In vivo assessment of antidiabetic and antioxidative activity of natural phytochemical isolated from fruit-pulp of Eugenia jambolana in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Objectives: Eugenia jambolana (E. jambolana) is well known for its antidiabetic potential. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidative effect of an active compound (FIIc) isolated from fruit-pulp of E. jambolana in streptozotocin (45?mg/kg body weight)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods: FIIc was isolated from the crude aqueous extract of fruit-pulp by ion-exchange column chromatography and high-performance column chromatography. Detailed UV, NMR, and IR spectra suggested that FIIc is α-hydroxy succinamic acid. FIIc was orally administered to diabetic rats at a dose of 10, 15, and 20?mg/kg body weight (mg/kg bwt.) to determine its effective dose. Thereafter, effective dose was administered to 8 weeks to determine its antidiabetic and antioxidative activity by estimation of glycemic index, lipid profile, key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, and oxidative stress parameters.

Results: Administration of 15?mg/kg dose daily for 8 weeks led to significant (P?P?Discussion: The results demonstrate that FIIc possesses significant antidiabetic and antioxidative activity.     

Evaluation of antidiabetic activity of Pleurotus pulmonarius against streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic wistar albino rats

The current research aims to evaluate the antidiabetic properties of Pleurotus pulmonarius, an edible basidiomycetes mushroom fungi in diabetic induced wistar albino rats. Mycelial Hot Water Extracts (HWE) and Acetone Extracts (AE) of Pleurotus pulmonarius was orally administrated to STZ-NA induced (55 mg/kilogram body weight) diabetic wistar albino rats at a concentration of 200 and 400 mg/kg for 4 weeks. The outcomes revealed that the HWE of Pleurotus pulmonarius resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in blood glucose level. A noteworthy (p < 0.001) reduction in serum lipid profile and elevation in High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) after administration with HWE, also demonstrating the protective effects of HWE in diabetes-related complications. Besides all antidiabetic parameters, pathological morphology of the pancreas, liver and kidney are regularised. This observation indicated that HWE of Pleurotus pulmonarius possessed higher antidiabetic activity than AE. Besides, HWE also promoted a significant control of alpha amylase enzyme in a concentration-dependent manner with a maximum activity of 99.23% inhibition at 1000 µg/ml. The outcomes of the present study indicated that the HWE possesses a potential antidiabetic activity both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, it can be used as a nontoxic complementary drug in the controlling of diabetes and related complications, thus providing scientific authentication of its use as an antidiabetic agent.     

Hepatoprotective potential of flavonoid-rich extracts from Gongronema latifolium benth leaf in type 2 diabetic rats via fetuin-A and tumor necrosis factor-alpha

Background

This study assessed the hepatoprotective potential of flavonoid-rich extracts from Gongronema latifolium Benth on diabetes-induced type 2 rats via Fetuin-A and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TnF-α).

Methods

In a standard procedure, the flavonoid-rich extract was prepared. For experimental rats, streptozotocin was injected intraperitoneally (45 mg/kg body weight) to induce diabetes mellitus. Following this, rats were given 5% of glucose water for 24 h. Hence, the animals were randomly divided into five groups of ten rats each, consisting of non-diabetic rats, diabetic controls, diabetic rats treated with low and high doses of flavonoid rich-extracts from Gongronema latifolium leaf (FREGL) (13 and 26 mg/kg, respectively), and diabetic rats treated with 200 mg/kg of metformin glibenclamide orally for 3 weeks. Afterwards, the animals were sacrificed, blood and liver were harvested to evaluate different biochemical parameters, hepatic gene expressions and histological examinations.

Results

The results revealed that FREGL (especially at the low dose) significantly (p?<?0.05) reduced alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphate (ALP) activities, lipid peroxidation level, as well as relative gene expressions of fetuin-A and TNF-α in diabetic rats. Furthermore, diabetic rats given various doses of FREGL showed an increase in antioxidant enzymes and hexokinase activity, as well as glucose transporters (GLUT 2 and GLUT 4), and glycogen levels. In addition, histoarchitecture of the liver of diabetic rats administered FREGL (especially at the low dose) was also ameliorated.

Conclusion

Hence, FREGL (particularly at a low dose) may play a substantial role in mitigating the hepatopathy complication associated with diabetes mellitus.

