Evaluation of the In Vivo Therapeutic Effects of Radix Paeoniae Rubra Ethanol Extract with the Hypoglycemic Activities Measured from Multiple Cell‐Based Assays

Abstract

Background. Radix Paeoniae Rubra (Chi Shao) contains several phytochemicals with hypoglycemic actions. Current research aims to explore potential insulinotropic effects and long-term therapeutic efficacy of such herb against type 2 diabetes. Methods. Composition analysis for the ethanol extract (PRExt) was executed by high performance liquid chromatography. Polyphenol-enriched fraction was characterized by high pressure size exclusion chromatography. Multiple cell platforms were employed to evaluate hypoglycemic bioactivities. In animal experiments, blood glucose, the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-index assessment, glucose tolerance test, and in vivo glucose uptake were all measured. Additional effects of PRExt on obesity and hepatic steatosis were evaluated by serum and histological analysis. Results. PRExt provides multiple hypoglycemic effects including the enhancement of glucose-mediated insulin secretion. Pentagalloylglucose and polyphenol-enriched fraction are two insulinotropic constituents. Moreover, PRExt intraperitoneal injection causes acute hypoglycemic effects on fasted db/db mice. Oral administration of PRExt (200 mg/kg b.w.) gradually reduces blood glucose in db/db mice to the level similar to that in C57J/B6 mice after 30 days. The improvement of glucose intolerance, HOMA-index, and in vivo glucose uptake is evident in addition to the weight loss effect and attenuation of hepatic steatosis. Conclusion. PRExt is an effective antidiabetic herbal extract with multiple hypoglycemic bioactivities.

The protective effects of total paeony glycoside on ischemia/reperfusion injury in H9C2 cells via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

“…Recently, studies have demonstrated that traditional Chinese medicine may be effective in the prevention and treatment of myocardial I/R injury ( 7 , 8 ). According to traditional Chinese medicine, Radix Paeoniae Rubra, the dried root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall, is able to reduce heat and cool blood, disperse stasis and relieve pain ( 9 – 11 ). Total paeony glycoside (TPG) is a major component of Radix Paeoniae Rubra, and the effective component of TPG is a monoterpene compound ( 12 ).…”

“…Total paeony glycoside (TPG) is a major component of Radix Paeoniae Rubra, and the effective component of TPG is a monoterpene compound ( 12 ). Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Radix Paeoniae Rubra has various pharmacological functions that mainly produce effects on the cardiovascular system ( 9 , 13 , 14 ). In addition, it exerts antitumor and anti-endotoxin effects, as well as other functions ( 9 , 13 , 14 ).…”

“…Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Radix Paeoniae Rubra has various pharmacological functions that mainly produce effects on the cardiovascular system ( 9 , 13 , 14 ). In addition, it exerts antitumor and anti-endotoxin effects, as well as other functions ( 9 , 13 , 14 ). Furthermore, TPG has been used to treat cancer, atherosclerosis and ischemic cerebrovascular disease in China ( 15 , 16 ).…”

Activity‐guided isolation of α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase inhibitory compounds from Rhus coriaria L

“…These two anomers of pentagalloyl glucose prevented the conversion of preadipocytes to mature adipocytes (Ren, Himmeldirk, & Chen, 2006). When the activity of penta‐ O ‐galloyl‐D‐glucopyranose on BRIN‐BD11 cells, which are responsible for the releasing of the insulin, was investigated, it was shown that penta‐ O ‐galloyl‐D‐glucopyranose showed the insulinotropic effect in a dose‐dependent manner (Chang et al., 2016). The activities of α and β anomers of penta‐ O ‐galloyl‐D‐glucopyranose on stimulation of glucose transport were investigated, so the EC50 value of α and β pentagalloyl glucose was found to be 17 and 18 µM, respectively (Klein, Kim, Himmeldirk, Cao, & Chen, 2007).…”

A Grape Juice Supplemented with Natural Grape Extracts Is Well Accepted by Consumers and Reduces Brain Oxidative Stress

“…This fact was not a surprise because many papers describing heat damage to polyphenols availability have been published. Losses of between 16 and 28% of polyphenol levels after pasteurization have been previously reported in grape and watermelon juice and strawberry puree [ 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]. The really important fact is that this loss is not considered relevant, since the remaining polyphenols are sufficient to induce healthy in vivo effects [ 45 ].…”