• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.302-310
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• 2008

Azadirachta indica A. Juss (N.O. Meliaceae), popularly known, as 'Neem' is an indigenous tree widely available in India. Almost every part of the tree has long been used in Unani system of medicine for the treatment of a variety of human ailments. The flowers have been mentioned as a remedy useful in controlling diabetes mellitus. The present study had been designed to investigate the hypoglycemic/anti-hyperglycemic effects of the methanolic extract of the flowers of A. indica (Gule-Neem) and its different fractions on normal, glucose fed hyperglycemic, adrenaline induced hyperglycemic and alloxan induced diabetic rats. The methanolic extract was resolved into water soluble and water insoluble fractions. Water soluble portion of the methanolic extract was found to possess significant blood sugar lowering effect in glucose-fed and adrenaline-induced hyperglycemic rats but it did not show such effect in normal and alloxan induced mild and severe diabetic rats. Water-soluble portion was fractionated by employing the polarity criterion with ethyl acetate and butanol. The ethyl acetate fraction was further fractionated into phenolic and non-phenolic fractions. Hypoglycemic effect of these fractions was also evaluated. The results suggest that the flowers of A. indica contain at least two different constituents, responsible for the said activity. These investigations validate the use of flowers of A. indica in diabetes by Unani physicians.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.20-38
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• 2009

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of herb formula HDDM, a modification of Huangdan decoction that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of glomerulonephritis and chronic renal failure, on the blood glucose levels in multiple low doses (MLD; 50 mg/kg for five consecutive days) of streptozotocin (STZ)-treated female B6C3F1 mice. Initial studies were performed to compare diabetes induction in five strains (e.g., B6C3F1, NOD, CD-1, C3H/HeN and C57BL/6) of mice by MLD-STZ, and immune changes following the treatment. The results suggested that the order of susceptibility to diabetes induction was NOD $\approx$ CD-1 > B6C3F1 $\approx$ C3H > C57BL/6. Furthermore, STZ modulation of T cell development, differentiation and activation might play a role in diabetes induction by MLD-STZ treatment. MLD-STZ-induced diabetes in female B6C3F1 mice was moderate, which allowed the evaluation of drug-induced protection or exacerbation of diabetes to be performed. As such, modulation of blood glucose by HDDM, which consisted of Da Huang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei), Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Seu Hedysari), Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae), Yin Yang Huo (Herba Epimedii), Yi Yi Ren (Semen Coicis or Coix lacryma-jobi), Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis) and Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni), was evaluated in MLD-STZ-treated female B6C3F1 mice. The results suggested that HDDM could lower the blood glucose levels, but it had no immunomodulatory activities. Additionally, HDDM-treated mice exhibited improved glucose tolerance. In conclusion, these studies have suggested that MLD-STZ-induced diabetes in female B6C3F1 mice is a useful model to evaluate drug modulation of diabetes, and that the herb formula HDDM possesses anti-diabetic effects.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.322-327
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• 2012

This study investigated the hypothesis that a sorghum extract exerts anti-diabetic effects through a mechanism that improves insulin sensitivity via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-${\gamma}$) from adipose tissue. Seven C57BL/6 mice were fed an AIN-93M diet with fat consisting of 10% of total energy intake (LF) for 14 weeks, and 21 mice were fed a high-fat AIN diet with 60% of calories derived from fat (HF). From week 8, the HF diet-fed mice were orally administered either saline (HF group), 0.5% (0.5% SE group), or 1% sorghum extract (1% SE group) for 6 weeks (n = 7/group). Perirenal fat content was significantly lower in the 0.5% SE and 1% SE groups than that in the HF mice. Levels of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and the area under the curve for glucose were significantly lower in mice administered 0.5% SE and 1% SE than those in HF mice. Serum insulin level was significantly lower in mice administered 1% SE than that in HF mice or those given 0.5% SE. PPAR-${\gamma}$ expression was significantly higher, whereas the expression of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ was significantly lower in mice given 1% SE compared to those in the HF mice. Adiponectin expression was also significantly higher in mice given 0.5% SE and 1% SE than that in the HF mice. These results suggest that the hypoglycemic effect of SE may be related with the regulation of PPAR-${\gamma}$-mediated metabolism in this mouse model.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.39-46
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• 2021