     

The Glycemic Elemental Profile of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichosanthes dioica</Emphasis>: A LIBS-Based Study

The scientific evaluation of the antidiabetic efficacy of aqueous extract of Trichosanthes dioica fruits on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats is being presented. The graded doses of the extract, viz., 500, 750, 1,000, and 1,250 mg/kg body weight (bw), were administered orally, and it was observed that the blood glucose concentration decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The dose of 1,000 mg/kg bw showed the maximum fall of 23.8% and 19.1% in blood glucose level (BGL) during fasting BGL and glucose tolerance test (GTT) studies, respectively, of nondiabetic rats. Whereas in the case of subdiabetic and mild diabetic models, the same dose showed reduction in BGL of 22.0% and 31.4% during GTT. The study also involves the first use of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy as a sensitive analytical tool to detect the elemental profile responsible for the antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of T. dioica fruits that exhibits the antidiabetic activity. High intensities of Ca, Mg, and Fe indicate large concentrations of these elements in the extract, since according to Boltzmann’s distribution law, intensities are directly proportional to concentrations. The higher concentrations of these glycemic elements, viz. Ca, Mg, and Fe, are responsible for the antidiabetic potential of T. dioica as well as other plant already reported by our research group.     

Efficacy of coumarin on hepatic key enzymes of glucose metabolism in chemical induced type 2 diabetic rats

The study was undertaken to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of coumarin on carbohydrate metabolic key enzymes in control and streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NA)-induced diabetic rats. On oral administration of coumarin at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight per day to diabetic rats for 45 days; resulted in a significant reduction in the levels of plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA₁c) and increase in the levels of insulin and hemoglobin. Administration of coumarin caused a significant increase in the levels of glycolytic enzyme (hexokinase) and hepatic shunt enzyme (glucose-6-phophate dehydrogenase) whereas significant decrease in the levels of gluconeogenic enzymes (glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase) in diabetic treated rats. Furthermore, protection against body weight loss of diabetic animals also observed. This study indicates that the administration of coumarin to diabetic rats resulted in alterations in the metabolism of glucose with subsequent reduction in plasma glucose levels.     

Citrus medica L. cv Diamante (Rutaceae) peel extract improves glycaemic status of Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats and protects against oxidative stress

This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic, antilipidaemic and antioxidant activities of Citrus medica cv Diamante (Rutaceae) hydroalcoholic (CD) peel extract in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. The ability of CD to protect against oxidative stress was investigated by using different in vitro assays and in vivo by using the reactive oxygen metabolites-derived compounds (d-ROMs) test and the biological antioxidant potential test (BAP). Two different doses of CD extract (300 and 600?mg/kg/die) were administered at ZDF rats for 4 weeks. CD reduced cholesterol and triglycerides levels. A dose-dependent effect on body weight and serum glucose levels was observed. A decrease of d-ROMs and an increase of BAP were recorded by using the dose of 600?mg/kg. The extract inhibited lipid peroxidation (IC₅₀ value of 0.23?mg/ml). These findings suggest as an efficient phytotherapeutic approach in combating hyperlipidaemic and hyperglycaemic disorders.     

Piperine,a Natural Bioenhancer,Nullifies the Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activities of Curcumin in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats

Knowing that curcumin has low bioavailability when administered orally, and that piperine has bioenhancer activity by inhibition of hepatic and intestinal biotransformation processes, the aim of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of curcumin (90 mg/kg) and piperine (20 or 40 mg/kg), alone or co-administered, incorporated in yoghurt, in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. The treatment for 45 days of STZ-diabetic rats with curcumin-enriched yoghurt improved all parameters altered in this experimental model of diabetes: the body weight was increased in association with the weight of skeletal muscles and white adipose tissues; the progressive increase in the glycemia levels was avoided, as well as in the glycosuria, urinary urea, dyslipidemia, and markers of liver (alanine and aspartate aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase) and kidney (urinary protein) dysfunction; the hepatic oxidative stress was decreased, since the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and gluthatione peroxidase were increased, and the levels of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl groups were reduced. The dose of 20 mg/kg piperine also showed antidiabetic and antioxidant activities. The treatment of STZ-diabetic rats with both curcumin and 20 mg/kg piperine in yoghurt did not change the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of curcumin; notably, the treatment with both curcumin and 40 mg/kg piperine abrogated the beneficial effects of curcumin. In addition, the alanine aminotransferase levels were further increased in diabetic rats treated with curcumin and 40 mg/kg piperine in comparison with untreated diabetic rats. These findings support that the co-administration of curcumin with a bioenhancer did not bring any advantage to the curcumin effects, at least about the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities, which could be related to changes on its biotransformation.     

