Antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of wasteland plants

Int J Mol Sci. 2009 May; 10(5): 2367–2382.
Published online 2009 May 20. doi: 10.3390/ijms10052367
PMCID: PMC2695282
C.R 1. Hypoglycaemic and Hypolipidaemic Effects of Withania somnifera Root and Leaf Extracts on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats
Rajangam Udayakumar,1,2 Sampath Kasthurirengan,2 Thankaraj Salammal Mariashibu,2 Manoharan Rajesh,2 Vasudevan Ramesh Anbazhagan,2 Sei Chang Kim,1 Andy Ganapathi,1,2 and Chang Won Choi1,*
In the present study, the key gluconeogenic enzyme G6P activity was assayed in liver of diabetic rats because the liver is the main organ responsible for maintaining homeostasis of blood glucose. The activity of G6P is enhanced during diabetes [31]. The dearrangement in carbohydrate metabolism results in impaired glucose homeostasis leading to hyperglycaemia. WSREt and WSLEt replenished liver glycogen stores and suppressed the hepatic gluconeogenesis by decreasing activity of G6P. This result is accordance with the report of Bhavapriya et al. [32], in that the increased G6P activity is reversed by Aavirai kudineer (a herbal formulation) in diabetic rats.
In the present study the activities of AST, ALT, ACP and ALP in serum were altered in DM. In diabetic animals, the changes in the levels of AST, ALT, ACP and ALP are directly related to changes in metabolism in which the enzymes are involved. The increased activities of transaminases, which are active in the absence of insulin due to the availability of amino acids in the blood of DM [30,33] and are also responsible for the increased gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis. The restoration of AST and ALT to their respective normal level was observed in the WSREt and WSLEt treated groups. This is consistent with our previous report of the extracts of Chinese juniper berries [17]. AST and ALT levels also act as an indicator of liver function hence restoration of normal level of these enzymes indicates that the normal functioning of liver. Increased activities of serum ACP and ALP have been observed in alloxan diabetic rats [34]. Alloxan treated diabetes caused lipid peroxide mediated tissue damage in the pancrease, liver, kidney, and heart [34]. The increase in the levels of these enzymes in diabetes may be as a result of the leaking out from the tissues and then migrating into the blood stream [31]. Diabetes and hyperlipidaemia also cause cell damage by altering the cell membrane architecture, which results in enhanced activities of ACP and ALP in diabetic rats. In WSREt, WSLEt and glibenclamide treated groups, the cell damage might be reverted and which may leads to the decreased activities of ACP and ALP. Therefore, the present study clearly indicates that WSREt and WSLEt possess hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic activities in alloxan induced DM rats.
3.8.1. Determination of urine sugar, blood sugar, Hb, HbA1C and liver glycogen
The urine sugar was detected by Benedict’s method [38]. Fasting blood glucose was estimated by the o-toluidene method [39]. Hb was estimated by Dacie and Lewis method [40] and HbA1C by Bannon’s method [41]. Liver glycogen was estimated by the method of Carroll et al. [42].
3.8.2. Determination of serum lipid profile and tissues lipids like TC, TG and PL
Serum lipids like TC and TG were determined by the method of Zlatkis et al. [43] and Foster and Dunn, [44] respectively. PL was estimated by the method of Zilversmit and Davis [45]. Lipoproteins were estimated by the method of Burstein et al. [46]. Tissues lipids like TC, TG and PL were also estimated by the above mentioned methods.
3.8.3. Determination of serum and tissues protein
Serum total proteins and tissues proteins from liver, kidney and heart were determined by the method of Lowry et al. [47]. Serum albumin was determined by the method of Reinhold [48] and then serum globulin was determined by the following formula: Globulin = total protein – albumin.
3.8.4. Determination of assay of liver G6P and serum enzymes like AST, ALT, ACP and ALP
Activity of G6P in the liver was assayed by the method of Koide and Oda [49]. The activities of serum AST and ALT were assayed by the method of Reitman and Frankel [50]. ACP and ALP were assayed by the method of King [51].
3.9. Statistical analysis
Statistical evaluation was done using One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) by using SPSS 11.09 for windows. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.
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4. Conclusions
From the above results, it may be concluded that the W. somnifera root and leaf extracts possess antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic activities in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. W. somnifera root extract contained more flavonoids than leaf extract. Further, phytochemical characterization of W. somnifera is required to identify the specific compound(s) involved in the observed hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic activities.
