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Published on: June 15, 2013
Insulinotropic effect of Citrullus colocynthis fruit extracts
1Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Substances Naturelles Végétales (UPRES EA 1677), Université Montpellier II, France.
Planta Medica
|July 26, 2000
Summary
Citrullus colocynthis fruit extracts stimulate insulin secretion, potentially explaining their traditional use as an antidiabetic treatment. This study investigated the insulinotropic effects of various seed extracts in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
- Ethnobotany
Background:
- Citrullus colocynthis (Cucurbitaceae) fruits are traditionally used for diabetes management in Mediterranean regions.
- The underlying mechanisms for its antidiabetic properties, particularly insulinotropic effects, remain largely uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential insulinotropic effects of Citrullus colocynthis seed extracts.
- To explore the mechanisms behind the traditional antidiabetic use of this plant.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of various Citrullus colocynthis seed extracts: crude (RN II), hydro-alcoholic (RN VI), purified (RN X), and beta-pyrazol-1-ylalanine (RN XVII).
- In vitro evaluation of insulin secretion using isolated rat pancreas and islets stimulated with 8.3 mM glucose.
- Assessment of extract effects on insulin release and pancreatic flow rate.
Main Results:
- All tested Citrullus colocynthis seed extracts significantly stimulated insulin secretion in vitro.
- The purified extract (RN X) demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in insulin release.
- Certain extracts (RN VI, RN X, RN XVII) induced a persistent increase in pancreatic flow rate.
Conclusions:
- Citrullus colocynthis seed extracts possess insulinotropic properties.
- These insulinotropic effects may partially explain the traditional antidiabetic efficacy of Citrullus colocynthis fruits.
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