Betanin alleviates oxidative stress through the Nrf2 signaling pathway in the liver of STZ-induced diabetic rats

Background

Continuing hyperglycemia causes and exacerbate oxidative stress. Betanin as the principal pigment of red beet root has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potency of betanin on antioxidant defense in STZ-induced diabetic rats’ livers.

Methods

STZ at a single dose of 60 mg/kg body weight was intraperitoneally injected and betanin (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/day) was administered orally for 28 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), protein carbonyl (PC) levels, and the enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalases and glutathione peroxidases (GPx) were evaluated in the liver. Furthermore, gene expression of Nrf2 and mentioned antioxidant enzymes were measured by Real-time PCR.

Results

Betanin (10 and 20 mg/kg) significantly reduced PC levels and increased antioxidant enzyme activity in diabetic rats compared to the control diabetic group (P?<?0.01). In comparison to the diabetic control group, all studied genes expression in diabetic rats were increased significantly with betanin at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg (P?<?0.02). The increase in gene expression at 20 mg/kg of betanin was significantly stronger than others (P?<?0.015) except for the catalase (P?=?0.201), that was almost the same. Moreover, treatment of diabetic rats with 20 mg/kg of betanin could significantly increase TAC levels (P?<?0.05) and decrease MDA levels (P?<?0.001) compared to diabetic control group.

Conclusions

Betanin could increase the antioxidant capacity of liver tissue associated with the Nrf2-mediated pathway in a dose-dependent manner.

     

Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effect of Duvalia corderoyi in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic syndrome distinguished with glucose increasing in blood, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia. It results in decease of millions of people yearly. Duvalia corderoyi is a traditional diabetes and hypertension medicine from the Arabian region. D. corderoyi extract was administered to diabetes rats for estimate its anti-diabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities in Wistar rats were induced using (60 mg/kg) of streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneally. The rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, diabetic, diabetic receiving glibenclamide, and two diabetic D. corderoyi-treatment groups. Rats were weighted weekly, and the biochemical analysis were carried out in serum, and liver homogenate samples. Body weight of diabetic rats was lessening significantly D. corderoyi improved body weight, glucose concentration, lipid profiles, hepatic enzymes, urea, creatinine, insulin, and HDL-C. These results are the first to indicate the potential antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities of D. corderoyi.     

Ameliorative effect of diosmin, a citrus flavonoid against streptozotocin-nicotinamide generated oxidative stress induced diabetic rats

Oxidative stress has been suggested as a contributory factor in development and complication of diabetes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of diosmin (DS) in oxidative stress in streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA)-induced diabetic rats by measuring the lipid peroxidation (LPO) as well as the ameliorative properties. Experimental diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of STZ (45 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) dissolved in 0.1 mol/L citrate buffer (pH 4.5), 15 min after the i.p administration of NA (110 mg/kg b.w.). Diabetic rats exhibited increased plasma glucose with significant decrease in plasma insulin levels. The activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and the levels of low-molecular weight antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E and reduced glutathione (GSH) were decreased while increases in the levels of LPO markers were observed in liver and kidney tissues of diabetic control rats as compared to normal control rats. Oral treatment with DS (100mg/kg/day) for a period of 45 days showed significant ameliorative effects on all the biochemical parameters studied. Biochemical findings were supported by histological studies. These results indicated that DS has potential ameliorative effects in addition to its antidiabetic effect in type 2 diabetic rats.     

