Antihyperglycemic activity,antihyperlipedemic activity,haematological effects and histopathological analysis of Sapindus mukorossi Gaerten fruits in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Objective:To investigate the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemie properties of hydroalcoholic extract of fruits of Sapindus mukorossi Caerlen and its beneficial effect on haeniatological parameters with histopathological analysis in streptpzotocin induced diabetic rats.Methods:Sapindus mukorossi fruits extract(250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) and standard drug glybenclamide(0.5 mg/kg body weight) were administered to diabetic rats.Effect of extract on hyperglycemia,hyperlipidemia and hematological parameters was studied in diabetic rats.Histopathological changes in diabetic rat pancreas were also observed after extract and glybenclamide treatment.Results:Daily oral administration of Sapindus mukorossi fruits extract(250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) and glybenclamide for 20 days showed beneficial effects on blood glucose level(P【0.01) and lipid level.The extract has a favorable effect on the histopathological changes of the pancreas in streptozotocin induced diabetes.Conclusions: These findings reveal that the hydroalcoholic extract of Sapindus mukorossi fruits extract possesses antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemie properties.In addition.the extract can prevent various complications of diabetes and improve some haeniatological parameters.

Antihyperglycemic effect of Hypericum perforatum ethyl acetate extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Objective:To evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of ethyl acetate extract of Hypericum perforatum(H.perforatum)in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats.Methods:Acute toxicity and oral glucose tolerance lest were performed in normal rats.Male albino rats were rendered diabetic by ST/(40 mg/kg,intraperitoneally).H.perforatum ethyl acetate extract was orally administered to diabetic rats at SO,100 and 200 mg/kg doses for 15 days to determine the antihyperglycemic activity.Biochemical parameters were determined at the end of the treatment.Results:H.perforatum ethyl acetate extract showed dose dependant fall in fasting blood glucose(FBG).After 30 min of extract administration,FBG was reduced significantly when compared with normal rats.H.perforatum ethyl acetate extract produced significant reduction in plasma glucose level,serum total cholesterol,triglycerides,glucose-6-phosphatase levels.Tissue glycogen content,HDL-cholesterol,glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were significantly increased compared with diabetic control.No death or lethal effect was observed in the toxic study.Conclusions:The results demonstrate that H.perforatum ethyl acetate extract possesses potent antihyperglycemic activity in STZ induced diabetic rats.

Antihyperglycemic effect of Ocimum plants:A short review

This present review provides information on the antihyperglycemic effect of the plants belonging to the genus Ocimum. The species of this genus which mostly show significant antihyperglycemic effects are Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Ocimum basilicum L., Ocimum gratissimum L. and Ocimum canum L. The results were shown in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The anti-hyperglycemic activities of different extracts from all these species are reported here. Aqueous extracts are common to show a satisfactory result for all the species. The results for ethanol, methanol, ethyl-acetate, petroleum ether extracts, chloroform and hexane fraction of ethanol extract are also presented here. Some of the results showed a better effect than the standard medicine. Eugenol is the most important bioactive compound among all the components for reducing blood glucose level. Other components include polyphenols, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid compound and chichoric acid, which are reportedly found in these species. There are fewer studies performed to identify the phytochemical components which are responsible for these plants blood glucose, serum glucose and plasma glucose lowering effect. This review presents the studies which have been done lately to establish the antihyperglycemic effects of these plants with a view to identify the core components responsible for this activity in near future.

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activity of ethyl acetate fraction of Rhododendron arboreum Smith flowers in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and its role in regulating carbohydrate metabolism