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References and Notes
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Rev. bras. farmacogn. vol.23 no.3 Curitiba May/June 2013 Epub Mar 26, 2013 http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-695X2013005000027 C.R 2 :Comparative effects of mature coconut water (Cocos nucifera) and glibenclamide on some biochemical parameters in alloxan induced diabetic rats

P. P. PreethaI; V. Girija DeviII; T. RajamohanI, *
IDepartment of Biochemistry, University of Kerala, Kariavattom Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, India
IIDepartment of Home Science, Govt. College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, India Rev. bras. farmacogn. vol.23 no.3 Curitiba May/June 2013 Epub Mar 26, 2013 http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-695X2013005000027 Comparative effects of mature coconut water (Cocos nucifera) and glibenclamide on some biochemical parameters in alloxan induced diabetic rats

P. P. PreethaI; V. Girija DeviII; T. RajamohanI, *
IDepartment of Biochemistry, University of Kerala, Kariavattom Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, India
IIDepartment of Home Science, Govt. College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, India Introduction
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome, initially characterized by a loss of glucose homeostasis resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action both resulting in impaired glucose metabolism and other energy-yielding fuels such as lipids and protein (El-Soud et al., 2007). As per WHO, 346 million people worldwide have diabetes and it is also projected that death due to this will be the double between 2005 and 2030 (Rai et al., 2012). The beneficial effect of synthetic drugs provide good glycemic control but long term use have side effects and thus searching for a new class of compounds is essential to overcome diabetic problems (Prasad et al., 2009). There has been increasing demand for the use of plant products with antidiabetic activity due to low cost, easy availability and lesser side effects (Sharma et al., 2010). There are several published reports that plants like Aegle marmelos, Ficus exasperata, Annona muricata, Syzygium cumini, Gymnema sylvestre etc. exhibit significant antidiabetic potential (Anandharajan et al., 2006; Adewole et al., 2012; Adeyemi et al., 2010; Kang et al., 2012). So many people often combine the herbal remedies with oral hypoglycemic agent (Rai et al., 2012). Functional foods with preventive and therapeutic effects on metabolic disorders are very helpful for the improvement of lifestyle-related diseases (Muraki et al., 2011). The bioactive phytochemicals have become a very significant source for nutraceutical ingredients (Espín et al., 2007).
Among the various synthetic drugs, glibenclamide has been widely used in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (Figueroa-Valverde et al., 2012). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of lyophilized mature coconut water (LMCW) in comparison with glibenclamide in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Biochemical estimations
Serum glucose was determined (Trinder, 1969) using Agappe diagnostics, Ernakulam, Kerala, India. Serum insulin was measured with an automated immunochemiluminometric (ICL) assay according to the manufacturer 's instruction and was provided by Bayer Diagnostics (ADVIA Centaur insulin assay). Estimation of glycated hemoglobin was done using a Micromat2 hemoglobin Acc test, using a micromat II instrument, Catalogue No. 280-00016XI (Biorad). Liver glycogen was estimated by the method of Carroll et al., (1956). Blood urea was estimated by modified Berthelot method (Wheatherburn, 1967). Serum and urinary nitrate concentration, was estimated using the Griess reaction (Green et al., 1982). Serum protein was estimated by the method of Lowry et al, 1951. Albumin was estimated based on bromocresol green method using Agappe Diagnostics Albumin Kit (Doumasa et al., 1971). Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGPT) and Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGOT) was assayed by DNPH method (Reitman & Frankel, 1957) using the enzyme kit from CML Biotech (P) Ltd, Ernakulam, India. Quantitative determination of alkaline phosphatase was done as described by King & King (1954) using the enzyme kit procured from Dr.Reddy 's laboratories, Hyderabad, India. Creatinine in serum was estimated as per Bowers & Wong (1980). Activity of nitric oxide synthase was estimated by the method of Salter & Knowles (1997). Concentration of plasma L-arginine was estimated as described by Gopalakrishnan & Nagarajan (1979).
