Antidiabetic and renoprotective effects of the chloroform extract of Terminalia chebula Retz. seeds in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

BackgroundTerminalia chebula (Combretaceae) has been widely used in Ayurveda for the treatment of diabetes. In the present investigation, the chloroform extract of T. chebula seed powder was investigated for its antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats using short term and long term study protocols. The efficacy of the extract was also evaluated for protection of renal functions in diabetic rats.MethodsThe blood glucose lowering activity of the chloroform extract was determined in streptozotocin-induced (75 mg/kg, i.p.; dissolved in 0.1 M acetate buffer; pH 4.5) diabetic rats, after oral administration at the doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg in short term study. Blood samples were collected from the eye retro-orbital plexus of rats before and also at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h after drug administration and the samples were analyzed for blood glucose by using glucose-oxidase/peroxidase method using a visible spectrophotometer. In long term study, the extract (300 mg/kg) was administered to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, daily for 8 weeks. Blood glucose was measured at weekly intervals for 4 weeks. Urine samples were collected before the induction of diabetes and at the end of 8 weeks of treatments and analyzed for urinary protein, albumin and creatinine levels. The data was compared statistically using one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Dunnet's t-test.ResultsThe chloroform extract of T. chebula seeds produced dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose of diabetic rats and comparable with that of standard drug, glibenclamide in short term study. It also produced significant reduction in blood glucose in long term study. Significant renoprotective activity is observed in T. chebula treated rats. The results indicate a prolonged action in reduction of blood glucose by T. chebula and is probably mediated through enhanced secretion of insulin from the β-cells of Langerhans or through extra pancreatic mechanism. The probable mechanism of potent renoprotective actions of T. chebula has to be evaluated.ConclusionThe present studies clearly indicated a significant antidiabetic and renoprotective effects with the chloroform extract of T. chebula and lend support for its traditional usage. Further investigations on identification of the active principles and their mode of action are needed to unravel the molecular mechanisms involved in the observed effects.

Evaluation of Terminalia chebula Extract for Anti-Arthritic Efficacy and Safety in Osteoarthritic Dogs

“…It is highly probable that the observed anti-inflammatory effect was exerted by the active principles (chebulagic acid, gallic acid, polyphenols and other bio-active compounds) present in TCE. Additional properties of TCE, such as nutritional, physiological [85], adaptogenic, immunomodulatory [86][87][88], and other pharmacological actions [66,78,79,83,[89][90][91][92][93] might have played roles in the treatment of arthritic dogs. In our recent investigations, nutraceuticals such as purified Shilajit and Crominex 3+, by having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, also significantly ameliorated pain and other signs of OA in dogs [16,30].…”

Untitled

“…Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) Prevents platelet aggregation, antithrombotic, hypocholesterolemic, hypolipidemic, anti-atherosclerotic, antioxidant [40] Shilajit Reduces blood sugar levels, beneficial effects on lipid profile, antidiabetic [42] Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant [43] Hareetaki (Terminalia chebula) Antiatherosclerotic, hypocholesterolemic, hypotensive, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory [40] Antidiabetic [44] Cow's urine Antioxidant, antiobesity, vasodilator, fibrinolytic, blood purifier, lowers cholesterol levels, maintains structural integrity of corpuscles [45] Pippali (Piper longum) Antiplatelet, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, cardio protective, coronary vasodilatation [46] Bilva (Aegle marmelos) Hypoglycemic, improves glucose tolerance [40] Daru haridra (Berberis aristata) Antiangina, antihypertensive, antiarrhythmic, anti-inflammatory, prevents myocardial infarction [40] Reduces serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL levels and increases thrombin and fibrinogen time [47] Haridra (Curucuma longa) Fibrinolytic, antiatherosclerotic, antithrombotic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, antiobesity, anti-inflammatory [40] Curcumin acts as anticoagulant, antidiabetic, antifibrotic and hypotensive [48] [40] Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) Anti-arrhythmic, hypotensive, tranquilizing [40] Shunthi (Zingiber officinale) Antioxidant, antiplaque, cardio protective, antiobesity, hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, useful in coronary artery disease [40] Vacha (Acorus calamus) Hypolipidemic, tranquilizer, useful in heart diseases [40] Antioxidant [49] Vibheetaki (Terminalia bellirica) Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, smooth muscle relaxant [40] Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium Linn. )…”

The Renal Effects of Blood Glucose-Lowering Plant-Derived Extracts in Diabetes Mellitus—an Overview

“…[22,27,28] Chronic hyperglycaemia accelerates the activation of the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), polyol pathway, and the protein kinase C pathway. [29][30][31][32] The metabolic factors are synergistically correlated with one another, and thus an effective treatment with widespread effects continues to be required. Therapeutic interference with the metabolic pathways involved in the development of diabetic nephropathy, however, preserves the structure of kidneys in experimental animals.…”