Antihyperglycemic effect of fraxetin on hepatic key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the diabetes mellitus is a serious health burden for both governments and healthcare providers. The present study was hypothesized to evaluate the antihyperglycemic potential of fraxetin by determining the activities of key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in streptozotocin (STZ) – induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in male albino Wistar rats by intraperitoneal administration of STZ (40 mg/kg b.w). Fraxetin was administered to diabetic rats intra gastrically at 20, 40, 80 mg/kg b.w for 30 days. The dose 80 mg/kg b.w, significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and increased plasma insulin level. The altered activities of the key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism such as glucokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and hepatic enzymes (aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) in the liver tissues of diabetic rats were significantly reverted to near normal levels by the administration of fraxetin. Further, fraxetin administration to diabetic rats improved body weight and hepatic glycogen content demonstrated its antihyperglycemic potential. The present findings suggest that fraxetin may be useful in the treatment of diabetes even though clinical studies to evaluate this possibility may be warranted.     

Antidiabetic activities of oligosaccharides of Ophiopogonis japonicus in experimental type 2 diabetic rats

The aim of the present study is to investigate the antidiabetic properties of oligosaccharides of Ophiopogonis japonicus (OOJ) in experimental type 2 diabetic rats. OOJ was administered orally in doses of 225 and 450mg/kg body weight to high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic rats for 3 weeks. The results showed that OOJ treatment could increase body weight, decrease organ related weights of liver and kidney, reduce fasting blood glucose level, and improve oral glucose tolerance in diabetic rats. Moreover, increased glycogen content in liver and skeletal muscle, reduced urinary protein excretion, higher hepatic GCK enzyme activity, lower hepatic PEPCK enzyme activity, enhanced GLP-1 level, decreased glucagon level and alleviated histopathological changes of pancreas occurred in OOJ-treated diabetic rats by comparison with untreated diabetic rats. This study demonstrates, for the first time to our knowledge, that OOJ exerts remarkable antidiabetic effect in experimental type 2 diabetes mellitus, thus justifying its traditional usage.     

Effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gymnema montanum</Emphasis> leaves on red blood cell resistance to oxidative stress in experimental diabetes

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of Gymnema montanum on red blood cell (RBC) membrane in diabetic rats during lipid peroxidation. Ethanol extract of G. montanum leaves (GLEt) was administered orally to alloxan-induced diabetic rats for 3 weeks, and the effects on blood glucose, insulin, lipid peroxidation markers, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydroperoxides in plasma and antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in erythrocytes were studied. Administration of GLEt to diabetic animals at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight lowered elevated blood glucose levels by 24, 35, and 66%, respectively, relative to untreated diabetic rats. In comparison, treatment with the known antidiabetic drug, glibenclamide (600 μg/kg body weight) decreased blood glucose concentrations by 51%. Plasma insulin concentrations were increased in the diabetic rat by 73% with GLEt (200 mg/kg body weight) and 45% with glibenclamide (600 μg/kg body weight). Although a significant decrease in the lipid peroxidation markers was observed in plasma on treatment with GLEt and glibenclamide, the RBC antioxidant levels were increased significantly in diabetic rats. Furthermore, erythrocytes from the GLEt-treated animals were found to be more resistant to H₂O₂-induced peroxidation than that of untreated diabetic animals. The chemical characterization of the polyphenolics of the extract showed the presence of gallic acid (5.29% w/w), resveratrol (2.2% w/w), and quercetin (16.6% w/w). The results of this study suggest that G. montanum may be useful for the control, management, and prevention of oxidative stress associated with diabetes.     

Protective effects of Pycnogenol® on hyperglycemia-induced oxidative damage in the liver of type 2 diabetic rats

Abnormal regulation of glucose and impaired carbohydrate utilization that result from a defective or deficient insulin are the key pathogenic events in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Experimental and clinical studies have shown the antidiabetic effects of Pycnogenol^® (PYC). However, the protective effects of PYC on the liver, a major metabolic organ which primarily involves in glucose metabolism and maintains the normal blood glucose level in T2DM model have not been studied. The present study evaluated the beneficial effect of PYC, French maritime pine bark extract, on hyperglycemia and oxidative damage in normal and diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by feeding rats with a high-fat diet (HFD; 40%) for 2 weeks followed by an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 40 mg/kg; body weight). An IP dose of 10 mg/kg PYC was given continually for 4 weeks after diabetes induction. At the end of the 4-week period, blood was drawn and the rats were then sacrificed, and their livers dissected for biochemical and histopathological assays. In the HFD/STZ group, levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), significantly increased, while hepatic glycogen level decreased. PYC supplementation significantly reversed these parameters. Moreover, supplementation with PYC significantly ameliorated thiobarbituric reactive substances, malonaldehyde, protein carbonyl, glutathione and antioxidant enzymes [glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase] in the liver of HFD/STZ rats. These results were supported with histopathological examinations. Although detailed studies are required for the evaluation of the exact protective mechanism of PYC against diabetic complications, these preliminary experimental findings demonstrate that PYC exhibits antidiabetic effects in a rat model of type 2 DM by potentiating the antioxidant defense system. These finding supports the efficacy of PYC for diabetes management.     

