Venom Peptides, Polyphenols and Alkaloids: Are They the Next Antidiabetics That Will Preserve β-Cell Mass and Function in Type 2 Diabetes?

Abstract

Improvement of insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells and preservation of their mass are the current challenges that future antidiabetic drugs should meet for achieving efficient and long-term glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The successful development of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogues, derived from the saliva of a lizard from the Helodermatidae family, has provided the proof of concept that antidiabetic drugs directly targeting pancreatic β-cells can emerge from venomous animals. The literature reporting on the antidiabetic effects of medicinal plants suggests that they contain some promising active substances such as polyphenols and alkaloids, which could be active as insulin secretagogues and β-cell protectors. In this review, we discuss the potential of several polyphenols, alkaloids and venom peptides from snake, frogs, scorpions and cone snails. These molecules could contribute to the development of new efficient antidiabetic medicines targeting β-cells, which would tackle the progression of the disease.

Ethyl Acetate Fractions of Tectona Grandis Crude Extract Modulate Glucose Absorption and Uptake as Well as Antihyperglycemic Potential in Fructose–Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

“…Over the years, herbal medicine has gained tremendous attention in global healthcare delivery [ 17 ]. Accumulative evidence suggests that polyphenols are essential in preventing and managing T2D via two approaches: (1) The insulin-dependent approaches; this involves the pancreatic islet β-cell protection from hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress [ 18 , 19 ], promotion of β-cell proliferation [ 20 ], activation of insulin signalling [ 21 ], and stimulation of pancreatic insulin secretion [ 22 ]. (2) Insulin-independent approaches include inhibition of glucose absorption [ 23 ], inhibition of digestive enzymes [ 24 , 25 ], increased disposal of postprandial glucose [ 26 ], and regulation of intestinal microbiota [ 27 ].…”

“…An aliquot of 20 µL was taken and made up to 200 µL with distilled water in a tube. Thereafter, 200 µL of 5% phenol was added to the aliquot and the glycogen standards (10,20,30,40,50,60,70, 80, 90 µg/mL) followed by 1 mL of sulphuric acid (96-98%). They were boiled in a water bath for 10 min.…”