Dioscorea Extract (DA-9801) Modulates Markers of Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetic db/db Mice

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of DA-9801, an optimized extract of Dioscorea species, on diabetic peripheral neuropathy in a type 2 diabetic animal model. In this study, db/db mice were treated with DA-9801 (30 and 100 mg/kg, daily, p.o.) for 12 weeks. DA-9801 reduced the blood glucose levels and increased the withdrawal latencies in hot plate tests. Moreover, it prevented nerve damage based on increased nerve conduction velocity and ultrastructural changes. Decrease of nerve growth factor (NGF) may have a detrimental effect on diabetic neuropathy. We previously reported NGF regulatory properties of the Dioscorea genus. In this study, DA-9801 induced NGF production in rat primary astrocytes. In addition, it increased NGF levels in the sciatic nerve and the plasma of type 2 diabetic animals. DA-9801 also increased neurite outgrowth and mRNA expression of Tieg1/Klf10, an NGF target gene, in PC12 cells. These results demonstrated the attenuation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy by oral treatment with DA-9801 via NGF regulation. DA-9801 is currently being evaluated in a phase II clinical study.

Combined Application of UHPLC‐QTOF/MS, HPLC‐ELSD and 1H–NMR Spectroscopy for Quality Assessment of DA‐9801, A Standardised Dioscorea Extract

“…However, most of the currently available treatments for diabetic neuropathy only relieve the symptoms (Edwards et al ., ). Drugs commonly used to ameliorate the symptoms, such as gabapentin and α‐lipoic acid, are reported to cause various side effects; thus, the development of safer treatments for diabetic neuropathy is of upmost importance (Moon et al ., ).…”

Preventive effect of <i>Dioscorea japonica</i> on squamous cell carcinoma of mouse skin involving down-regulation of prostaglandin E₂ synthetic pathway

“…Dioscoreaceae yam tubers are usually edible and are rich in many nutrients. ( 5 , 6 ) Dioscorea japonica is good for nutritional fortification, ( 7 – 10 ) and it has a gastric mucosal protective effect conferred by glycoproteins and digestive enhancement by glycosidase. Recently, we found that Dioscorea japonica extract (DJE) suppressed the expression of COX-2 and mPGES-1 in human non-small-cell lung carcinoma A549 cells and colon carcinoma Caco-2 cells, thereby inducing apoptosis in such cells.…”

Combating Diabetes and its Emerging Complications Utilizing Natural Phytochemicals

“…More studies are needed to ascertain their potentials on the overall quality of life. [20][21][22][23] Generally, natural phyto-chemicals showed to be effective and welltolerated by their in vivo-models of DM. Serious side-effects of these phyto-chemicals did not show as an arising problem.…”