A Possible Connection Between Antidiabetic & Antilipemic Properties of Psoralea corylifolia Seeds and the Trace Elements Present: A LIBS Based Study

Psoralea corylifolia (PC), a medicinal plant, is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes. Purpose of the research was to examine the antidiabetic and antilipemic potential of PC and to determine the relationship between its antidiabetic potential and the trace elements present. Wistar rats (150–200 g) with fasting blood glucose (FBG) of 80–110 mg?dl^?1(sub-diabetic) and 150–200 mg?dl^?1(mild diabetic) were selected for the short term antidiabetic studies and severely diabetic rats (FBG?>?300 mg?dl^?1) were chosen for the long term antidiabetic and hypolipemic studies of PC seed extract. Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was used to detect trace elements in the PC extract and the intensity ratios of trace elements were estimated. The dose of 250 mg?kg^?1 of PC extract was found to be the most effective in lowering blood glucose level (BGL) of normal, sub, mild and severely diabetic rats during FBG and glucose tolerance test (GTT) studies. Lipid profile studies on severely diabetic rats showed substantial reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein, and low density lipoprotein and an increase in the total protein, body weight, high density lipoprotein, and hemoglobin after 28 days of treatment. Significant reduction in urine sugar and protein levels was also observed. LIBS analysis of the PC extract revealed the presence of Mg, Si, Na, K, Ca, Zn and Cl. The study validates the traditional use of PC in the treatment of diabetes and confirms its antilipemic potential. The antidiabetic activity of PC extract may partly be due to the presence of appreciable amounts of insulin potentiating elements like Mg, Ca, and K.     

Effect of sakuranin on carbohydrate-metabolizing enzyme activity modifications in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic wistar rats

This study is to assess the glucose lowering activity of sakuranin in diabetes induced rats by streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NA). Diabetic rats were treated sakuranin for 45 days (20, 40, 80 mg/kg) by orally. Sakuranin (80 mg/kg body weight) was normalized the changes of abnormal blood glucose plasma glucose and plasma insulin levels. Hence, we have continued the further research with this active dose of 80 mg/kg sakuranin. The plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA₁c) reduced and insulin, glycogen and hemoglobin levels increased by Sakuranin administration in diabetic rats. Additionally, hexokinase and glucose-6-phophate dehydrogenase activities increased and glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase activities decreased in diabetic condition while administration of treated compound. In this observed result signified that sakuranin may have potential role of diabetic condition rats by evidenced with reducing glucose and increasing insulin and also protect the carbohydrate metabolic changes.     

Evaluation of the Anti‐Diabetic Activity of Polysaccharide from Cordyceps cicadae in Experimental Diabetic Rats

Cordyceps cicadae is a medicinal fungus used in treating night sweat, childhood convulsions, vision improvement and pain. This study was designed to evaluate the anti‐diabetic activity of the crude polysaccharide (SHF) from the mycelium and body portion of C. cicadae. Diabetes mellitus was induced in the rat with a single intravenous injection of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg). In other to evaluate the anti‐diabetic effects of C. cicadae polysaccharide in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats, the crude polysaccharide (SHF at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) and glibenclamide were administered orally to diabetic rats for 30 days. Blood glucose level, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphate (ALP), creatinine (CREA), urea, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH) were determined. SHF showed significant reduction in blood glucose in diabetic rats. Treatment of diabetic rats also resulted an improvement in body weights, increased HDL, SOD and GSH, as well as decreased TC, TG, LDL, MDA, urea, CREA, ALT, AST and ALP. These results suggested that C. cicadae polysaccharide displayed anti‐hyperglycemic, anti‐hyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities and could be a promising therapeutic source in managing diabetes mellitus and its associated complications.     

