Search

This interdisciplinary work communicates the identification and quantification of elements responsible for the bioactive potency of leaves from pointed gourd, trichosanthes dioica, using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Calibration-free LIBS determines the presence of various trace and major elements, their concentrations, and ratios in which they are present in the leaves. The presence of specific elemental ratios of magnesium/sodium and magnesium/potassium could be promising for managing diabetes mellitus. Variable doses of aqueous extract from trichosanthes dioica leaves are administered for determination of the most effective one. Based on encouraging results, the extract could be harvested to serve as anti-diabetic medication for diabetes and associated symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel facile and diastereoselective synthesis of imidazopyridine with high atom economy in water as a green solvent under synergic effect of microwave activation and phase transfer catalysis from readily available 2-aminopyridine and electrophilic alkyne, dimethyl acetylene dicarboxylate has been developed. The strategy of the protocol involves heterocyclisation via double hydroamination of dimethyl acetylene dicarboxylate in biphasic system catalyzed by benzyltriethylammonium bromide activated by microwave irradiation. The transformation proceeded smoothly and quantitatively at an ambient temperature. The reaction sequence of the protocol was also proved by electrochemical synthesis of imidazopyridine using same starting materials under similar reaction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal formulations have attained widespread acceptability as therapeutic agents being a part of traditional system of medicine. Synergistic effect of individual counterparts of formulations leads to the development of combination therapy. In the present study, we investigated the synergistic effect of two medicinal plants viz. Murraya koenigii and Sesamum indicum for their in-vitro antibacterial activity. In-vitro antibacterial activity was assessed for a range of varied concentrations of formulation against different bacterial strains and the results were compared with standard drug, ampicillin as well as with individual plants. The formulation was found to have significant efficacy in comparison to the individual plants. The minimum inhibitory concentration of formulation was 0.075mg/ml against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli which is very low as compared to individual plants. This formulation with enhanced potential to reduce bacterial infections could be developed as a novel therapeutic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new approach for direct synthesis of formanilides starting from structurally varied arylboronic acids is reported. The protocol involves a copper-catalyzed Chan-Lam coupling reaction between arylboronic acids and formamide in the presence of a base at room temperature. The strategy offers a valid and practical alternative to existing transformations of amino, nitro, and azido arenes to formanilides, especially in terms of executing arylboronic acids as easily accessible, stable, and diversified substrates, under mild reaction conditions, and in a simple operation with high efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoralea corylifolia (PC), a medicinal plant, is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes. Purpose of the research was to examine the antidiabetic and antilipemic potential of PC and to determine the relationship between its antidiabetic potential and the trace elements present. Wistar rats (150-200 g) with fasting blood glucose (FBG) of 80-110 mg dl(sub-diabetic) and 150-200 mg dl(mild diabetic) were selected for the short term antidiabetic studies and severely diabetic rats (FBG > 300 mg dl) were chosen for the long term antidiabetic and hypolipemic studies of PC seed extract. Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was used to detect trace elements in the PC extract and the intensity ratios of trace elements were estimated. The dose of 250 mg kg of PC extract was found to be the most effective in lowering blood glucose level (BGL) of normal, sub, mild and severely diabetic rats during FBG and glucose tolerance test (GTT) studies. Lipid profile studies on severely diabetic rats showed substantial reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein, and low density lipoprotein and an increase in the total protein, body weight, high density lipoprotein, and hemoglobin after 28 days of treatment. Significant reduction in urine sugar and protein levels was also observed. LIBS analysis of the PC extract revealed the presence of Mg, Si, Na, K, Ca, Zn and Cl. The study validates the traditional use of PC in the treatment of diabetes and confirms its antilipemic potential. The antidiabetic activity of PC extract may partly be due to the presence of appreciable amounts of insulin potentiating elements like Mg, Ca, and K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impurity-free, controlled synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticle, in ultrapure water and chitosan, using laser ablation technique and its application for type II diabetes management through oral delivery of insulin-loaded iron oxide-chitosan nanocomposite is presented. The purity of the nanoparticle is monitored by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy technique. The synthesized iron oxide nanoparticle was characterized by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, and