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Published on: April 23, 2018
Comparative anti-hyperglycemic potentials of medicinal plants
Irene M Villaseñor1, Mary Rose A Lamadrid
1Natural Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines. irene.villasenor@up.edu.ph
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
|October 29, 2005
Summary
The study validated ethnobotanical anti-diabetic plants. Syzygium cumini bark, Vitex negundo leaves, and Eucalyptus tereticornis leaves showed significant anti-hyperglycemic activity in mice.
Area of Science:
- Ethnobotany
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ethnobotanical remedies are widely used for diabetes management.
- Scientific validation is crucial to confirm the efficacy of these traditional uses.
- Several plant species are traditionally recognized for their anti-diabetic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the ethnobotanical use of selected plants as anti-diabetic agents.
- To investigate the anti-hyperglycemic effects of specific plant extracts.
- To compare the efficacy of different plant parts and species.
Main Methods:
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed on mice.
- Plant extracts were administered simultaneously with glucose.
- Blood glucose levels (BGLs) were monitored at various time points post-administration.
- Statistical analysis was used to determine significance (alpha values provided).
Main Results:
- Syzygium cumini bark, Vitex negundo leaves, and Eucalyptus tereticornis leaves demonstrated significant anti-hyperglycemic activity.
- Syzygium cumini showed a notable decrease in BGLs from 30 minutes onwards.
- Vitex negundo exhibited stronger anti-hyperglycemic effects than Eucalyptus tereticornis.
- Imperata cylindrica and Solanum nigrum showed no significant effect, while Nopalea cochinellifera and Artemisia vulgaris increased BGLs.
Conclusions:
- The ethnobotanical use of Syzygium cumini, Vitex negundo, and Eucalyptus tereticornis as anti-diabetic agents is supported by scientific evidence.
- Syzygium cumini bark and Vitex negundo leaves show promising anti-hyperglycemic potential.
- Further research is warranted to isolate active compounds and elucidate mechanisms of action.
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