Objectives : Mangifera indica leaves are well known for having a variety of benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic vasculosis. However, the effects of Mangifera indica leaves on hair loss inhibition have not been studied. In this study, we investigated to find out the activity of Mangifera indica leaves on hair loss. Methods : 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid(ABTS) analysis was performed to confirm the antioxidant efficacy of the water extract of Mangifera indica leaves (WEML). To examine the effect of WEML on cell viability in dermal papillar (DP) cells, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetra Zolium (MTS) analysis was performed. The changes in the mRNA expression level of the hair loss and hair growth-related genes in dermal papilla cells by WEML treatment were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. Results : In dermal papilla (DP) cells, ABTS analysis and MTS analysis of WEML showed antioxidant efficacy and low cytotoxicity. As a result of gene expression analysis through Quantitative RT-PCR, no changes in hair growth-related genes BMP6 and CTNNB1 was confirmed. but inhibitory activity of WEML on hair loss-related genes EGR1, SGK, DKK1, SRD5A1 and SRD5A2 was confirmed. Conclusion : We confirmed that WEML has excellent antioxidant efficacy and a inhibitory activity of hair loss-related genes including 5α-reductase genes. These results suggest that Mangifera indica leaves have a potential activity as a hair loss treatment for hair loss and hair growth. Biochemical or molecular biological research on hair loss is needed.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.9
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• pp.1012-1018
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• 2014

Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai (Korean name, Jeju-Joritdae) is one of the most abundant plants on Mt. Halla, Jeju Island, and it has long been used in traditional medicines. Recent studies have reported it as possessing various beneficial functions, including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertension, anti-gastritis, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer effects. However, the molecular mechanisms of its anti-cancer activity have not been clearly elucidated. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects and mechanism of S. quelpaertensis on human colon cancer HT-29 cells. Cell growth inhibition by S. quelpaertensis was determined by MTT assay. Apoptosis was performed by DNA fragmentation, flow cytometry with propidium iodide staining (PI), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to confirm the anti-apoptotic factors, such as inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family members. $NO^{\bullet}$ production was determined by Griess assay. S. quelpaertensis treatment resulted in the time- and dose-dependent inhibition of the cell viability of HT-29 cells by inducing apoptosis, as evidenced by the accumulation of the sub-G1 cell population stained by PI, as well as the ladder-like DNA fragmentation in a dose-dependent manner. S. quelpaertensis-inducing apoptosis was accompanied by the induction of S cell cycle arrests, increasing $NO^{\bullet}$ concentrations, and the down-regulation of IAPs, including X-chromosome-linked IAP (XIAP), cellular IAP-1 (cIAP-1), cIAP-2, and survivin. Taken together, these findings have important implications for future clinical developments of S. quelpaertensis in colon cancer treatment.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.11
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• pp.1200-1207
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• 2019

Ultraviolet radiation exposure is a major cause of extrinsic skin aging, which leads to skin hyperpigmentation. Loganin, a major iridoid glycoside obtained from Corni fructus, has anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective effects. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the anti-melanogenic effects of loganin in B16F10 melanocytes treated with ${\alpha}$-melanocyte stimulating hormone (${\alpha}-MSH$) and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). Anti-melanogenic activity was measured by treating cells with loganin at concentrations between 1 and $20{\mu}m$. Cell viability assays confirmed that doses of loganin up to $20{\mu}m$ were not cytotoxic. Loganin significantly and dose-dependently decreased intracellular melanin production. We also investigated potential molecular signaling pathways for the anti-melanogenesis effects of loganin. Western blotting showed that treatment with ${\alpha}-MSH$ and IBMX increased the phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and the gene expressions of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase. Addition of loganin suppressed these increases, while promoting the phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and the anti-melanogenesis response. Our data therefore indicated that loganin could attenuate the increased melanin synthesis induced by ${\alpha}-MSH$ and IBMX treatment of B16F10 melanocytes. This attenuation appears to occur by downregulation of CREB phosphorylation and MITF and tyrosinase gene expression and upregulation of ERK phosphorylation. These finding suggests that loganin could be a valuable candidate for treatment of skin diseases related to hyperpigmentation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.9
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• pp.935-945
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• 2014

