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Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) which is due to the destruction of insulin-producing β-cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. It is associated with oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. The plant alkaloid Palmatine has been previously reported to possess antidiabetic and antioxidant properties as well as other protective properties against kidney and liver tissue damage. Objective: Here, we investigated the ability of Palmatine to reduce the up-regulation of chaperone proteins Glucose Regulatory Protein 78 (GRP78), and Calreticulin (CALR) protein in a Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model. Methods: Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in Sprague Dawley rats treated with 2mg/kg of Palmatine for 12 weeks after the elevation of plasma glucose levels above 11mmol/L post-STZ administration. Proteins were extracted from the pancreas after treatment and Two-Dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), PDQuest 2-D analysis software genomic solutions and mass spectrometer were used to analyze differentially expressed protein. Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS), Multidimensional Protein Identification Technology (MudPIT) was used for protein identification. Results: There was an up-regulation of the expression of chaperone proteins CALR and GRP78 and down-regulation of the expression of antioxidant and protection proteins peroxidoxin 4 (Prdx4), protein disulfide isomerase (PDIA2/3), Glutathione-S-Transferase (GSTs), and Serum Albumin (ALB) in non-diabetic rats. Palmatine treatment down-regulated the expression of chaperone proteins CALR and GRP78 and up-regulated the expression of Prdx4, PDIA2/3, GST, and ALB. Conclusion: Palmatine may have activated antioxidant proteins, which protected the cells against reactive oxygen species and endoplasmic stress. The result is in consonance with our previous report on Palmatine.

Labisia pumila, LP (Myrsinaceae), is a popular herb among the women in Malaysia known locally as ‘‘Kacip Fatimah. It has been claimed by the traditional medicinal practitioner as a pain reliever, treat inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatism and fever. This study was aimed to investigate the partially purified crude extracts of Labisia pumila (DELP) for its antiinflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic effects. Acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and carrageenan-induced paw oedema was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity whereas hot plate test and formalin test was used for the antinocicpetive activity. Antipyretic activity was determined by yeast induced pyrexia method. Partial purification of DELP extract resulted in 5 different fractions (A-E). All the fractions of DELP showed significant anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic activity in the entire test used. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, steroids, saponin, alkaloids and tannins. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of catechin, The present study confirmed that the extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic activity, supporting its folk use and is in consonances with our earlier report.

Labisia pumila popularly known as Kacip Fatimah is a sub herbaceous plant which belonging to the Myrsinaceae family. It has been used in folk medicine to treat dysenteries and inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatism. Our previous study showed that crude dichloromethane extract exhibited a very strong anti-asthmatic and mast-cell stabilizing activity. In this present study, partially purified fractions A-E, of dichloromethane (DELP) crude extract obtained by column chromatography techniques were studied for their anti-asthmatic effect. 1% histamine, serotonin and bradykinin (0.1ml/rat) was dissolved with 0.9% (w/v) saline and subcutaneously injected to induce edema formation. 2mg of arachidonic acid was dissolved in 20μl of acetone and topically applied to mouse ear to induce ear edema. Also, 1% histamine and acetylcholine was dissolved in saline and was used to induce bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs. Oral treatment of partially purified fractions A-E (100mg/kg), and indomethacin (10mg/kg) inhibited significantly (p