycerophospholipid metabolism. Discussion: Our findings highlight the hypoglycemic potential of SQ and its mechanisms via modulation of the gut microbiota and metabolic pathways, offering a theoretical foundation for the use of herbal medicine in diabetes management.

Synthesis and evaluation of 2-phenylamino-1,4-naphthoquinones derivatives as potential hypoglycaemic agents.

Due to the severe side effects revealed by most of the currently used antidiabetic medicines, search for finding new and safe drugs to manage diabetes is continued. Naphthoquinones possessing strong antioxidant properties have been employed as candidates for diabetes therapy. Present study is aimed at finding the antioxidant and hypoglycaemic potential of some novel derivatives of 2-phenylamino-1,4-naphthoquinones (PAN) including chloro, nitro, methyl and bromo (5a-d) derivatives synthesized by single pot experiment. Product crystals were purified by TLC and characterized by FT-IR. The antioxidant potential of the compounds was assayed through DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power activities noted as UV-vis. absorbance. The DPPH assay has showed the powerful antioxidant activity of nitro and bromo derivatives, while the nitro derivative showed the significant reduction potential towards FRAP assay. Hypoglycaemic potential of the compounds was studied in rat animal model. All synthesized compounds revealed better hypoglycaemic activity; however, the chloro-derivative exhibited the more potent hypoglycaemic activity showing about 43% reduction in the mean blood glucose levels of the treated animals. As the bioreduction of naphthoquinones may be influenced by changing its redox properties, it has been noticed that the e-donating resonance effect (+R) of 'chloro' group has shown the significant effects on biological activity through stabalization of its imine form which limits the potential of generation of free radicals during bioreduction of quinones and thus has been proposed as the reason of its hypoglycaemic activity. Future studies employing the properties of e-donating groups of PAN may optimize the drug-receptor interaction for better drug designing and drug development strategies against diabetes and also for the clinical trials.

Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) leaves and flowers: Bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and hypoglycaemic potential

Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) leaves and flowers from Italian wild and cultivated populations were herein investigated for their content of carotenoids and tocopherols using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with the photodiode array and fluorimeter detectors to assess their functional value. Moreover, aqueous extracts were prepared to explore in vitro bioactivities never tested in this halophyte herb. Thus, chlorogenic acid-enriched sea fennel extracts were evaluated for their major bioactive compounds, antioxidant potential, pancreatic lipase, and carbohydrate hydrolase inhibitors. Neoxanthin, violaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene, and α- and γ-tocopherols were identified. C. maritimum can be considered a high source of lutein, vitamin A, and vitamin E up to 19.1, 1.85 and 52.81 mg/100 g of dried leaves, respectively. Despite a low TPC content, a promising ABTS+. radical scavenging activity (CON-L-WT, IC50 value of 3.83 μg/mL) and the highest FRAP value were observed in the wild leaves extract of Conero Park of Marche Region. The water extract from the wild Sicilian leaves was the most active against pancreatic lipase. The evidence herein suggests that sea fennel extract might be potentially used in the formulation of nutraceuticals for the prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress and hyperglycemic conditions.

Biochemical profile of Vaucheria karachiensis and evaluation of its nutritional, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hypoglycemic potentials