morphological study was performed by scanning electron microscope. The intensity of absorption peak and wavelength corresponding to peak of the nanoparticle prepared in water and chitosan is dependent on the laser energy used for ablation purpose. Red shift in the absorption peak wavelength was observed by increasing laser energy. In addition to red shift, an increase in intensity of absorption peak was also seen when ablating laser energy was increased. The appearance of a weak peak around 295 nm was observed in iron oxide-chitosan nanocomposite. The spherical shape of the nanoparticle synthesized at the lower laser energy has gradually changed to triangular and irregular shaped structures as ablating laser energy was increased. The spherical nanoparticles loaded with insulin were used for oral delivery for diabetic management. The iron oxide-chitosan nanocomposite loaded with insulin has resulted in reduction in blood glucose level in mild diabetic, subdiabetic, and severely diabetic rats; more than 51 % reduction in blood glucose level, compared to the control group, has been achieved in the present work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to scientifically validate the antidiabetic activity of aqueous fruit extract of Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. (Family: Cucurbitaceae) which has been traditionally used for managing diabetes mellitus. This plant commonly known as "Sespadula" in English has not been explored scientifically so far for its glycemic potential except by our research group. The study was conducted with variable doses on normal, mild, and severe diabetics models, and several biochemical parameters including blood glucose level (BGL) were assessed. Maximum fall in BGL of 23.8% in normal rats and of 31.3% in mild diabetic rats was observed during their fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glucose tolerance test (GTT) with the dose of 1000mg kg-1. In severely diabetic animals after 4 weeks treatment with FBG, postprandial glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were reduced by 28.7, 30.7, 57.2, and 18.5%, whereas high density lipoprotein, total protein, hemoglobin, and body weight were increased by 33.0, 36.7, 15.7 and 16.7%, respectively. Moreover, urine sugar was reduced from +4 to +1. Thus, the study scientifically validates the traditional use of T. diocia in diabetes management and could be developed as an effective oral agent for treating diabetes mellitus and complications associated with it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of various trace element concentrations in medicinal plants in the cure of various diseases can be determined by their quantitative estimation. Elemental concentrations of aqueous extract of F. religiosa leaves were measured by Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). LIBS is a very powerful and efficient analytical tool for determining elemental constitution. The present study deals with the LIBS-based validation of elements responsible for the glycemic potential of aqueous extract of F. religiosa leaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic models. The significant decrease in blood glucose level and marked improvement in glucose tolerance test of diabetic models is correlated to the concentration of elements present in the extract as revealed by LIBS spectra. Elements such as Mg and Ca have been observed in the LIBS spectra of F. religiosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports, the Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) studies and structure elucidation of compounds isolated from the fruit extract of Moringa oleifera and also deals with their possible effects on some bacterial strains viz. Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The extract was found to be active against all four microorganisms used. Extent of inhibitory effect of extract was assessed at different concentrations of 25, 50, 75 mg/ml by measuring diameter of inhibition zone (DIZ). Our results clearly showed that the 75 mg/ml concentration of the extract had 14, 12 and 18 mm of the DIZ against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 14 mm with 50 mg/ml concentration against Escherichia coli. The results were compared with the standard antibiotic 'ampicillin' of 1 mg/ml concentration. LIBS was recorded with high power pulsed laser beam from Nd: YAG Laser (Continuum Surelite III-10), focused on the surface of the material, which was in liquid form, to generate plasma on the surface of the sample. LIBS data clearly demonstrate the presence of trace elements, magnesium and iron, in high concentration in the extract. Whereas, from the phytochemical profile reveals the presence of two new compounds, S-ethyl-N-{4-[(α-L-rhamnosyloxy) benzyl]} thiocarbamate and 2-acetoxy {4-[(2′,3′,4′-tri-O-acetyl-α-L-rhamnosyloxy) benzyl]} acetonitrile as the major constituents. This study is the first report on synergetic effect of the phytoconstituents and certain set of elements present in their defined role in bacterial management against different bacterial strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Many plants have been explored scientifically and systematically and claimed to be useful for the treatment of diabetes mellitus by various research groups worldwide. The present study is a further effort in the direction of developing a novel oral antidiabetic agent of high potential with minimal or no side effects. Objective: This study screened the glycemic attributes of Raphanus sativus L. (Brassicaceae) root juice in normal as well as sub- and