Objective:To explore and identify the most potent antihyperglycemic fraction from the ethanol extract of Rhododendron arboreum(R.arboreum)flowers.Methods:Normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats were treated with all four fractions of R.arboreum flowers for short term and with fraction 3 for long term study.On completion of the treatment,a range of indicators were tested including fasting blood glucose,plasma protein,haemoglobin A1C,insulin secretion,body weight,blood lipid profile and carbohydrate metabolism regulating enzymes of liver.Results:In short term study,the fraction 3(Active fraction)produced a significant(P<0.0001)reduction(73.6%)in blood glucose level at a dose of 200 mg/kg after the treatment in the diabetic rats.Administration of active fraction(200 and 400 mg/kg)once daily for 30 d in streptozotocin diabetic rats resulted in a significant(P<0.001 to P<0.0001)fall in blood glucose level,hemoglobin A1C,serum urea and creatinine with significant but a increase in insulin level similar to standard drug glybenclamide.Further,the active fraction showed antihyperlipidemic activity as evidenced by significant(P<0.001 to P<0.0001)decreases in serum serum total cholesterol,triglycerides,low density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low density cholesterol levels coupled together with elevation of high density lipoprotein cholesterol in the diabetic rats.Conclusions:The active fraction of R.arboreum flowers decreases streptozotocin induced hyperglycemia by promoting insulin secretion and glycolysis and by decreasing gluconeogenesis.

In vivo hypoglycemic investigation, antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic potentials of Pereskia bleo Kunth. in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Objective: To elucidate the in vivo hypoglycemic capability, antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of Pereskia bleo(Kunth) leaves extracts and bioactive fraction. Methods: The various solvent extracts of Pereskia bleo were investigated for the hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activities using a relevant in vivo normal rat model and streptozotocininduced diabetic rat model with glibenclamide and metformin utilized as positive controls. The effects of the most potent extract and its bioactive fraction on the insulin level, lipid profile and body weight of the diabetic rats were also analyzed. Results: All the extracts showed no hypoglycemic effect while petroleum ether, chloroform and aqueous extracts demonstrated significant(P<0.05) reduction in blood sugar level in the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. Aqueous extract and aqueous fraction significantly(P<0.05) reduced the blood glucose level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats as early as day 6 compared to the diabetic control as well as significantly restored the serum insulin of diabetic rats. Moreover, the aqueous extract and aqueous fraction disclosed a significant(P<0.05) reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein levels. An elevation in high-density lipoprotein as well as improved body weight loss of the diabetic rats were also observed. Conclusions: In summary, Pereskia bleo appears effective in the management of diabetes and correlated impairments arising from high blood sugar level. Further studies will possibly bring about the discovery of effective and secure plant derived antidiabetic drugs.

Antihyperglycemic Activity of Moringa oleifera Lam Leaf Functional Tea in Rat Models and Human Subjects

Maintenance of glycemic control is important in preventing diabetes and its associated complications. Considering the current recommended approach for the use of functional foods and their bioactive components in the prevention and management of diabetes, the aim of this study was to determine the antihyperglycemic effect of Moringa oleifera functional tea in rat models and in normoglycemic human volunteers using the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Moringa tea prepared by extracting Moringa leaf powder in distilled water (1:20 mg/ml) at 97°C for 30 min was administered at different doses to male Wistar rats and human volunteers prior to glucose loading. Blood glucose was measured at intervals of 30 min for 150 min. Consumption of Moringa tea prior to glucose loading suppressed the elevation in blood glucose in all cases compared to controls that did not receive the tea initially. The degree and pattern of decrease however, were dose dependent. In rats, intermediate doses of 20 ml/kg BW were more effective in reducing blood glucose overall (18.2%) vs 13.3% and 6% at doses of 10 and 30 ml/kg BW respectively. In humans, the final decrease in blood glucose was not significantly different for high 400 ml (19%) and low 200 ml (17%) doses. Of interest here was the pattern of decrease, being significantly higher (p < 0.05) at 30 min with 200 ml (22.8%) than with 400 ml (17.9%). It is suggested that low doses exert their antihyperglycemic effect more at intestinal level by inhibiting glucose absorption, whereas high doses exert their effect more in circulation. We conclude that Moringa oleifera tea has potential as a functional food in the management of hyperglycemia.

Antihyperglycemic Effect of Zygophyllum Geslini Aqueous Extract in Streptozotocin-lnduced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a major public health concern. Finding a cure for the disease without its side-effects is the objective of modem medicine. The plant is a raw material for these studies. Zygophyllum gemini is a species widely used in Algeria to treat this disease. Our aim is to investigate the antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract and its fractions in induced diabetic Wistar rats by streptozotoein. The three drugs caused a decrease in blood sugar for 14 days. Butanolic fractions （BF） fraction gives significant results on blood glucose after seven days and significant regulating oral glucose tolerance. This preliminary study shows that Z. geslini is endowed with a remarkable antidiabetic activity and that further studies are needed.

