In vitro study of elements in herbal remedies

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Nutritional Science
• Pharmacognosy

Background:

• Decreased glucose tolerance is an early indicator of diabetes mellitus, necessitating strict metabolic control.
• Herbal remedies, specifically lyophilized extracts of Myrtilli folium and Phaseoli fructus sine seminibus (L1) and a combination including Salviae folium (L2), are traditionally used for type 2 diabetes management.
• These herbal preparations are employed in folk medicine and adjuvant therapy to prevent diabetes-related complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the mineral content of herbal remedies L1 and L2.
• To evaluate the bioavailability of key elements (iron, zinc, chromium) from teas prepared from these extracts using an in vitro dialysis system.
• To determine the potential contribution of these minerals to the therapeutic effects in preventing diabetes complications.

Main Methods:

• Quantification of iron, zinc, and chromium concentrations in lyophilized herbal extracts L1 and L2.
• Preparation of teas from L1 and L2 extracts.
• Application of an in vitro dialysis system to assess element transfer from tea to plasma (buffer pH 7.4).

Main Results:

• Extract L1 exhibited significant concentrations of iron (355.7 mg/kg) and zinc (84.73 mg/kg).
• Extract L2 showed a notable concentration of chromium (3.82 mg/kg).
• In vitro dialysis demonstrated variable element transfer percentages, with chromium from L2 tea reaching up to 90.05% bioavailability.

Conclusions:

• Teas from L1 and L2 are good sources of essential minerals like iron, manganese, and chromium, although daily needs may not be fully met.
• The significant bioavailability of certain metal ions, especially chromium from L2 tea, suggests a potential role in the therapeutic benefits of these herbal remedies.
• Metal ions transferred through membranes may contribute to the favorable effects of these traditional herbal remedies in preventing diabetes complications.