The aim of the present study was to identify and quantify the biochemical profile of Vaucheria karachiensis and to evaluate its nutritional, antioxidant, antimicrobial and hypoglycemic potential. The study revealed ash content of 34.98 %, followed by carbohydrates (20.37 %), crude protein (18.74 %), moisture (12.12 %), crude fat (11.20 %), crude fiber (2.59 %) and total energy (122.75 Kcal/100 g). 15 compounds were identified through GC–MS in ethyl acetate extract with major compounds being Pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl ester (31.62 %), Methyl stearate (13.36 %), 9-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester, (E)- (11.46 %), n-Hexadecanoic acid (7.47 %), Phytol (6.31 %), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester, (E, E)- (5.64 %), and 1-Octadecyne (5.34 %). Whereas 24 compounds were tentatively detected in n-butanol extract with major compounds being Hexadecanoic acid, butyl ester (44.63 %), followed by Phytol (11.49 %), Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (8.33 %), and 9-Hexadecenoic acid (7.31 %). FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of hydroxyl groups, alcohols, carboxylic acids, carbonyl groups, and aromatic compounds. Moreover, ethyl acetate extract exhibited higher total phenolics (1.743 ± 0.43 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (2.213 ± 0.83 mg QE/g). Ethyl acetate extract demonstrated slightly better radical-scavenging activity (IC50 62.78 ± 3.23) than n-butanol extract i.e. (IC50 63.73 ± 5.46). Significant antimicrobial activity was observed by both extracts against tested bacterial and fungal strains. Furthermore, both extracts showed potential hypoglycemic activity in a diabetic animal model, with ethyl acetate extract exhibiting more pronounced effects in lowering blood glucose levels after 24 h of drug administration (262.50 ± 4.85, 239.50 ± 2.74, and 229.17 ± 3.87) at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg, respectively. The findings suggest that V. karachiensis possesses valuable nutritional and bioactive components, highlighting its potential as a functional ingredient in various applications, including food, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals.

Phytochemical composition, acute toxicity, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of ethanol extract of Allium sativum (garlic) bulb in male Wistar rats

Allium sativum (garlic) has been used in traditional medicine in Nigeria in the treatment of various ailments such as cold, cough, and microbial infections; and there have been various claims about its pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. However, there are insufficient data to back up these claims. It is against this backdrop, this study evaluated the phytochemical composition, acute toxicity, hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic potentials of ethanol extract of A. sativum bulb in male Wistar rats in order to validate its therapeutic use as hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic agent. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each where group 1 (control) received normal saline while group 2-4 received the extract at the doses of 200, 400, and 1000mg/kg b.w respectively for fourteen days. T-test and one-way ANOVA were used to test for significant (p<0.05) differences among the groups. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of the extract indicated the presence of flavonoids (17.59±0.01), saponins (13.55±0.01), alkaloids (2.06±0.06), tannins (0.04±0.00), phenols (0.01±0.00), phlobatanin, phytosterols and terpenoids whereas steroids, anthraquinones and glycosides were not detected. The administration of the extract produced a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the blood glucose concentration in the treatment groups compared to the control group, whereas a significant (P<0.05) decrease was observed in the total cholesterol concentration of group 4 only relative to the control. Furthermore, there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in the HDL concentrations and a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the triglycerides and LDL concentrations respectively in all treatment groups compared to the control group. From these findings therefore, we conclude that A. sativum offers both hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in male Wistar rats.

The impact of Jussiaea repens aqueous extract on Hyperglycemic and Hematological markers in Diabetic male rat induced by Streptozotocin

In diabetic rats, the hypoglycemic potential of an aqueous extract of Jussiaea repens (50mg/100gm body weight) was examined. The herbal extract's impact on a number of hematological indicators was also studied. Eighteen albino rats, each contain 6 rats, were placed into three groups: vehicle control, diabetes control, and supplemented group. To develop diabetes, a single i.p injection of STZ (80mg/kg body weight) was given. Hematological markers include hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), lymphocytes, and neutrophils, as well as blood glucose levels and HbA1c were assessed. STZ-induced diabetic rats fed the extract had lower fasting blood glucose levels, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). The HbA1c level in the diabetic control group increased drastically, but the level in the extract-treated supplemented group reduced significantly. Hb, PCV, RBC, and WBC as well as their differentials, were significantly reduced in diabetic control rats, whereas the supplemented group recovered significantly.. These findings imply that the aqueous extract of Jussiaea repens has hypoglycemic action and overcomes the abnormalities in STZ-induced diabetic rats' blood parameters.