mild-diabetic models. Materials and methods: The variable doses of 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg kg−1 body weight (bw) of the extract were administered orally to normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced sub- and mild-diabetic rats in order to define its glycemic potential. Glibenclamide was used as a reference drug. Results: The dose of 300 mg kg−1bw was identified as the most effective dose which lowers the blood glucose level (BGL) by 33.4% (p < 0.001) at 6 h during fasting blood glucose (FBG) studies in normal rats. However, the glucose tolerance test (GTT) revealed the maximum reduction of 15.9% (p < 0.001) in BGL at 3 h in normal rats with the same dose, whereas the reduction observed was by 23.8 and 28.3% (p < 0.001) in sub- and mild-diabetic rats, respectively, at the same interval of time. Discussion and conclusion: This evidence clearly indicates that Raphanus sativus root juice possesses good hypoglycemic potential coupled with antidiabetic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the elements of the extract of seed from Emblica officinalis on antioxidant enzymes and osmotic fragility of erythrocytes membrane in normal as well as streptozotocin-induced severely diabetic albino Wister rats. The results revealed that the untreated diabetic rats exhibited increase in oxidative stress as indicated by significantly diminished activities of free radical scavenging enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 37.5% ( p < 0.001) and 18.6% ( p < 0.01), respectively. However, the E. officinalis seed extract treatment showed marked improvements in CAT and SOD activities by 47.09% ( p < 0.001) and 21.61% ( p < 0.001), respectively. The enhanced lipid peroxidation by 30.87% ( p < 0.001) in erythrocytes of untreated diabetic rats was significantly accentuated in the extract treated animals by 23.72% ( p < 0.001). The erythrocytes showed increased osmotic fragility due to diabetes in terms of hemolysis. It attained the normal level in diabetic treated group. The findings thus suggest that E. officinalis seed extract has the potential to be exploited as an agent to boost the antioxidant system in the diabetic animal model. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy has been used as an analytical tool to detect major and minor elements like Mg, Fe, Na, K, Zn, Ca, H, O, C, and N present in the extract. The higher concentration of Ca (II), Mg (II) and Fe (II) as reflected by their intensities are responsible for the antioxidant potential of E. officinalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study deals with the effect of ethanolic extract of Withania coagulans fruits on normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic models. The maximum reduction of 39.2% in fasting blood glucose at 4 h and 39.9% during oral glucose tolerance test at 2 h was observed with the dose of 750 mg/kg in normal rats, whereas the reduction observed was 47.1 and 42.7% in blood glucose levels of sub- and mild diabetic rats, respectively, at 2 h during oral glucose tolerance test with the same dose. Long-term study of severely diabetic rats showed reduction of 48.5 and 52.6% in fasting blood glucose and postprandial glucose levels, respectively, after 30 days of treatment. In addition 75% decrease in urine sugar and 13.08% increase in body weight of treated group was found at the end of the experiment. Trace elements present in the text were identified through laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The Withania coagulans has been shown to possess varied medicinal properties. The aqueous extract of the fruits has been shown to exert hepatoprotective, antiinflammatory and antidiabetic activity. Recently, it has been reported by our research group that the aqueous extract of W. coagulans has hypoglycemic potential. The present communication is an endeavor in the direction of evaluating the in vivo hypoglycemic as well as antidiabetic effect from ethanolic extract W. coagulans fruits in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats so that it can be used as a value added agent for managing diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with the effects of freeze dried rhizome powder of Curcuma longa (C. longa) dissolved in milk on normal as well as diabetic models. Diabetes of type II and type I was within 3 days of a single administration of doses of 45 and 65 mg kg−1 of streptozotocin respectively. Various parameters such as blood glucose levels, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, hemoglobin, urine protein and urine sugar in addition to body weight were taken in to consideration and were analyzed after administration of variable doses of rhizome powder. The dose of 200 mg kg−1 was identified as the most effective dose as it increased HDL, Hb and bw (P<0.05) with significant decrease in the levels of blood glucose, lipid profile and hepatoprotective enzymes (P<0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific evaluation of the antidiabetic efficacy of aqueous extract of Trichosanthes dioica fruits on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats is being presented. The graded doses of the extract, viz., 500, 750, 1,000, and 1,250 mg/kg body weight (bw), were administered orally, and it was observed that the blood glucose concentration decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The dose of 1,000 mg/kg bw showed the maximum fall of 23.8% and 19.1% in blood glucose level (BGL) during fasting BGL and glucose tolerance test (GTT) studies, respectively, of nondiabetic rats. Whereas