Cytoprotective,antihyperglycemic and phytochemical properties of Cocos nucifera(L.) inflorescence

Objective:To analyze the eytoproteetive and antidiabetic activities as well as phytochemical composition of the immature inflorescence of Cocas nucifera belonging to the Arecaceae Family.Methods:The phytochemical screening of inflorescence was done to determine the major constituents present in Cocos nucifera inflorescence.The free radical scavenging potential of inflorescence extracts were evaluated using in vitro radical scavenging assay models.Results:The phytochemical analyses on inflorescence showed the presence of phenolic compounds,flavonoids.resins and alkaloids.The macronutrient analyses,on the other hand,showed the presence of carbohydrate,proteins and fibers.Administration of the methanol extract of coconut inflorescence to the diabetic rats showed dose dependent reduction in hyperglycemia.The cytoprotective property of coconut inflorescence was evidenced from the acute toxicological evaluation.The levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,and alkaline phosphatase were significantly decreased in the diabetic rats treated with inflorescence when compared with the diabetic control rats.Conclusion:The results obtained from the present study apparently proved the non-toxic nature and the eytoproteetive and antihyperglycemic properties of coconut inflorescence.

Antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities of total alkaloids from Catharanthus roseus in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

We evaluated the hypoglycemic and antioxi- dant effects of the total alkaloids of leaves and twigs of Catharanthus roseus Linn. （CTA） in streptozotocin （STZ）- induced diabetic rats. The hypoglycemic effect was mea- sured by blood glucose and plasma insulin level. Oxidative stress was measured in heart, liver and kidney by levels of antioxidant markers, free radical scavengers and lipid peroxides i.e. superoxide dismutase （SOD）, catalase （CAT）, glutathione （GSH） and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances （TBARS）. Biochemical parameters, i.e. aspar- tate aminotransferase （AST）, alanine aminotransferase （ALT）, alkaline phosphate （ALP） were observed in diabetic control and treated rats. Oral administration of CTA for 30 days was followed by a significant （P 〈 0.05） decrease in fasting blood glucose and increase in insulin level as compared with untreated diabetic rats. Also it significantly （P 〈 0.05） reduced ALT, AST and ALP. The treatment also resulted in significant （P 〈 0.05） reductions in GSH, SOD, CAT, and decrease in TBARS in the heart, liver and kidney of diabetic rats. The results suggest that CTA can effectively normalize the impaired antioxidant status in STZ-induced diabetes in a dose-dependent manner.CTA exerted rapid protective effects against lipid peroxi- dation by scavenging of free radicals and reducing the risk of diabetic complications.

Antihyperglycemic Studies on the Leaf Extract and Active Fractions of <i>Newbouldia laevis</i>(Bignoniaceae)

Optimal control of chronic hyperglycemia prevents both micro and macro vascular complications—a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic subjects. This study was undertaken to give credence to the traditional use of Newbouldia laevis leaves in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). Dichloromethane-methanol (1:1) extract (DME) of N. laevis leaves was prepared by cold maceration. Separation of DME into column chromatographic fractions yielded the n-hexane fraction (HF), ethylacetate fraction (EF) and methanol fraction (MF). The extract and fractions were evaluated for antihyperglycemic activity in alloxanized diabetic rats. The results showed that the oral administration of extract and fractions (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg) caused a significant (P < 0.5) and dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose level in diabetic rats. The hypoglycemic potency after 24 h was in the order MF (methanol fraction;56.31%) > DME (dichloromethane/methanol extract;36.19%) > EF (ethylacetate fraction;20.70%) > HF (n-hexane fraction;10.09. The methanol fraction, which showed the highest potency in oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), was further separated into column chromatographic sub-fractions—F1, F2, F3 and F4 fractions. These sub-fractions were evaluated for antihyperglycemic activity. Sub-fractions F1, F2 and F3 (1000 mg/kg) did produce significant (P > 0.05) reduction in blood glucose level after 24 h. Sub-fraction F4 (50, 100, 200 mg/kg), however caused a significant (P < 0.05) and dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose level. The reduction at 200 mg/kg dose of F4 (74.57%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of glibenclamide (58.04%). These findings suggest that leaf extract and fractions of Newbouldia laevis possess antihyperglycemic activities and can be the basis for the folk use N. laevis in management of diabetes mellitus.