Safety of Innovative Nanotechnology Oral Formulations Loaded with Bioactive Menopause Molecules: Influence of Genotoxicity and Biochemical Parameters on a Menopausal Rat Model

In recent years, nanoparticles have gained significant importance due to their unique properties, such as pharmacological, electrical, optical, and magnetic abilities, contributing to the growth of the science and technology sector. Particular naturally derived biomolecules with beneficial effects on menopause disorder have been the subject of studies of pharmaceutical formulation to obtain alternative pharmaceutical forms with increased bioavailability and without side effects, as in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with such active ingredients. In the present study, one stage of a broader project, we have performed pharmacotoxicology studies for six combinatory innovative nanocapsule pharmaceutical forms containing active natural biomolecules before considering them as oral formulas for (1) in vitro toxicity studies on culture cells and (2) in vivo preclinical studies on a surgically induced menopause model of Wistar female rats, and the influence of the NLCs on key biochemical parameters: lipid profile (TG, Chol, HDL), glycemic markers (Gli), bone markers (Pac, Palc, Ca, phosphorus), renal markers (Crea, urea, URAC), inflammation (TNF), oxidative stress (GSH, MDA), and estrogen–progesterone hormonal profile. The micronucleus test did not reveal the genotoxicity of the tested compounds; the menopause model showed no significant safety concerns for the six tested formulas evaluated using the blood biochemical parameters; and the results showed the potential hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hypouricemic, and antioxidant potential of one of the tested formulas containing nano diosgenin and glycyrrhizic acid.

Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Potential of Essential Oils in Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications.

Since the earliest times, essential oils (EOs) have been utilized for medicinal and traditional purposes. However, in recent decades, an increasing interest has developed due to the need to rediscover herbal remedies and adjuvant therapies for the management of various diseases, particularly chronic ones. The present narrative review examines the potential for EOs to exert hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects in diabetes mellitus, analyzing the main publications having evaluated plant species with potentially beneficial effects through their phytocompounds in diabetes mellitus and its complications. Numerous species have shown promising characteristics that can be used in diabetes management. The hypoglycemic effects of these EOs are attributed to their capacity to stimulate glucose uptake, suppress glucose production, and increase insulin sensitivity. Moreover, EOs can alleviate the oxidative stress by manifesting their antioxidant effects via a variety of mechanisms, including the scavenging of free radicals, the regulation of antioxidant enzymes, and the decreasing of lipid peroxidation, due to their diverse chemical composition. These findings demonstrate the possible benefits of EOs as adjuvant therapeutic agents in the management of diabetes and its complications. The use of EOs in the treatment of diabetes shows good potential for the development of natural and effective strategies to enhance the health outcomes of people with this chronic condition, but additional experimental endorsements are required.

Phytochemical Profiling and Biological Activities of Quercus sp. Galls (Oak Galls): A Systematic Review of Studies Published in the Last 5 Years.

Quercus species have been widely used in traditional medicine, and recently, researchers' attention has focused on galls of the genus Quercus as a source of health-promoting phytochemicals. This review presents a summary of the most recent findings on the phytochemistry and bioactivity of oak galls, following the screening of scientific papers published in two relevant databases, PubMed and Embase, between January 2018 and June 2023. The oak galls are rich in active compounds, mostly gallotannins and phenolic acids. Due to these secondary metabolites, the reviewed studies have demonstrated a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, antimicrobial properties, tissue-protective effects, and antitumor, anti-aging, and hypoglycemic potential. Thus, oak galls are a promising natural matrix, to be considered in obtaining pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations used in anti-aging strategies and, together with medications, in the management of age-related diseases. In further evaluations, the valuable functional properties of oak galls, reported mostly in preclinical studies, should be confirmed with clinical studies that would also take into account the potential health risks of their use.

Evaluation of in vitro Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Activities of Methanol Extract of Root of Cryptolepis buchanani in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Background: The present research aimed to assess the relationship between free radical scavenging activity and oral hypoglycemic potential of methanol extract of the root of Cryptolepis buchanani in Albino Wistar rats. Objective: The following research aimed to study and evaluate the antidiabetic efficacy of the natural plant extracts Cryptolepis buchanani. Methods: Phytochemical screening was done to analyze, and in vitro, the antioxidant activity of plant root extract has been evaluated using DPPH assay and Fe+3 Reducing Power Assay. Streptozotocin at a 60 mg/kg dose was used to induce diabetes in albino Wistar rats, which was then treated with methanol extracts (125 and 250 mg/kg, PO) to evaluate antidiabetic activity. Results: The results indicated that methanol extract of the root of Cryptolepis Buchanan had shown its promising antidiabetic potential at a dose of 250 mg/kg in experimental diabetic Wistar rats, which may be linked to its antioxidant property. Conclusion: This experimental study revealed that the extract could potentially alleviate the augmented oxidative state correlated with diabetes. The marked reduction in blood glucose levels proves the hypoglycemic activity of the plant.

