Malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus: a Caribbean contribution

In the Caribbean area fibrocalcific pancreatic diabetes is rare. The more common form of malnutrition-related diabetes is protein-deficient pancreatic diabetes. The authors note that there is a relatively high prevalence of diabetes mellitus in countries affected by undernutrition. The common factor of undernutrition is that it reduces the ability of the body to detoxify byproducts such as cyanide and free radicals. The state of undernutrition could result in abnormal glucose metabolism. (Au)

Extraction of an hyperglycaemic principle from the annatto (Bixa orellana)

The red powdery extract from the seeds of the annatto, Bixa orellana, is a well known food colouring. In an oil suspension it is used as a folk remedy (bush tea) in the West Indies, for diabetes mellitus. Detailed investigations on this extract, yielded a methyl ester, trans-bixin, molecular weight 394 and molecular formula C24 H30 O4. This purified substance was demonstrated, in anaaesthetised mongrel dogs, to cause hyperglycaemia. Concomitant electron microscopy of tissues biopsies, revealed damage to mitochrondria and endoplasmic reticulum mainly in liver and pancreas. When dogs were fed on a diet fortified with riboflavin, there was neither demonstratable tissue damage nor associated hyperglycaemia. These findings point to: (i) the potential dangers of informal medications such as 'bush teas'; (ii) the possible role of plant extracts/food additives in the development of diabetes mellitus especially in the undernourished state. (AU)

Isolation, purification and identification of the hyperglycaemic principle of the annatto (Bixa Orellana)

The use of herbal medicines in diabetes treatment is still a reality in Third World countries. The annatto is one of the plants widely used as an oral hypoglycaemic. Preliminary findings on the annatto, by a study group at the University of the West Indies showed, however, that anaesthetized dogs fed the crude extract of this annatto exhibited signs of hyperglycaemia. This unexpected result prompted further investigation. Studies commenced in 1985 to determine which component(s) from the crude extract was responsible for the observed hyperglycaemia. The chloroform eluent of the annatto seeds was separated by a chromatography sequence and recrystallizations, yielding a single bioactive component. Analysis by GC-mass spectrophotometry showed this component to be 99.4 percent pure, having a molecular weight of 394.2 and fitting the molecular formula C25H3O4. Further analysis by infrared (IR) spectrophotometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) supported the suggested molecular formula. Corroborative evidence was provided by 13C-NMR, confirming the structure of the hyperglycaemic agent as being that of transbixin. When this transbixin was fed to anaesthetized dogs in the amount of 0.6 g/Kg body weight, the dogs exhibited persistent hyperglycaemia. Additionally, electron microscopy revealed that they suffered severe damage to liver, kidney and pancreatic tissues to an extent that suggested that transbixin was not just hyperglycaemic, but also diabetogenic and toxic. Annatto pigments have, however, been listed by the FAO/WHO as being safe for human consumption and is widely used as colouring for butter, cheese, soups and other foods. The findings of this study indicate that another look will have to be taken at the annatto extracts as food additives, since transbixin is a major constituent. Further, the millions of poor in developing countries who continue to use annatto as a treatment for diabetes and other systemic ailments will need to be re-educated as to the possible implications of its continued use (AU)

Isolation, purification and identification of the hyperglycaemic principle of the annatto (Bixa orellana) - abstract

The crude extract eluted from the seed of Bixa orellana was seen to cause hyperglycaemia in anaesthetized dogs. Further investigation was carried out to find the biologically active component. Column chromatography, PLC and recrystallizations yielded a pure residue with m.p. 220. The experimental dogs in quantities below one gram, it caused sustained hyperglycaemia and severe damage to tissues of the liver, kidney and pancreas. The level of toxicity associated with this plant is of interest, since its extract is widley used in various goods (AU)