Antihyperglycemic, insulinsensitizing and antioxidant activities of the active fractions from Anoectochilus chapaensis

Anoectochilus chapaensis Gagnep. （Orchidaceae）, an indigenous and valuable Chinese folk medicine, has been widely used in China to treat diabetes. However, few reports are available about its constituents and activity. The present experiment was conducted to investigate the active fractions from A. chapaensis in diabetic rat model induced by high-fat diet plus streptozotocin. The total EtOH extract from the whole herbs ofA. chapaensis, half of which was partitioned in sequence with petrol ether （PE）, ethyl acetate （EtOAc）, n-BuOH and H2O, thus yielding four fractions, all of them were orally administered with an identical dose amount to 4 g/kg dried crude herbs once a day for consecutive two weeks to further investigate the antihyperglycemic activity. The EtOAc fraction caused a significant fall in the non-fasting blood glucose level of diabetic rats from （402.66±82.26） to （226.26±62.10） mg/dl, which may be attributed to ameliorating insulin resistance, modulating the activity of enzymatic antioxidants, reducing the content of NO, etc. Much more intact β cells in the islets of Langerhans in EtOAc fraction-treated groups than the negative control were observed, which greatly supported the morphological and functional elucidation. The OGTT evidenced that EtOAc fraction could promote the endurance capacity of acute glucose increase in diabetic rats. The EtOAc fraction of A. chapaensis contains some hypoglycemic and antioxidant principles with the potential to be developed further for the treatment of diabetes specifically associated with an insulin resistance state.

Antihyperglycemic,antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects of standard ethanol extract of Bombax ceiba leaves in high-fat-diet-and streptozotocin-induced Type 2 diabetic rats

The present study aimed at exploring the therapeutic potential of standard extract of Bombax ceiba L.leaves(BCE) in type 2 diabetic mellitus(T2DM).Oral administration of BCE at doses of 70,140,and 280 mg·kg^(-1),to the normal rats and the high-fat-diet-and streptozotocin-induced T2 DM rats were carried out.Effects of BCE on blood glucose,body weight,and a range of serum biochemical parameters were tested,and histopathological observation of pancreatic tissues was also performed.HPLC-ESI-Q/TOF-MS/MS analysis indicated that the chemical composition of BCE mainly contained mangiferin,isoorientin,vitexin,isomangiferin,isovitexin,quercetin hexoside,2'-trans-O-cumaroyl mangiferin,and nigricanside.BCE caused a significant decrease in the concentrations of fasting blood glucose,glycosylated hemoglobin,total cholesterol,triglyceride,low density lipoprotein-cholesterol,serum insulin,and malondialdehyde,and increases in oral glucose tolerance,high density lipoprotein-cholesterol,and superoxide dismutase in the T2 DM model rats.Moreover,considerable pancreatic β-cells protection effect and stimulation of insulin secretion from the remaining pancreatic β-cells could be observed after BCE treatment.The results indicated that BCE exhibited an excellent hypoglycemic activity,and alleviated dyslipidemia which is associated with T2 DM.Antioxidant activity and protecting pancreatic β-cells are the possible mechanisms involved in anti-diabetic activity of BCE.

