Teucrium polium: Potential Drug Source for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is rising globally and this disease is proposed to be the next pandemic after COVID-19. Although the cause of type 2 diabetes mellitus is unknown, it is believed to involve a complex array of genetic defects that affect metabolic pathways which eventually lead to hyperglycaemia. This hyperglycaemia arises from an inability of the insulin-sensitive cells to sufficiently respond to the secreted insulin, which eventually results in the inadequate secretion of insulin from pancreatic β-cells. Several treatments, utilising a variety of mechanisms, are available for type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, more medications are needed to assist with the optimal management of the different stages of the disease in patients of varying ages with the diverse combinations of other medications co-administered. Throughout modern history, some lead constituents from ancient medicinal plants have been investigated extensively and helped in developing synthetic antidiabetic drugs, such as metformin. Teucrium polium L. (Tp) is a herb that has a folk reputation for its antidiabetic potential. Previous studies indicate that Tp extracts significantly decrease blood glucose levels r and induce insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells in vitro. Nonetheless, the constituent/s responsible for this action have not yet been elucidated. The effects appear to be, at least in part, attributable to the presence of selected flavonoids (apigenin, quercetin, and rutin). This review aims to examine the reported glucose-lowering effect of the herb, with a keen focus on insulin secretion, specifically related to type 2 diabetes mellitus. An analysis of the contribution of the key constituent flavonoids of Tp extracts will also be discussed.

Teucrium polium: new toxic effects added to the literature: a case report

“…Teucrium polium or germander is a type of peppermint, a kind of aromatic plant that mainly grows in the Mediterranean region 4 , 5 . Germander has been used as an herbal medicine throughout centuries for gastrointestinal disorders, kidney problems, wound healing, and diabetes, and mostly by Mediterranean people 4 .…”

Hypoglycemic Activity of $Origanum~vulgare$ L. Aqueous Extract in Hyperglycemia Induced by Immobilization Stress in Rabbits

“…Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of chronic metabolic disorder altered carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism lead to hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and polyuria due to the inability of the insulin-sensitive cells to respond to the secreted insulin, resulting to a lack secretion of insulin from pancreatic β-cells. Moreover, hyperglycemia can provoke a number of pathogenesis such as neuropathy, cardiomyopathy, peripheral arterial disease and coronary artery disease [1]. Hence, controlling hyperglycemia decreases the risk of developing cardiovascular complications and improves diabetes management.…”

“…Hence, controlling hyperglycemia decreases the risk of developing cardiovascular complications and improves diabetes management. In case of hyperglycemia, the cells cannot metabolize glucose correctly due to insufficient production of insulin and is a diminished ability of the tissue to utilize glucose [1,2]. Glucose is the main source of energy for most organs and tissues.…”

“…Apart from insulin, the oral antidiabetic drugs, the sulphonylureas such as glibenclamide, and the antidiabetic agents, which enhances the sensitivity of insulin such as metformin, have been developed. Synthetic drugs, like metformin, can arise side effects such as lactic acidosis that can occur in diabetic patients [1,3]. Furthermore, this glucose-lowering pharmaceutical drugs and insulin are expensive and have adverse effect such as severe hypoglycemia, liver cell injury and diarrhea [2].…”

“…Presently, for diabetic patients there are several available treatment strategies, either through synthetic drugs or natural sources like medicinal plant. As known, the vast majority of diabetic patients in developing countries use medicinal natural products that have an antidiabetic properties [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Most people at high risk of developing type T2DM usually take plant-based food that could be enriched with phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds.…”