A comparative study of Ghanaian propolis extracts: Chemometric analysis of the chromatographic profile, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic potential and identification of active constituents

Diabetes is a disease characterized by high post-prandial glucose levels, which lead to other complications such as peripheral end organ damage. The use of enzyme inhibitors in the management of Type-2 diabetes ensure the control of blood glucose levels via the control of carbohydrate metabolism. The use of standard agents such as acarbose is associated with unwanted side effects hence the need to investigate other sources of antihyperglycemic agents. Propolis, a natural substance from bees, possesses diverse biological activities including antioxidant, antimicrobial and antidiabetic properties. However, the phytochemical content of propolis and its extracts may vary depending on the geographical area, the solvent of extraction and type of bees. This study represents the first attempt to compare different extracts of propolis from the same source in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, the effect of solvent and source of Ghanaian propolis on parameters such as the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, chromatographic profile, antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory effects were investigated with the aim of identifying and characterizing the most promising extract, which could be of direct or indirect benefit in the management of Type-2 diabetes.Combinations of water, ethanol-water and ethanol extracts were prepared from propolis from three regions. Phytochemical screening was performed on the extracts after which the Folin Ciocalteu method and aluminum chloride colorimetric assay were used to estimate the total phenolic and flavonoid contents respectively. Antioxidant potential of extracts was estimated using DPPH and phosphomolybdenum assays. In-vitro α-amylase inhibition assay was used to investigate hypoglycemic effect of the extracts. Statistical tools such as ANOVA, principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis employed to determine sources of variations within the data obtained, to classify the extracts based on activity and to predict the most effective extract. This extract was then subjected to UHPLC-Q-TOF MS/MS and GC–MS techniques to characterize the constituents.Chemometric analysis of the data obtained showed that the variations in the data could be explained by both propolis source and extraction solvent. Though ethanol extracts generally contained more constituents, the more notable activities were in the ethanol-water extracts. The ethanol-water extract of Bono East propolis (EWBE) was the most potent DPPH radical scavenger (IC50 of 149.37 ± 2.90 µg/mL as compared to 116.60 ± 0.93 µg/mL GAE standard). It was also one of the three extracts which were more potent than acarbose (369.89 µg/mL) in the α-amylase inhibition assay. The predominant constituents from the LC-MS dereplication of EWBE were caffeic acid and flavonoid derivatives whilst 5,5-dimethyl-1-oxa-5 silacyclononanone-9 was the most significant active constituent identified through the GC–MS analysis. The identified constituents are known to have strong antioxidant and antidiabetic properties.The effects of source and solvent of extraction on the biological and physicochemical properties of propolis in Ghana have been quantified using statistical tools. The combined biological effects of propolis suggest a possible role in their usage in the management of type-2-diabetes and its related complications. Ethanol-water extracts were the most promising with EWBE showing the strongest antihyperglycemic activity. Such extracts represent leads towards further research into toxicity and formulation in order to develop safe and useful products for the management of type-2 diabetes.

Phenolic profile, antioxidant, and hypoglycaemic potential of pseudostem and inflorescence extracts of three banana cultivars

Phenolic profile, antioxidant, and hypoglycaemic potential of pseudostem and inflorescence extracts of three banana cultivars

Preparation, structure, and in-vitro hypoglycemic potential of debranched millet starch-fatty acid composite resistant starch