Efficacy and safety of metformin and sitagliptin based triple antihyperglycemic therapy(STRATEGY):a multicenter,randomized,controlled,non-inferiority clinical trial

Despite the current guideline's recommendation of a timely stepwise intensification therapy,the "clinical inertia",termed as the delayed treatment intensification,commonly exists in the real world,which may be partly due to the relatively little substantial evidence and no clear consensus regarding the efficacy and safety of triple oral agents in patients inadequately controlled with dual therapy.In this clinical trial performed in 237 centers in China,5,535 type 2 diabetic patients inadequately controlled by previous therapies were treated with a stable metformin/sitagliptin dual therapy for 20 weeks.The patients who did not reach the glycated hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) goal were then further randomized into glimepiride,gliclazide,repaglinide,or acarbose group for an additional 24-week triple therapy.A mean HbAlc reduction of 0.85%was observed when sitagliptin was added to the patients inadequately controlled with metformin in 16 weeks.Further HbAlc reductions in the 24-week triple therapy stage were 0.65%in glimepiride group,0.70%in gliclazide group,0.61%in repaglinide group,and 0.45%in acarbose group.The non-inferiority criterion for primary hypotheses was met for gliclazide and repaglinide,but not for acarbose,compared with glimepiride,when added to metformin/sitagliptin dual therapy.The incidences of adverse events(AEs) were 29.2%in the dual therapy stage and30.3%in the triple therapy stage.Metformin/sitagliptin as baseline therapy,with the addition of a third oral antihyperglycemic agent,including glimepiride,gliclazide,repaglinide,or acarbose,was effective,safe and well-tolerated for achieving an HbAlc<7.0%goal in type 2 diabetic patients inadequately controlled with previous therapies.The timely augmentation of up to three oral antihyperglycemic agents is valid and of important clinical benefit to prevent patients from exposure to unnecessarily prolonged hyperglycemia.

Antihyperglycemic and subchronic toxicity study of Moringa stenopetala leaves in mice

Objective:To evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity and subchronic toxicity of an extract ofMoringa stenopetala(M.stenopetala)leaves in mice.Methods:Antihyperglycemic activities of various solvent subfractions and chromatographic fractions were investigated in alloxan induced diabetic mice.All fractions were administered intragastrically using oral gavage at a dose of 500 mg/kg.For the subchronic toxicity investigation of the 70%ethanol extract of M.stenopetala leaves,a daily dose of 300 or 600 mg/kg body weight was administered to mice over 96 d.Some hematological and plasma biochemical parameters were measured as indices of organ specific toxicity.Preliminary phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity investigation was done using thin layer chromatography method.Results:Among the solvent subfractions of the 70%ethanol extract tested only butanol subfraction exhibited significant reduction of blood glucose level(P<0.05)at 2 h(53.44%)and 4.5 h(46.34%)in diabetic mice and it was further fractionated chromatographically.This resulted in isolation of three chromatographic fractions(fraction 1,2,and 3)which exhibited maximal blood glucose reduction(P<0.01)at 6 h(77.2%),at 4.5 h(69.1%)and at 4.5 h(71.96%)after administration.Furthermore,these fractions exhibited comparable antioxidant activity,and preliminary phytochemical screening indicated the presence of phenolic compounds which may be phenolic glycoside in all fractions.The subchronic toxicity study of the 70%ethanol extract of M.stenopetala leaves revealed that there were no significant differences in body weight,between controls and treated mice.Hematological analysis showed no differences in most parameters examined.Furthermore,it did not significantly affect plasma creatinine,urea,cholesterol,triglycerides and CA125 levels.It also did not significantly affect the plasma T3,T4 and THS level.It,however,caused a significant dose-dependent increases in aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase.The plasma alanine aminotransferase increased in a dose dependent manner,though not significant.Conclusions:The present study revealed that the crude ethanol extract and solvent-solvent fractions as well as chromatographic fractions have antihyperglycemic effect.Furthermore,the crude ethanol extract have some effect on liver of the mice on subchronic administration.Therefore,further study should be done to identify the active principal compound responsible for antihyperglycemic effect and to rule out the safety in other animal model.