Persimmon leaves were commonly consumed as beverages, but were also used as popular folk medicine in Asia. The purpose of this work was to assess the biological activities of Diospyros Lotus L. extracts (DLLE). Various solvent extracts, including n-Hexnae, $CHCl_3$, EtOAc, and n-BuOH fractions, were obtained from the methanol extract of Diospyros Lotus L. leaves. The increasing interest in the powerful biological activity of plant phenolics and flavonoids outlined the necessity for determining their content in medicinal herbs. In this study, the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC) in the EA fraction were higher than those of other fractions. The biological activities of DLLE were tested using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activity assay, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity as an anti-oxidant effect and ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory activity as an anti-diabetic effect. The EA fraction with high TPC and TFC values showed the highest anti-oxidant effect and high ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibition. The EA fractions were further purified into eight fractions using open column chromatography. Higher anti-oxidant and anti-${\alpha}$-glucosidase activity were observed in polar fractions. The content of the flavonoids, including quercein-3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, myricetin, luteolin, and kaempferol, were analyzed in effective fractions using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results suggest that DLLE have anti-oxidative and anti-diabetic effects and thus, have the potential as anti-diabetic materials and as a source for natural health products.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.1108-1118
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of aerobic and resistance exercise of different intensity on anti-diabetic and lipid profile improvement in type 2 diabetic mice. C57BL/6 mice were divided into six groups (n=8, in each group): normal group (Normal), type 2 diabetes (DM), type 2 diabetes+VO₂max 50% aerobic exercise group (DM50A), type 2 diabetes+VO₂max 75% aerobic exercise group (DM75A), type 2 diabetes+1RM 50% resistance exercise group (DM50R), and type 2 diabetes+1RM 75% resistance group (DM75R). DM50A and DM75A were subjected to treadmill exercise 40 min/day, 5 days/week, during 8 weeks (DM50A, at the speed of 8 m/min for 1-4 weeks and 8~10 m/min for 5-8 weeks; DM75A, 12 m/min for 1-4 weeks and 12~14 m/min for 5-8weeks). DM50R (1RM50%) and DM75R (1RM75%) were subjected to ladder-climbing exercise with weights secured to their tails, 8 set/day, 5 days/week, during 8 weeks. After 8 weeks of exercise, fasting blood glucose and HOMA-IR was significantly lower in DM group than in DM group. HbA1c showed significantly lower DM50R and DM75R groups than DM group. HDL-C showed the highest level in DM75A group and triglyceride was lowest in DM75R group. The cardiovascular risk index was lowest in the Normal and DM75A groups. Therefore, moderate intensity exercise in T2DM mice showed better improvement in blood glucose and insulin resistance control, and moderate intensity aerobic exercise was effective in reducing the cardiovascular risk index by increasing HDL-C levels.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.134-144
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• 2015

The anti-diabetic effects of Allium tuberosum Rottler extracts (ATE) and ATE fermented with lactic acid bacteria in db/db mice were evaluated. The electron donating activity of ATE fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus casei, respectively, increased compared to that of ATE, but the superoxide radical scavenging activity of the ATE incubated with L. plantarum decreased. The superoxide radical scavenging activity of the ATE fermented with both L. plantarum and L. casei was similar to that of the ATE. Therefore, fermented ATE (FATE) was prepared for in vivo testing by incubating it with both L. plantarum and L. casei. The db/db mice were divided into six groups: normal (non-diabetic mice), diabetic control (DM), and four experimental groups administered 200 or 400 mg/kg/day ATE (ATE200 and ATE400) and 200 or 400 mg/kg/day FATE (FATE200 and FATE400). Weight gain was significantly inhibited in the FATE200 group compared with that in the other db/db mice groups (p<0.05). The areas under the curve of the ATE400 and FATE400 groups were significantly smaller than that of the DM group in the glucose tolerance evaluation. The serum glucagon-like peptide-1 levels in the ATE400 and FATE400 groups increased. These results indicate that administering ATE and FATE may be effective against anti-hyperglycemia by regulating insulin resistance. In particular, FATE may be beneficial for controlling obesity in type 2 diabetes.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.201-206
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• 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Cassia acutifolia on the obesity and the glucose levels in a rat model of obesity and diabetes. Methods: By random selection, 36 Wistar male rats were divided in two control groups, the positive and the negative control groups, and into four experimental groups receiving different infusions of Cassia acutifolia in water ad libitum. Results: The results revealed a statistically significant anti-obesogenic effect (P = 0.02), although this was not considered clinically significant. Additionally, Cassia acutifolia lowered the glucose levels by 30 mg/dL to 90 mg/dL (P = 0.05). However, we observed adverse effects in the liver, a two-fold increase in transaminase levels (P = 0.002), and in the kidneys, decreased creatinine levels (P = 0.001), and these adverse effects had no viable explanation. Conclusion: Cassia acutifolia has anti-hyperglycemic effects in obese diabetic rats. However, Cassia acutifolia also has adverse effects, so it should not be administered to patients.