scholarly journals Therapeutic Effects of the Anti-diabetic Polyherbal Drug Diawell in Combination with Metformin on Liver and Lipid Parameters in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Author(s):  
O. N. Briggs ◽  
E. O. Nwachuku ◽  
H. Brown ◽  
K. N. Elechi-Amadi

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most important diseases worldwide. It affects several organ systems including the liver and lipid metabolism. Many herbal formulations have shown anti-diabetic potential, however, their safety and efficacy remain a debate in the medical community. Aim: This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of the anti-diabetic polyherbal drug diawell in combination with metformin on liver enzyme and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic rats. Methodology: A total of 35 male Wistar albino rats weighing between 120-220 g were used for this study. The rats were placed on high fat diet, and diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared streptozotocin (STZ) (45 mg/kg body wt). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was determined using the glucose oxidase method. Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG) and High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were determined using enzymatic methods. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated using the Friedewald equation. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined using Reitman-Frankel method, while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was determined using the colorimetric phenolphthalein method. Liver sections were stained using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining technique, and phytochemical analysis was also done on the herbal tablet. Results: The results show no significant differences in mean TC levels in all groups. TG level was significantly higher in the diabetic control when compared to the negative control. There were no significant differences in TG levels in the metformin group, and diawell group when compared to the diabetic control. TG levels in the combination group (metformin + diawell) was significantly lower versus the diabetic control, and showed no significant difference compared to the negative control. HDL-C was significantly higher in the negative control when compared to the diabetic control and the treatment groups. There were no significant differences in HDL-C levels in all the treatment groups, when compared to the diabetic control. LDL-C levels were significantly lower in the negative control compared to the diabetic control and treatment groups. There were no significant differences in LDL-C levels in all the treatment groups, when compared to the diabetic control. The diabetic control had significantly higher ALT, AST and ALP levels compared to the negative control and treatment groups. All the treatment groups showed no significant differences in ALT and AST levels compared to the negative control. Liver sections of the negative control showed normal histoarchitecture. The diabetic control showed inflammation and fatty deposition. The treatment groups showed a nearly normal histoarchitecture, with fatty deposits. Conclusion: High fat diet in combination with 45 mg/kg of STZ produced significant diabetes in the Wistar rats with dyslipidaemia and elevated liver enzyme levels. Metformin and the polyherbal tablet diawell had no impact on the lipid levels as it did not correct the dyslipidaema, however, the treatments showed hepatoprotective potentials and restored liver enzyme levels to normal. Lipid lowering drugs should be included in the management of type 2 diabetes, and there should be proper evaluation of anti-diabetic herbal products.

Author(s):  
O. N. Briggs ◽  
K. N. Elechi-Amadi ◽  
F. C. Ezeiruaku ◽  
R. E. Teme

The scourge of diabetes has led to an increase in the use of complementary and alternative medicine. The lack of regulation and control leads to the indiscriminate use of these herbals, with potential risk to patients. Aim: This study evaluates the lipidaemic and hepatic status of type 2 diabetic rats treated with the polyherbal capsule glucoblock. Methodology: A total of 35 male Wistar albino rats weighing between 120-220 g were used for this study. The rats were placed on high fat diet and diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared streptozotocin (STZ) (45 mg/kg body wt). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was determined using the glucose oxidase method. Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG) and High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) were determined using enzymatic methods. Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated using the Friedewald’s equation. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) were determined using Reitman-Frankel method, while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was determined using the colorimetric phenolphthalein method. Liver sections were stained using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining technique, and phytochemical analysis was also done on the herbal capsule. Results: The results show no significant differences in TC levels in all groups compared to the negative control. TG level was significantly higher in the diabetic control group when compared to the negative control. TG level in the singular treatment groups were significantly lower, but the combination group (glibenclamide + glucoblock) showed no significant difference compared to the diabetic control. The negative control had significantly higher HDL-C compared to the diabetic control and treatment groups. There were no significant differences in HDL-C levels in all the treatment groups, when compared to the diabetic control. The negative control had significantly lower LDL-C compared to the diabetic control and treatment groups. There were no significant differences in LDL-C levels in all the treatment groups, when compared to the diabetic control. ALT, AST and ALP levels were significantly higher in the diabetic control, but was significantly reduced to normal levels by the treatments. Liver sections of the negative control showed normal histoarchitecture. The diabetic control showed inflammation and fatty deposition. The treatment groups showed a nearly normal histoarchitecture, with fatty deposits. Conclusion: High fat diet in combination with a sub-diabetic dose of streptozotocin produced significant diabetes in the Wistar rats with dyslipidaemia and elevated liver enzyme levels. The anti-diabetic treatments, glibenclamide and glucoblock did not correct the dyslipidaema caused by diabetes. However, the treatments had equipotent hepatoprotective effect and restored liver enzyme levels to normal as well as improving liver histology.