Antihyperglycemic Effect of Various Fractions from Residues of Blumea balsamifera

Objective To evaluate the antihyperglycemic activities of various fractions from theresidues of Blumea balsamifera（BB）,and to properly utilize the waste resource.MethodsThe antihyperglycemic activities were evaluated by the suppression on serum glucose level in vivo andα-glucosidase inhibition assay in vitro.The high-,mid-,and low-dose（1,0.5,and 0.25 g/kg of the herb）fractions were ig given to mice for 8 d.The serum glucose was monitored at 1 and 12 h after feeding.Results The fasting and postprandial serum glucose levels of mice treated with high-dose petroleum ether fraction,ethyl acetate fraction,butyl alcohol fraction,methanol fraction,and water extract from BB were 4.45,4.39,4.43,4.15,3.74 mmol/L and 6.98,6.23,6.45,6.26,5.88 mmol/L,respectively,while those in vehicle control group were 5.63 and 7.50 mmol/L.There are four different inhibiting manners by the results ofα-glucosidase inhibition assay.Conclusion The residues of BB have anti-diabetes activities after steam distillation.

Antihyperglycemic effect of Juniperus phoenicea L.on alloxan-induced diabetic rats and diterpenoids isolated from the fruits

Objective:To explore the traditional use of Juniperus phoenicea L.(J.phoenicea)growing in Egypt as antidiabetic herb.Methods:The antihyperglycemic activities of the crude 80%ethanol and successive extracts of leaves and fruits of the plant were investigated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats after collecting blood samples through retro-orbital puncture technique.As a consequence of the biological results,phytochemical investigation of the chloroform fraction of fruits was carried out by column chromatography and thin layer chromatography.Results:Results revealed the reduction in blood glucose levels in rats,which were significantly different from control at 4 and 8 weeks(P<0.01).The highest antihyperglycemic activity was exhibited by the crude extracts of fruits and leaves of which the potency was 83.6%and 81.9%,respectively,after 8 weeks,comparing to metformin drug(100%potency).Chloroform fractions of leaves and fruits were the most potent fractions(potencies were 70.3%,71.4%),respectively,along with ethyl acetate fraction of fruits(71.4%).Phytochemical investigating of the chloroform fraction of fruits resulted in the isolation and identification of 5 abietane diterpenoids.Ferruginol,7-dehydroabietanone,sugiol,6-α-hydroxy-7-oxoferruginol,totarolone and a labdane diterpenoid,varodiol were isolated for the first time from the fruits of J.phoenicea growing in Egypt.The identification of these compounds was based on spectroscopic analysis:1hydrogen-nuclear magnetic resonance and electron impact mass spectrometry,comparing the results with the literature.Conclusions:It has become clear that leaves and fruits of the Egyptian J.phoenicea provide effective antihyperglycemic action in diabetic rats as was reported in folk medicine.The high contents of terpenoids in the non-polar fractions may attribute to the antidiabetic effect of the plant.

A review on promising phytochemical, nutritional and glycemic control studies on Moringa oleifera Lam. in tropical and sub-tropical regions

Plants have provided sources to find novel compounds. These plants are being used as therapeutic purposes since the birth of mankind. The traditional healers normally utilize medicinal plants as crude drugs while scientists using the folk claim as guides to explore medicinal plants. Moringa oleifera is a famous edible plant having therapeutic and nutritive values. The present study was designed to cumulate the research data regarding to what extent, phytochemical, nutritional and glycemic control studies has been explored using its different extracts. The articles indicated that the powder, aqueous, methanol and ethanol extracts of Moringa oleifera(leaves, pods, seeds, stem and root bark) have significant therapeutic herbal potential to treat diabetes mellitus. Collectively, the mechanism behind is intestinal glucose inhibition, insulin release as well as decrease in insulin resistance probably regeneration of b-cells of pancreas, increase in glutathione and reduction in malondialdehyde. Conclusively, this article give descriptive information about antidiabetic effect, claimed marker compounds and proposed antihyperglycemic mechanism of a single plant. It can be suggested a potential herbal source to treat diabetes mellitus as being widely accepted by major population as nutrition and therapeutic agent.