Currently, the preparation methods and basic physicochemical properties of starch-FA complexes have been widely studied; however, no in-depth research on the regulatory mechanism of the digestive properties of debranched starch-unsaturated FA complexes has been conducted. Therefore, six fatty acids with different carbon chains and different degrees of unsaturation were complexed with de-branched millet starch in this research, using the microwave method. Microwave millet starch-linoleic acid complex (MPS-LOA) had the highest resistant starch (RS) content, and the structure and physicochemical properties of MPS-LOA were determined using various molecular techniques. The results indicate that MPS-LOA had a resistant starch (RS) content of 40.35% and the most notable fluorescence. The characteristic UV peaks of MPS-LOA were blue-shifted, and new IR peaks appeared. The crystalline structure changed to V-type crystals, the crystallinity increased, and the molecular weight decreased. The enthalpy and coagulability of MPS-LOA increased, and the swelling force decreased. Additionally, MPS-LOA showed enhanced α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition, and in-vitro hydrolysis kinetics analysis of MPS-LOA showed a hydrolysis index of 53.8 and an extended glycemic index (eGI)I of 54.6, indicating a low eGI food suitable for consumption by people with type II diabetes. These results provide a theoretical basis for the preparation of amylopectin- and starch-based foods with an anti-enzyme structure and a low glycemic index (GI).

The effects of Monascus purpureus fermentation on metabolic profile, α-glucosidase inhibitory action, and in vitro digestion of mulberry leaves flavonoids

Mulberry leaves (MLs) were considered to have great hypoglycemic potential because of their rich flavonoid compounds. To enhance the hypoglycaemic effect of MLs, we exploited the fermentation potential of Monascus purpureus to improve its flavonoid profile. Targeted metabolomics analysis showed that we optimized flavonoid composition by subjecting MLs to M. purpureus fermentation. Significant improvements in flavonoid content were observed, with both solid-state fermentation (SSF) and submerged fermentation (SMF) enhancing the flavonoid profiles. Specifically, kaempferol and quercetin were significantly upregulated, whereas astragalin, isoquercetin, and rutin were downregulated, suggesting enhanced antidiabetic properties. Our investigation revealed the metabolic pathways that emphasize the importance of flavonoid biosynthesis. Enhanced α-glucosidase (AG) inhibitory activities were identified in fermented MLs, which are essential for diabetes management. The IC50 values for the inhibitory activities of SSF-MLs and SMF-MLs against AG reached 112.80 ± 1.29 μg/mL and 123.90 ± 0.96 μg/mL, respectively. The types of AG inhibition by the seven major flavonoids were revealed by enzyme inhibition kinetics. Molecular docking revealed the interaction mechanisms underlying AG inhibition. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that SMF optimizes the bioavailability of flavonoids during in vitro digestion. This study presents M. purpureus-assisted MLs fermentation as an relevant strategy, enriching its therapeutic potential for diabetes.

Diyarbakır/Türkiye’nin Altı Farklı Bölgesinden Toplanan Matricaria chamomilla L. Örneklerinin Kamazulen İçeriği ve Hipoglisemik Potansiyeli

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is one of the oldest and most widely known medicinal plants belonging to Asteraceae family. An artifact named chamazulene forms from the sesquiterpene structured lactones such as matricin during the hydro-distillation of flowering tops of chamomile. These compounds are associated with the anti-inflammatory potential of chamomile along with flavonoids, other sesquiterpenoids, and essential oil of the plant. However, not all M. chamomilla specimens grown in different regions or species known and used as chamomile contains sesquiterpene lactone components. Thus, chamazulene content of chamomile has become a pharmaceutical interest. A traditional and well-established indication of the plant is diabetes. Protective and beneficial effects of chamomile on diabetic complications and glycemic control have been proposed by several studies. However, the mechanism of action is yet to be elucidated. Flowering tops of chamomile samples were collected from six different localities of Diyarbakır/Türkiye. Essential oils (EOs) were obtained by hydro-distillation. Petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EA), methanol (Me), and infusion (INF) extracts were prepared. Qualitative analysis of the EOs resulted in no chamazulene content. Bismil district might be eligible for medicinal chamomile culture with its high essential oil yield. In-vitro hypoglycemic potentials of the extracts and EOs were evaluated by α-glucosidase inhibitory assay. All EOs and EA extracts (except M4-Bismil samples) showed the highest inhibitory activities comparable to that of standard acarbose. α-Glucosidase inhibition might be a significant mechanism of action contributing to the antidiabetic effects of chamomile.

