Evaluation of Hypoglycemic Activity of Inorganic Constituents in Nelumbo nucifera Seeds on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats

Abstract

The seeds of Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) have been used in the traditional system of medicine for various ailments including diabetes. The present study was aimed at analyzing the levels of biologically important trace elements in the lotus seeds by atomic absorption spectroscopy and evaluating the hypoglycemic properties of seed ash on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. Diabetic rats treated with lotus seed ash at a concentration of 200 mg/kg body weight orally for 30 days exhibited significant hypoglycemic activity. The presence of trace elements in appreciable amounts in the seeds may play a direct or indirect role on insulin secretion or its action in a synergetic manner. The hypoglycemic activity of the ash was comparable with glyclazide. The role of trace elements in disorders related to diabetes is also discussed briefly.

Higenamine 4′-O-β-d-glucoside in the lotus plumule induces glucose uptake of L6 cells through β2-adrenergic receptor

“…The residue was purified using silica gel column chromatography (hexane/acetone = 3/1 to 2/1) to yield 3 (140.5 mg, 11% from dopamine), an enantiomer mixture that showed m/z 512 [ESI-MS (positive), [M+Na] + ] in the mass spectrum. Since 1 H NMR data of the obtained 3 showed complex signals, probably owing to isomers from benzyl group rotation (rotamer) and chiral carbon (enantiomer), the current and following intermediate products (3)(4)(5) were confirmed only using the mass spectra.…”

“…Rhizome, leaf, flower, seed, and all other parts are used to treat vomiting, leprosy, inflammation, skin diseases, neuronal disorders, diarrhea, poisoning, and various other symptoms. 4,5 Many scientific studies have shown the beneficial effects of this plant, including anti-ischaemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, anti-fertility, anti-arrhythmic, anti-fibrosis, antiviral, and other activities. 5,6 Among them, hypoglycemic activity of the plant extract has been reported.…”

“…5,6 Among them, hypoglycemic activity of the plant extract has been reported. 4,[7][8][9] During our search for hypoglycemic agents using glucose uptake assay against muscle model cells, the extract of the lotus plumule showed high activity. Lotus plumule is the germ inside the lotus seed, located between two cotyledons.…”

Nuciferine stimulates insulin secretion from beta cells—An in vitro comparison with glibenclamide

“…In vivo studies have demonstrated antidiabetic effects of Nelumbo nucifera (Mani et al, 2010;Mukherjee et al, 1997). A beverage prepared from Gynostemma pentaphyllum increases insulin sensitivity (Huyen et al, 2011), whereas the saponin phanoside from this plant stimulates insulin secretion (Hoa et al, 2007;Norberg et al, 2004).…”

Evaluation of in vitro aldose reductase inhibitory potential of alkaloidal fractions of Piper nigrum, Murraya koenigii, Argemone mexicana, and Nelumbo nucifera

“…N. nucifera (Nelumbonaceae), known by a number of names including Indian lotus, sacred lotus, bean of India, or simply lotus, is an aquatic plant. It has also shown in vivo hypoglycemic property by stimulating insulin secretion [30,31]. However, its aldose reductase inhibitory activity has not been explored yet.…”