Author(s):  
O. N. Briggs ◽  
E. O. Nwachuku ◽  
E. S. Bartimaeus ◽  
D. Tamuno-Emine ◽  
K. N. Elechi-Amadi ◽  
...  

The increased prevalence of diabetes, and the huge disease burden on patients has led to an increase in the use of complementary and alternative medicine in diabetes treatment and management. Aim: This study evaluates the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of the polyherbal capsule glucoblock and glibenclamide in type 2 diabetic rats. Methodology: A total of 35 male Wistar albino rats weighing between 120-220 g were used for this study. The rats were placed on high fat diet, and diabetes induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared streptozotocin (STZ) (45 mg/kg body Wt). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was determined using the glucose oxidase method. Fasting plasma insulin (FPI), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were quantitatively determined by a rat-specific sandwich-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Insulin resistance (IR) was determined using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) method. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was determined by the ratio of TOS to TAS. Phytochemical analysis was also done on the herbal capsule. Results: Mean FPG levels were significantly lower (p˂0.05) in all groups, compared to the diabetic control. Mean FPG level was significantly higher (p˂0.05) in the combination group, but showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in the glibenclamide group, and glucoblock group, compared to the negative control. HOMA-IR was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the diabetic control compared to the negative control and treatment groups. The combination group had significantly higher (p˂0.05) HOMA-IR values, whereas the individual treatment groups showed no significant difference (p>0.05) when compared to the negative control. TOS was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the diabetic control compared to the negative control and treatment groups. The treatment groups showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in TOS, compared to the negative control. There was significantly lower (p˂0.05) TAS levels in the diabetic and treatment groups, compared to the negative control. OSI values were significantly lower (p˂0.05) in all groups when compared to the diabetic control. Also, OSI values were significantly higher (p˂0.05) in the treatment groups compared to the negative control. SOD was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the diabetic control compared to the negative control and treatment groups. The treatment groups showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in SOD levels, compared to the negative control. Conclusion: Increase in total oxidant status and oxidative stress depleted antioxidant parameters. The polyherbal capsule glucoblock was effective when used alone and produced equipotent effect to the treatment with glibenclamide. However, the combination treatment did not fare better. Antioxidant therapy should be used together with antidiabetics in the management of diabetes, and care should be taken in the use herb-drug combinations.


Author(s):  
O. N. Briggs ◽  
E. O. Nwachuku ◽  
D. Tamuno-Emine ◽  
N. Nsirim ◽  
K. N. Elechi-Amadi