in the case of subdiabetic and mild diabetic models, the same dose showed reduction in BGL of 22.0% and 31.4% during GTT. The study also involves the first use of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy as a sensitive analytical tool to detect the elemental profile responsible for the antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of T. dioica fruits that exhibits the antidiabetic activity. High intensities of Ca, Mg, and Fe indicate large concentrations of these elements in the extract, since according to Boltzmann’s distribution law, intensities are directly proportional to concentrations. The higher concentrations of these glycemic elements, viz. Ca, Mg, and Fe, are responsible for the antidiabetic potential of T. dioica as well as other plant already reported by our research group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is an extension of our previous research work and it deals with the scientific evaluation of antioxidant potential of the aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon on diabetes-induced oxidative stress of diabetic rats. The most effective dose of 500 mg/kg of extract was given orally to diabetic rats for 30 days. Different oxidative stress parameters were analyzed in various tissues of control and treated diabetic rats. The observed elevated level of LPO comes down significantly (P < 0.05), and decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes such as CAT, SOD, GPx and GST got increased (P < 0.05) significantly in diabetic rats on extract treatment. The flavonoids present in the aqueous extract of this plant might be responsible for its marked antioxidant efficacy at tissue level in STZ-induced diabetic rats. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The Cynodon dactylon has been shown to possess varied medicinal properties. The aqueous extract of the rhizome is used as anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antiemetic, antidiabetic and blood-purifying agent. Recently, it has been reported by our research group that the extract of C. dactylon has hypoglycemic as well as antidiabetic potential. The present communication is an endeavor in the direction of evaluating its in vivo antioxidant effect in STZ-induced diabetic rats so that it can be used as a value-added agent for managing diabetes as well as oxidative stress associated with it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aqueous extract of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (syn: Phyllanthus emblica L.) (Euphorbiaceae) seeds was investigated for its anti-diabetic activity in animal models. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetes models were used for the study. The standardized doses of 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg kg−1 body weight of the extract were administered orally to normal and diabetic rats in order to define its glycemic potential. The maximum fall of 27.3% ( p < 0.001) in the blood glucose level of normal rats was observed at 6 h during fasting blood glucose studies, with the dose of 300 mg kg−1 identified as the most effective dose. The same dose produced a fall of 25.3% ( p < 0.001) in the same models during the glucose tolerance test (GTT) at 3 h after glucose administration. However, the dose of 300 mg kg−1 of aqueous seed extract in sub- and mild-diabetic animals produced a maximum fall of 34.1 and 41.6% ( p < 0.01) , respectively, during the GTT at 3 h after glucose administration. This evidence clearly indicates that the aqueous extract of E. officinalis seeds has definite hypoglycemic potential as well as anti-diabetic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to ascertain the role of ethanolic extract of Cynodon dactylon against hepatic complications in streptozotocin (STZ) induced type 2 diabetic models. Effect of the pre identified most effective dose of 500 mg/kg body weight was studied on hepatic injury caused by chemically induced diabetes by 55 mg/kg body weight i.p. injection of STZ in male Wistar rats. The dose of 500mg/kg body weight given once daily for 14 days reduced the levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and urine sugar significantly (P<0.05) with increase in total protein, haemoglobin and body weight was increased. High LD50 validates its high margin of safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study defined the scientific evaluation of glycemic elements of extracts of Cynodon dactylon and Musa paradisiaca. A dose of 500 mg/kg body weight (bw) of C. dactylon produced maximum falls of 23.2% and 22.8% in blood glucose levels of normoglycemic rats during studies of fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerance, respectively, whereas the same dose of M. paradisiaca produced a rise of 34.9% and 18.4%. In diabetic rats during glucose tolerance tests, a fall of 27.8% and a rise of 17.5% were observed with the same dose of C. dactylon and M. paradisiaca, respectively. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy used for detection of glycemic elements present in both the extracts indicated that C. dactylon was rich in magnesium (Mg), whereas M. paradisiaca was rich in potassium (K) and sodium (Na), comparatively, suggesting thereby the defined roles of these elements in diabetes management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wistar rats of 6–8 weeks in age weighing between 120–150 g were exposed to the fixed doses of each of the carbamate pesticides such as cartap (50% LD50) and carbofuran (50% LD50) as well as a combination of these two with 25% LD50 of each for one week. The effect of treatments was studied in terms of serum lipid parameters such as high-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein. Treatment with individual doses of carbofuran (50% LD50) and cartap (50 % LD50) caused significant alterations in the levels of serum lipid parameters. The pesticides treatment resulted in marked decrease in the level of serum high-density lipoprotein where as that of other lipids got significantly elevated. Further, the rats exhibited relatively higher impact of pesticides when treated with the compounds in combination (25 % LD50 of each). The results indicated that these compounds when used together may exert enhanced effect on the levels of serum lipids in rat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study defines the systematic evaluation and the role of minerals in glycemic potential of aqueous extract of Withania coagulans fruits in order to develop an effective and safe alternative treatment for diabetes mellitus. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy was used for glycemic element detection. The study is based on the results of lowering in blood glucose levels of normal, sub, mild and severely diabetic rats assessed during fasting blood glucose, glucose tolerance test and post prandial glucose studies. The dose of 1000mg/ kg was identified as the most effective dose, which reduces the Fasting Blood Glucose level maximum by 33.2% at 4h in normal rats during fasting blood glucose studies. Glucose tolerance test studies of normal, sub and mild diabetic rats showed the maximum reduction of 15.7, 28.9 and 37.8% at 3h respectively. Long-term study in case of severely diabetic rats showed reduction of 52.9 and 54.1% in Fasting Blood Glucose and Post Prandial Glucose levels respectively after 30 days of treatment. The present study, besides confirming hypoglycemic and antidiabetic activities of aqueous extract of W. coagulans, helps in identifying the role of trace minerals like Mg & Ca responsible for antidiabetic potential of this potent indigenous shrub. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is an extension of our previous work carried out on Cynodon dactylon. This study deals with the critical evaluation of glycemic potential of ethanolic extract of defatted C. dactylon. The doses of 250, 500 and 750 mgkg-1 bw of the extract were administered orally to normal as well as Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats to study its glycemic potential. The effect of repeated oral administration of the same doses of ethanolic extract was also studied on serum lipid profile of severely diabetic (SD) rats. The dose of 500 mg kg-1 bw was identified as the most effective dose as it lowered the blood glucose levels of normal by 42.12% and of diabetic by 43.42% during fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glucose tolerance test respectively. The SD rats were also treated daily with this identified dose of 500 mg kg-1 bw for 2 weeks and a significant reduction of 56.34% was observed in FBG level. Total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels were also decreased by 32.94, 64.06 and 48.46% respectively in SD rats whereas, cardioprotective high density lipoprotein increased by 16.45%. The reduced urine sugar level and increased body weight are additional advantages. These evidences clearly indicate that the ethanolic extract of defatted C. dactylon has high antidiabetic potential along with good hypolipidemic profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rats with streptozotocin induced severe diabetes mellitus, aqueous extract of Trichosanthes dioica fruits at a dose of 1000mg/kg body weight daily once for 28 days reduced the levels of fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose, asparate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, urine sugar and urine protein where as total protein and body weight was increased. No toxic effect was observed during LD50. Our study suggests that further detailed toxicity studies and mechanism of action of T. dioica would be useful for undertaking human trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural remedies from medicinal plants are considered to be effective and safe alternative treatments for diabetes mellitus. The current study deals with the effect of a single oral dose of the aqueous extract of Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae) seeds in different diabetic animal models. Evaluation of the antihyperglycemic effect in normal, subdiabetic, and mild diabetic animal models is based on fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glucose tolerance test (GTT) studies. The graded doses of the extract, viz., 500, 750, 1000, and 1250 mg/kg body weight (b.w.), were administered orally. It was found that the blood glucose concentration decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The dose of 1000 mg/kg b.w. was found to be most effective with a maximum fall of 30.4% at 6 h during FBG studies in normal rats. However, the GTT studies showed the maximum reduction of 26.6% at 5 h in normal rats. Moreover, in case of subdiabetic and mild diabetic rats, the observed reduction in blood glucose levels was 32.8% and 35.9%, respectively, at 3 h during GTT. The data clearly reveal the significant antihyperglycemic profile of Trichosanthes dioica seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study deals with the evaluation of glycemic profile of aqueous extract of Cajanus cajan leaves in streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic rats. Single oral administration of graded doses of aqueous