Ethyl acetate fraction of Cissus quadrangularis stem ameliorates hyperglycaemia-mediated oxidative stress and suppresses inflammatory response in nicotinamide/streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic rats

BackgroundCissus quadrangularis is a plant with great medicinal value and different parts of the plant is traditionally used for the treatment of skin infections, constipation, piles, anaemia, asthma, irregular menstruation, burns and wounds. The stems and leaves of Cissus quadrangularis has been traditionally consumed as a vegetable.ObjectiveThe current study was hypothesized to investigate the beneficial effects of ethyl acetate fraction of Cissus quadrangularis stem (CQSF) on hyperglycaemia-mediated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in nicotinamide/streptozotocin induced diabetes mellitus.Materials and methodsExperimental diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 110 mg/kg body weight nicotinamide 15 min prior to the injection of 45 mg/kg body weight streptozotocin. Diabetic rats were administered with a daily oral dose of 100 mg/kg CQSF for 60 days after diabetes induction.ResultsDiabetic control rats showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in blood glucose, HbA1c, liver toxicity markers, inflammatory markers and lipid peroxidation products and reduction in the activities of antioxidant enzymes. The mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-6 and NF-κB in adipose tissue were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in diabetic group. Nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 subunit level was greater in diabetic rats. CQSF administration significantly reversed these alterations. Histopathological alterations of liver and pancreas were also restored by CQSF treatment. The results were compared with the standard oral hypoglycaemic drug metformin. In addition, the ESI-MS and GC-MS analysis of CQSF confirmed the presence of quercetin and phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)- respectively.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that CQSF exerts antidiabetic activity by potentiating the antioxidant defense system and suppressing inflammatory responses.     

The Effects of Chromium Histidinate on Mineral Status of Serum and Tissue in Fat-Fed and Streptozotocin-Treated Type II Diabetic Rats

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of chromium histidinate (CrHis) against experimentally induced type II diabetes and on chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) in serum, liver, and kidney of diabetic rats. The male Wistar rats (n = 60, 8 weeks old) were divided into four groups. Group I received a standard diet (12% of calories as fat); group II were fed standard diet and received CrHis (110 mcg CrHis/kg body weight per day); group III received a high-fat diet (HFD; 40% of calories as fat) for 2 weeks and then were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) on day 14 (STZ, 40 mg/kg i.p.; HFD/STZ); group IV were treated as group III (HFD/STZ) but supplemented with 110 mcg CrHis/kg body weight per day. The mineral concentrations in the serum and tissue were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Compared to the HFD/STZ group, CrHis significantly increased body weight and reduced blood glucose in diabetic rats (p < 0.001). Concentrations of Cr, Zn, Se, and Mn in serum, liver, and kidney of the diabetic rats were significantly lower than in the control rats (p < 0.0001). In contrast, higher Fe and Cu levels were found in serum and tissues from diabetic versus the non-diabetic rats (p < 0.001). Chromium histidinate supplementation increased serum, liver, and kidney concentrations of Cr and Zn both in diabetic and non-diabetic rats (p < 0.001). Chromium supplementation increased Mn and Se levels in diabetic rats (p < 0.001); however, it decreased Cu levels in STZ-treated group (p < 0.001). Chromium histidinate supplementation did not affect Fe levels in both groups (p > 0.05). The results of the present study conclude that supplementing Cr to the diet of diabetic rats influences serum and tissue Cr, Zn, Se, Mn, and Cu concentrations.     

Effects of Microdesmis keayana roots on sexual behavior of male rats

In the present study, the aphrodisiac properties of Microdesmis keayana J. Léonard root extract and major isolated alkaloids were evaluated by observing the sexual behavior of male rats.Aqueous extract (150 mg/kg body weight) and pure alkaloids (3 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally by gavage to male rats. Latent times of observation, intromission and ejaculation, mounting behavior, number of intromissions and mating performances were evaluated and compared to those obtained with untreated rats in the presence of receptive and non-receptive females. The results have shown that aqueous extract and alkaloids of M. keayana stimulate sexual parameters in rats’ sexual behavior.A short-term toxicity study undertaken to establish the therapeutic index of aqueous extract, showed that a high dose of the extract (2 g/kg body weight) caused no mortality or changes in rats’ behavior.