Diabetes mellitus is an epidemic, with a huge disease burden on the patients. This has led to an increase in the use of herbal remedies and combination therapies to reduce this burden. Aim: This study evaluates the biochemical and oxidative changes in type 2 diabetic rats, treated with metformin and the polyherbal drug diawell. Methodology: A total of 35 male Wistar albino rats weighing between 120-220 g were used for this study. The rats were placed on high fat diet, and diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared streptozotocin (STZ) (45 mg/kg body wt). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was determined using the glucose oxidase method. Fasting plasma insulin (FPI), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were quantitatively determined by a rat-specific sandwich-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Insulin resistance (IR) was determined using the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) method. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was determined by the ratio of TOS to TAS. Phytochemical analysis was also done on the herbal tablet. Results: Mean FPG levels were significantly lower (p˂0.05) in all groups, except the group administered diawell, which was not significantly different (p>0.05), compared to the diabetic control. Mean FPG levels were significantly higher (p˂0.05) in the metformin group, diawell group, but showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in the combination group, compared to the negative control. HOMA-IR was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the diabetic control compared to the negative control and treatment groups. The metformin and diawell groups had significantly higher (p˂0.05) HOMA-IR values, whereas the combination (metformin + diawell) showed no significant difference (p>0.05) when compared to the negative control. TOS was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the diabetic control compared to the negative control and treatment groups. The metformin and diawell groups had significantly higher (p˂0.05) TOS values, whereas the combination (metformin + diawell) showed no significant difference (p>0.05) when compared to the negative control. There was significantly lower (p˂0.05) TAS levels in the diabetic and treatment groups, compared to the negative control. OSI values were significantly lower (p˂0.05) in all groups when compared to the diabetic control. Also, OSI values were significantly higher (p˂0.05) in the treatment groups compared to the negative control. Conclusion: There was depletion of antioxidant parameters and an increase in oxidative stress in the diabetic rats. Administration of metformin and the polyherbal tablet diawell individually, were not effective in correcting the pathological and biochemical changes associated with diabetes. However, the combination treatment produced a better glycaemic response and attenuated the oxidant status in the rats. Antioxidant therapy should be incorporated in diabetes management, and anti-diabetic herbals properly evaluated.


2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 476-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nour el Imane Harrat ◽  
Sabrine Louala ◽  
Fatima Bensalah ◽  
Fouad Affane ◽  
Hadjera Chekkal ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica (OFI)) nopalitos on body weight, food consumption, arterial blood pressure, glucidic homeostasis, cholesterol metabolic pathway and tissues redox status in type 2 diabetic (T2D) rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Design/methodology/approach Rats were fed by a HFD containing 30 per cent sheep fat for 10 weeks, after which they were rendered diabetic by an injection of a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg). The diabetic rats were then divided into two groups. The first group consumed the HFD supplemented with 5 per cent (g/100 g diet) of freeze-dried OFI nopalitos (HFD-OFI), and the second group received the HFD without supplementation (HFD). Findings OFI nopalitos treatment decreased significantly arterial diastolic (−20%; p = 0.0001) and systolic (−16%; p = 0.0001) pressures, glycemia (−14%; p = 0.03), insulinemia (−50%; p = 0.04), glycated hemoglobin (−49%; p = 0.003), homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (−67%; p = 0.03), cholesterolemia (−31%; p = 0.003), very-low and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−38%; p = 0.002 and −63% p = 0.0002, respectively); thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and lipid hydroperoxide contents, respectively, in liver (−26% p = 0.02, −20% p = 0.02), adipose tissue (−30% p = 0.002, −25% p = 0.001), muscle (−29% p = 0.003, −25% p = 0.008) and kidney (lipid hydroperoxides only (−28%; p = 0.001) but increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL2) cholesteryl esters (+61%; p = 0.0001), serum lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity (+21%; p = 0.006) and antioxidant enzymes activities (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) of some tissues (liver, adipose tissue, muscle and kidney). Originality/value Freeze-dried OFI nopalitos improves arterial blood pressure, glycemic control, metabolic pathway of cholesterol and redox status in T2D rats.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1801300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aoxue Lu ◽  
Meng Shen ◽  
Zhiyu Fang ◽  
Yaoyao Xu ◽  
Mengen Yu ◽  
...  

A model of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using high-fat diet and low-dose STZ was established to assess the antidiabetic effects of Auricularia auricular polysaccharides simulated hydrolysates (AAPHs) obtained from the dried fruiting body of A. auricular. AAPHs were administered intragastrically (i.g.) at the dose of 0.15 g/kg b. W. to diabetic Wistar rats for 4 weeks. Results show that AAPHs was demonstrated to exhibit significant diminution in T-CHO and LDL-C levels (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) compared to the diabetic control group. In addition, the secretion level of GLP-1 were different with the diabetes model group from 0 to 30 min, and had a tendency to alleviate weight loss. The current study suggests that AAPHs might be incorporated as a supplement in diabetic agents or combined with other health-care foods.