Statistical analysis
The results are expressed as the mean values with their standard deviation. Intergroup comparison was performed by one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan 's variance. Significance was set at p

References: 3. Pepato MT, Baviera AM, Vendramini RC, Perez MPMS, Ketelhut IC, Brunetti ILJ. Cissus sicyoides (princess vine) in the longterm treatment of streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Biotechnol. Appl. Biochem. 2003;37:15–20. [PubMed] 4 7. Devi PU, Sharada AC, Solomon FE. Anti-tumor and radiosensitizing effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on a transplantable mouse tumor sarcoma 180. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 1993;31:607–611. [PubMed] 8 9. Kandil FE, Elsayeh NH, Abou-Douh AM, Ishak MS, Mabry TJ. Flavonol glycosides and phenolics from Withania somnifera. Phytochemistry. 1994;37:1215–1216. 10. Bhattacharya SK, Satyam SK, Chakrabarti A. Effect of Trasina an Ayurvedic herbal formulation, on pancreatic islet superoxide dismutase activity in hyperglycaemic rats. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 1997;35:297–299. [PubMed] 11 12. Andallu B, Radhika B, Dawar R. Hypoglycaemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effects of winter cherry Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal root. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 2000;6:607–609. [PubMed] 13 14. Manach C, Scalbert A, Morand C, Remesy C, Jimenez L. Polyphenols: food sources and bioavailability. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2004;79:727–747. [PubMed] 15 16. Sharma SB, Nasir A, Prabhu KM, Murthy PS, Dev G. Hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effect of ethanolic extract of seeds Eugenia jambolana in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2003;85:201–206. [PubMed] 17 18. Panten U, Schwanstecher M, Schwanstecher C. Sulfonylurea receptors and mechanism of sulfonylurea action. Exp. Clin. Endocrinol. Diabetes. 1996;104:1–9. [PubMed] 19 20. Guo L, Hu WR, Lian JH, Ji W, Deng T, Qian M. Anti-hyperlipidemic properties of CM 108 (a flavone derivative) in vitro and in vivo. Eur. J Pharmacol. 2006;551:80–86. [PubMed] 21 22. Al-Yassin D, Ibrahim K. A minor haemoglobin fraction and the level of fasting blood glucose. J. Fac. Med. Bagh. 1981;23:373–380. 23. Punitha R, Manoharan S. Antihyperglycemic and antilipidperoxidative effects of Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Pierre flowers in alloxan induced diabetic rats. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2006;105:39–46. [PubMed] 24 25. Leite ACR, Aráujo TG, Carvalho BM, Silva NH, Lima VLM, Maia MBS. Parkinsonia aculeata aqueous extract fraction: Biochemical studies in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2007;111:547–552. [PubMed] 26 27. Sivajothi V, Dey A, Jayakar B, Rajkapoor B. Antihyperglycemic property of Tragia cannabina in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. J. Med. Food. 2007;10:361–365. [PubMed] 28 29. Anbalagan K, Sadique J. Influence of an Indian Medicine (Ashwagandha) on acute phase reactants in inflammation. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 1981;19:245. [PubMed] 30 31. Prince PSM, Menon VP. Hypoglycaemic and other related actions of Tinospora cardifolia roots in alloxan – induced diabetic rats. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2000;70:9–15. [PubMed] 32 33. Batran SAS, El-Gengaihi SE, Shabrawy OA. Some toxicological studies of Momordica charantia L. on albino rats in normal and alloxan diabetic rats. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2006;108:236–242. [PubMed] 34 35. Quettier-Deleu C, Gressier B, Vasseur J, Dine T, Brunet C, Luyckx M, Cazin M, Cazin JC, Bailleul F, Trotin F. Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of buckweat hulls and flour. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2000;72:35–42. [PubMed] 36 37. Folch J, Lees M, Slone Stanley GHS. A simple method for the isolation and purification of total lipids from animal tissues. J. Biol. Chem. 1957;226:497–509. [PubMed] 38 39. Sasaki T, Matsy S, Sonae A. Effect of acetic acid concentration on the colour reaction in the O-toluidine boric acid method for blood glucose estimation. Rinsho Kagaku. 1972;1:346–353. 42. Carroll NV, Longly RW, Joseph HR. Determination of glycogen in liver and muscle by use of anthrone reagent. J. Biol. Chem. 1956;220:583–593. [PubMed] 43 44. Foster CS, Dunn O. Stable reagents for determination of serum triglycerides by a colorimetric hantzsch condensation method. Clin. Chem. 1973;19:338–340. [PubMed] 45 46. Burstein M, Scholnick HR, Morgin R. Rapid method for the isolation of lipoprotein from human serum by precipitation with polyanion. J. Lipid Res. 1970;11:1583–1586. [PubMed] 47 49. Koide H, Oda T. Pathological occurrence of glucose-6-phosphatase in serum and liver diseases. Clin. Chim. Acta. 1959;4:554–561. [PubMed] 50 Rev. bras. farmacogn. vol.23 no.3 Curitiba May/June 2013 Epub Mar 26, 2013 http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-695X2013005000027