extract of Cajanus cajan leaves showed significant increment of 14.3 % in fasting blood glucose levels of normal rats. The sub diabetic and mild diabetic models have also shown hyperglycemic effect from the same variable doses of the extract. The dose of 1000 mg/kg showed the maximum rise of 17.1, 71.2 and 50.7 % in Blood glucose levels of normal, sub and mild diabetic rats respectively during glucose tolerance test. The study of leaves was taken into consideration on the basis of earlier reported hypoglycemic activity of Cajanus cajan seeds. However the results observed were found just opposite and therefore it may be useful in controlling hypoglycemia, occasionally caused due to excess of insulin and other hypoglycemic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study deals with the detection of elements responsible for glycemic potential of ripe and unripe fruit peel aqueous extracts of Psidium guajava (P. guajava). Treatment with the aqueous extract of unripe fruit peel showed a significant fall of 17.5% (p<0.001) in blood glucose levels (BGLs) of normal rats during fasting blood glucose (FBG) test with a dose of 400 mg/kg bw. In sub-diabetic rats, a fall of 19.8% (p<0.001) was observed with the same dose during a glucose tolerance test (GTT). The significant fall observed in FBG, post prandial glucose (PPG) and urine sugar levels of severely diabetic rats was 20.7%, 17.5% (p<0.05), and 66.6% (p<0.01), respectively. On the contrary, the effect of ripe fruit peel aqueous extract showed a regular rise of 24.4% (p<0.01) in BGL of normal rats and of 90.0% (p<0.001) in sub-diabetic rats. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) has been used for the identification of elements responsible for the glycemic potential of fruit peel aqueous extracts of P. guajava. Concentration of Mg was found higher in unripe fruit peel aqueous extract than in the ripe fruit peel aqueous extract whereas the concentration of K was found lower in the extract of unripe fruit peel than in the extract of ripe fruit peel. Thus, the LIBS results help in defining the role of Mg and K in diabetes management. However, the concentrations of other minerals, like Na, N, O, and C, are nearly the same in both of the extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reveals the effect of Musa paradisiaca stem juice on blood glucose level (BGL) of normal & diabetic rats. The dose of 500 mg/kg bodyweight produces a significant rise of 28.3% in blood glucose level after 6h of oral administration in normal rats. Whereas, in sub diabetic rats the same dose produces a rise of 16.4% in blood glucose levels within 1h during glucose tolerance test (GTT) and a rise of 16% after 4 h in fasting blood glucose levels of severe diabetic cases. These results were unexpected and important to report as other species of Musa like Musa sapientum has been reported for its hypoglycemic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritive value of the pulp of the edible fruit of Annona squamosa and its effect on various biochemical parameters has been assessed in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Different doses (2.5, 5.0, 10.0 g/kg b.w.) of fresh fruit pulp of A. squamosa were given to the three groups each of normal healthy and diabetic rabbits orally daily for 1 month. There was a control group of normal as well as diabetic animals which did not receive fruit pulp. Protein efficiency ratio (PER), digestibility coefficient (DC), biological value (BV) and net protein utilization (NPU) were calculated and improvement in the nutritional level was studied by comparing with the control group. Effect of the fruit pulp was also studied on various biochemical parameters, namely fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TCH), HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), total protein (TPR), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), serum glutamate oxaloacetate and pyruvate transaminases (SGOT and SGPT), serumcreatinine (CRTN) and serum bilirubin (BIL). Protein and glucose in urine were also estimated. Total hemoglobin and glycohemoglobin (HbAc) were estimated in blood before and after 1 month of feeding fruit pulp. Fruit pulp increased the net protein utilization by 29.3 in normal healthy rabbits with 10 g/kg b.w. and 34.1 in induced diabetic (induced by alloxan) animals with 5 g/kg b.w. of the fruit pulp feeding when compared with the control group of rabbits (p < 0.001). Feeding fruit pulp with the same amount increased the total hemoglobin content by 21.0% in normal rabbits and 10.8% in diabetic rabbits. Fruit pulp also reduced the total cholesterol level by 45–46% in normal and 32.4% in diabetic animals with increased HDL-cholesterol. Feeding pulp improved the liver function in normal as well as diabetic rabbit as shown by reduction in the serum SGOT, SGPT, ALKP and bilirubin levels. The optimal improvement in nutritive value of normal animals was found with 5.0–10.0 g/kg b.w. of the fruit pulp feeding, while in diabetic animals it was 2.5–5.0 g/kg b.w. In the diabetic animals pulp feeding between 2.5 and 5.0 g/kg b.w. showed improvement in the glucose tolerance. Further, 5 g/kg b.w. of fruit pulp brought down urine sugar, urine protein and glycohemoglobin in diabetic rabbits. Feeding pulp had increased utilization of dietary protein, body weight as well as the ratio of gain in body weight per gram of protein consumed. It had a protective effect on liver and heart as indicated by reduction in the SGOT, SGPT, ALKP and serum bilirubin levels. Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]