Author(s):  
Ojoye N. Briggs ◽  
Kemzi N. Elechi-Amadi ◽  
Chrissie Okobia ◽  
Ferdinand C. Ezeiruaku

Aim: This study evaluates the anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-dyslipidaemic and hepatoprotective effects of the polyherbal mixture diarth, in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Methodology: A total of 35 male Wistar albino rats weighing between 120-140 g were used for this study. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared alloxan-monohydrate (140 mg/kg body weight). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was determined using the glucose oxidase method. Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG) and High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were determined using enzymatic methods. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated using the Friedewald’s equation. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined using Reitman-Frankel method, while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was determined using the colorimetric phenolphthalein method. Phytochemical analysis was done on the herbal mixture, using classical methods. Results: The results revealed the presence of the phytochemicals saponins, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids and tannins in the polyherbal mixture diarth. The results revealed significantly lower FPG levels in the negative control and treatment groups compared to the diabetic control. FPG level was significantly higher in the glibenclamide treated group, but showed no significant differences in the diarth group and the combination group (glibenclamide + diarth), compared to negative control. TC levels in the diabetic control was significantly higher compared to the negative control and treatment groups. There were no significant differences in TC levels in the negative control and the treatment groups. The diabetic control had significantly higher TG level compared to the negative control. TG level in the glibenclamide treated group was not significantly different from that of the diabetic control. TG level in the diarth treated group was significantly lower than the diabetic control, but also significantly higher than that of the negative control. TG levels in the combination group (diarth + glibenclamide) was significantly lower than the diabetic control, and showed no significant difference compared to the negative control. The negative control and treatment groups had significantly higher HDL-C levels compared to the diabetic control. The treatment groups showed no significant difference in HDL-C levels, compared to the negative control. The negative control and treatment groups had significantly lower LDL-C levels compared to the diabetic control. The treatment groups showed no significant difference in LDL-C levels, compared to the negative control. The results show significantly elevated ALT, AST and ALP in the diabetic rats compared to the negative control and treatment groups. The treatment groups showed no significant differences in ALT and AST levels compared to the negative control. Conclusion: 140 mg/kg body weight of alloxan produced significant diabetes in the Wistar rats with dyslipidaemia and elevated liver enzyme levels. Treatment with the polyherbal mixture diarth showed anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-dyslipidaemic and hepatoprotective effects. The effects were equipotent compared to treatment with glibenclamide, thus could be incorporated in the management of diabetes.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Qiu ◽  
Xinyu Wei ◽  
Hongwei Guan ◽  
Hao Su ◽  
Jing Gong ◽  
...  

Coptis chinensis (CC) is widely used to treat diabetes in traditional Chinese medicine due to its significant hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. It was reported that CC powders are more effective than CC decoctions. In this study, a rat model of type 2 diabetes was established and treated with supercritical-extracted CC and gastric juice extracted CC, respectively. Body weight, fasting plasma insulin, insulin resistance index, and lipid profiles were measured along with oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs). In addition, the levels of plasma proteins were compared between type 2 diabetic rats and CC-treated rats using an iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis. The results showed that the plasma levels of triglyceride (TC), total cholesterol (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in rats of both CC-treated groups were significantly decreased. In addition, the proteomic analysis identified 929 proteins, while 15 proteins were selected from these 929 proteins based on their expression levels and bioinformatic results. Among these 15 proteins, 9 proteins (IGF-1, Igfbp4, Igfbp-6, Igfals, C2, C4, Cfi, Prdx-2, and Prdx-3) were upregulated in the two CC-treated groups, while 6 proteins (Pla2g7, Pcyox1, ApoC-1, ApoC-3, ApoB-100, and ApoE) were downregulated. The functions of these proteins are associated with glucose metabolism, insulin action, immunity, inflammation, lipid metabolism, oxidation, and antioxidation. The two differently extracted CC did not show significant differences in terms of their treatment efficacy. This research expanded our understanding on the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of CC in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.


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