Tylophora hirsuta (Wall.) Extracts Ameliorate Diabetes Associated with Inflammation in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Tylophora hirsuta (Wall) has long been used as traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The current study is designed to evaluate the anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activity of different extracts of aerial parts of Tylophora hirsuta. METHODS: Sequential maceration was conducted to obtain extracts. Total phenolic contents were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteau method. The anti-oxidant activity was assessed by DPPH free radical scavenging assay. The extracts were tested for its inhibitory activity against α-amylase in-vitro. In-vivo anti-diabetic assay was conducted using alloxan-induced diabetic model and OGTT was conducted on normal rats. ELISA was used to determine the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6). The polyphenolic composition of the extract was analyzed using an HPLC system. RESULTS: Aqueous extract exhibited highest total phenolic contents (985.24± 3.82 mg GAE/100 g DW), antioxidant activity (IC50 = 786.70 ± 5.23 µg/mL), and alpha-amylase inhibition (IC50 =352.8 µg/mL). The aqueous extract of Tylophora hirsuta showed remarkable in-vivo anti-diabetic activity. Results were compared with standard drug glibenclamide. Alloxan induced diabetic mediated alterations in liver function enzymes, renal function determinants, and lipid parameters were significantly restored in aqueous extract treated diabetic rats. A significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines (p<0.001) was observed when compared to the control group. HPLC analysis confirms the presence of quercetin, gallic acid, cinnamic acid, and p-coumaric acid. CONCLUSION: These results showed that Tylophora hirsuta possesses strong anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory potentials and justify its folklore use for the management of diabetes.

Berberis lycium Royle. extracts attenuate inflammation and modulates hyperglycemia in alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Berberis lycium Royle (Berberidaceae) is traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Present study was conducted to determine the antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous and methanolic whole plant extracts. Total phenolic contents were determined by Folin-ciocalteu method whereas antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) method. In vitro anti-diabetic activity was determined using alpha amylase assay. Acute hypoglycemic activity was investigated on normoglycemic rats. Sub-acute anti-diabetic effects were investigated in alloxan induced diabetic rats for 14 days. Methanolic extract exhibited 183.5±1 mg/g Gallic acid equivalent (GAE) phenolic contents. The methanolic extract exhibited an IC50 of 242µg/mL and 37.26 mg/mL in antioxidant and alpha amylase inhibitory assays respectively. Administration of methanolic extract in normoglycemic rats exhibited significant anti-hyperglycemic effect at 90 and 120 min. Methanolic extract (500 mg/kg extract) significantly reduced blood glucose at day 14. Methanolic extract (500 mg/kg) significantly reduced the concentration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL-6) along with reduction in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetic rats. Administration of methanol extract also improved the hepatic markers. The study suggested that the methanolic extract possessed antidiabetic effect that might be attributed to its alpha amylase, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.