Effect of Potentilla Fulgens L. on Selected Enzyme Activities and Altered Tissue Morphology in Diabetic Mice

Abstract

Introduction The objective of the present study was to investigate the in vitro inhibitory effect of the Potentilla fulgens extract on amylase, α- and β-glucosidase, and lipase, as well as its effect on the ultrastructure of the liver, of the kidneys, and of the eye tissues in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The present study was designed to get further insight regarding the action of P. fulgens from what has been previously known and reported about this plant. Materials and Methods Roots of P. fulgens were extracted with 10 volumes of aqueous-methanol solution (1:4), and the prepared extract was used for in vitro inhibitory activity on amylase, α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, and lipase. Afterwards, the plant extract was intraperitoneally administered for alternated days (250 mg/kg body weight) to diabetic mice for 4 weeks, and an ultrastructural examination of the liver, the kidneys and the eye tissues was performed using a transmission electron microscope (JEM-100 CX II, Jeol Ltd., Tokyo Japan). Results The P. fulgens extract showed inhibitory activity against all the four enzymes (amylase, α- and β-glucosidase, and lipase), with the highest percentage of inhibition (94.57% ± 0.16 at 1 mg/mL) being observed against α-glucosidase when compared with the standard. The ultrastructural studies revealed a distortion in the structure of the nuclei and of the mitochondria in the kidneys and liver tissues of diabetic mice. Distortion of cell shape and disturbed orientation was observed in the eye lens of diabetic mice. The P. fulgens extract reversed/protected/reduced the ultrastructural alteration observed in the tissues (liver, kidney, and eye lens) of diabetic mice. Conclusion The inhibitory effect of the P. fulgens extract against the aforementioned enzymes and its protective effect on the tissues of diabetic mice against alloxan-induced diabetes add further insight into the antidiabetic properties of this plant.

Effects of Gold Nanoparticles Phytoreduced with Rutin in an Early Rat Model of Diabetic Retinopathy and Cataracts

“…Additionally, incipient CA development was evaluated by TEM analysis at the six-week mark, to reassure anterior segment examination findings. Similarly to our results, Majaw et al observed a more severe disorder of lens fibres in four-week diabetic mice, compared to healthy controls, upon TEM examination [37].…”

Medicinal plant Potentilla fulgens and its effect in vitro against Fasciola gigantica

“…Previously in different studies have been evaluated that the root extract of P. fulgens possesses antitumor [31], antioxidant [26], anthelmintic [25], and gastroprotective [24]. The root extract of P. fulgens in in vitro inhibit enzyme activities of amylase, α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, and lipase in the liver, kidney, and eye lens of the diabetic mice [32].…”