Hypoglycemic and Antihyperglycemic Potential of Flavonoid Fraction from Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck in Normoglycemic and Diabetic Rats

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, and the search for therapeutic alternatives in developing countries has been focused on natural products, primarily from plants. This study evaluated the antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic activities of the albedo (FA) and flavedo (FF) flavonoid fractions obtained from orange peels (often discarded) in normoglycemic Wistar rats. The flavonoid fractions were identified and quantified using HPLC-UV-DAD and compared with glibenclamide, repaglinide, saxagliptin, and acarbose. Additionally, both fractions were tested in a streptozotocin (65 mg/kg)/nicotinamide (100 mg/kg)-induced diabetic model. In normoglycemic rats, the highest glucose variation (%VG) occurred during the first hour after FA (112.8%) and FF (105.30%) administration at 100 mg/kg, indicating a hypoglycemic effect. In diabetic rats, FF at 100 mg/kg showed the highest %VG (140.41%) during the first hour after administration. HPLC-UV-DAD analysis revealed the presence of hesperidin (HSP) and naringenin (NGN), with the highest concentrations found in FA (HSP: 41.41%; NGN: 10.75%). These findings suggest potential antihyperglycemic effects of FA and FF fractions, possibly attributed to the presence of HSP and NGN. The results obtained in this work lay the foundations to explore the therapeutic applications of orange peels for controlling hyperglycemia in diabetes. In conclusion, our results suggest a reevaluation and revalorization of orange peels, as they contain pharmaceutically relevant flavonoids.

Characterization of sweet corncob polysaccharide-chromium (III) complex and its digestion properties and hypoglycemic effect

Sweet corncobs, an agricultural byproduct, undergo limited processing post-harvest. To enhance the utilization of sweet corncobs and amplify their hypoglycemic activity, polysaccharides (SCP) were extracted, purified, and subsequently modified using trivalent chromium ions, resulting in the formation of SCP-Cr(III) with a weight percentage of Cr(III) at 21.99%. The chemical composition and structure of SCP-Cr(III) were analyzed using various techniques, including SEM-EDS, FT-IR, XPS, XRD, AFM, TG, and HPLC. The findings revealed that the binding mode of SCP-Cr(III) involved the formation of Cr–OH and Cr–O bonds with the glycan chains. The major constituents were glucose, galactose, xylose, and arabinose, with molar ratios of 95.66:1.94:0.43:1.31. Furthermore, it was observed that the fundamental structure of SCP-Cr(III) remained unaltered after simulated digestion. In vitro hypoglycemic experiments demonstrated that SCP-Cr(III) exhibited significant inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and α-amylase, with a mixed pattern predominantly driven by competitive inhibition. These findings suggest that SCP-Cr(III) possesses greater hypoglycemic potential compared to SCP alone. Thus, this study provides a theoretical basis for the application of sweet corncob, an agricultural byproduct from processing, in the development of hypoglycemic functional food products.

A clinical study: Evaluation of the slimming and hypoglycemic potential of medicinal plants Equisetum arvense and Camellia sinensis

Medicinal plants Equisetum arvense and Camellia sinensis are popularly used in Brazil to treat obesity and diabetes mellitus. To prove the efficacy and safety of its continuous consumption, this study aimed to evaluate whether these plants could induce weight loss, reduction in body mass index and abdominal circumference, decrease in glycemic indexes, and if they could cause liver and kidney toxicity in research participants. For this purpose, applied longitudinal laboratory research was carried out in a sample of 09 healthy adult individuals who consumed daily, for 28 days, manipulated capsules containing the dry extract of each medicinal plant or capsules containing a placebo. Before, during, and after the experimental phase, the anthropometric variables were measured, and the participant's blood was collected for laboratory tests. Therefore, it could be verified that there was no correlation between the consumption of both plants and the occurrence of significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the sample's weight, body mass index, or abdominal circumference during the clinical trial. However, it was observed that the plant Camellia sinensis showed a hypoglycemic effect in its experimental group. In addition, it was found that none of the plants caused changes in the participant's liver and kidney functions, demonstrating the absence of toxicological effects in the tests. The results confirmed the importance of complementary studies that evaluate the therapeutic potential of the medicinal plants used empirically by the Brazilian population to treat different pathologies, predominantly obesity, and diabetes mellitus.