Danhong Huayu Koufuye combined with metformin attenuated diabetic retinopathy in Zucker diabetic fatty rats

AIM: To evaluate effects of Danhong Huayu Koufuye (DHK, a Chinese medicinal formulae) alone or combined with metformin on diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, an animal model of obese type -2 diabetes, and then to investigate the mechanisms. METHODS: ZDF (fa/fa) rats were administered with vehicle (distilled water), metformin, DHK, and DHK plus metformin. Electrophysiological and histological analysis were applied to evaluated effects of DHK alone or combined with metformin on DR. The levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in blood were measured to evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of DHK. Furthermore, levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in serum were measured to study effects of DHK on oxidative stress in ZDF rats. In addition, body weight, lipidic indexes and insulin level were also assessed. RESULTS: DHK combined with metformin significantly reversed the prolongation of latency times of flash electroretinogram (FERG) and oscillatory potentials (OPs) in diabetic rats. Furthermore, DHK alone or combined with metformin showed a remarkable suppression of retinal neovascularization and amelioration of retinal internal limiting membrane morphology. Moreover, DHK alone or plus metformin reduced FBG (P<0.05), HbA1c 1094 (P<0.01) and MDA (P<0.01) levels in diabetic rats. In addition, reductions in levels of triglycerides (TG) (P<0.01) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively) were also observed in diabetic rats treated with DHK alone or plus metformin. CONCLUSION: DHK in combination with metformin had a preventive and therapeutic effect on DR in type-2 diabetic rats, and the possible mechanisms may be alleviating hyperglycemia, reducing oxidative stress and improving lipid metabolism.

Recent advances in new-onset diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation

A common challenge in managing kidney transplant recipients(KTR)is posttransplant diabetes mellitus(PTDM)or diabetes mellitus(DM)newly diagnosed after transplantation,in addition to known pre-existing DM.PTDM is an important risk factor for post-transplant cardiovascular(CV)disease,which adversely affects patient survival and quality of life.CV disease in KTR may manifest as ischemic heart disease,heart failure,and/or left ventricular hypertrophy.Available therapies for PTDM include most agents currently used to treat type 2 diabetes.More recently,the use of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors(SGLT2i),glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists(GLP-1 RA),and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors(DPP4i)has cautiously extended to KTR with PTDM,even though KTR are typically excluded from large general population clinical trials.Initial evidence from observational studies seems to indicate that SGLT2i,GLP-1 RA,and DPP4i may be safe and effective for glycemic control in KTR,but their benefit in reducing CV events in this otherwise high-risk population remains unproven.These newer drugs must still be used with care due to the increased propensity of KTR for intravascular volume depletion and acute kidney injury due to diarrhea and their single-kidney status,pre-existing burden of peripheral vascular disease,urinary tract infections due to immunosuppression and a surgically altered urinary tract,erythrocytosis from calcineurin inhibitors,and reduced kidney function from acute or chronic rejection.

Evaluation of antidiabetic activity of plants used in Western Sudan

Objective: To investigate the traditional antidiabetic uses of some indigenous Sudanese plants on streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats. Methods: Diabetic rats were treated with a 400 mg/kg dose of aqueous extracts of five plant species orally for 2 h(acute) or 14 days(chronic). In acute model blood glucose levels were monitored at specific intervals. In the chronic model blood samples were collected from overnight fasted diabetic rats on day 15 to estimate blood glucose level. And the body weight, serum lipid profile and activities of liver and kidney enzymes were measured. Histopathological observations of liver sections were also studied.Results: In the case of acute treatment, aqueous extracts of Tinospora bakis(T. bakis), Nauclea latifolia(N. latifolia) and Randia nilotica(R. nilotica) at 400 mg/kg significantly lowered(P < 0.05) blood glucose levels in diabetic rats whereas, chronic treatment of diabetic rats with 400 mg/kg of T. bakis, N. latifolia, R. nilotica and Mitragyna inremis proved to have significant(P < 0.05) antihyperglycemic effect and have the capacity to correct the metabolic disturbances associated with diabetes. Histopathological studies showed that the aqueous extracts of these four plants reinforced the healing of liver. However, Striga hermonthica aqueous extract did not exert any antihyperglycemic effect to diabetic rats. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that T. bakis, N. latifolia, R. nilotica and Mitragyna inremis have therapeutic value in diabetes and related complications and thus supporting the traditional uses of these plants in Sudanese traditional medicine.