Five distinct organic compounds with protected and unprotected phenolic hydroxyl groups were screened for their a-glucosidase inhibitory potential. Of these compounds, 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzaldehyde (THB) showed the strongest noncompetitive a-glucosidase inhibition (IC 50 = 4.60 lM) and the most powerful antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) (IC 50 = 71.4 lM) in vitro. In in vivo studies, THB significantly reduced blood glucose levels in normal and diabetic rats after glucose load compared to maltose load.
Abstract:The potential role of 80% methanolic extract of Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich., Urticaceae, root in the treatment of diabetes, along with its antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects, was studied in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Preliminary screening of the extract revealed the presence of polyphenolics and fl avonoids. The animal study was conducted with variable doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/ kg of extract for 21 days in diabetic rats. A signifi cant effect was observed at a dose of 500 mg/kg, which was comparable to the standard drug, glibenclamide. Administration of the extract at a 500 mg/kg dose resulted in a signifi cant reduction of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, blood urea, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urine sugar and urine ketone levels in diabetic rats in comparison with the diabetic control group. Additionally, this dose signifi cantly increased body weight, hemoglobin, plasma total protein, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, liver glycogen content, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and catalase levels in diabetic rats at the end of 21 days of treatment. Therefore, dietary supplementation with Boehmeria nivea root extract could be benefi cial for correcting hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and enhancing the antioxidant defense system.
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