Hypoglycemic Effect of Two Mexican Medicinal Plants
Adolfo Andrade-Cetto1, Fernanda Espinoza-Hernández1, Gerardo Mata-Torres1
1Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, School of Sciences, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 23, 2021
Summary
Mexican traditional medicine uses Eryngium longifolium and Alsophila firma to manage type 2 diabetes. This study confirms their hypoglycemic effects by inhibiting key enzymes involved in glucose metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Ethnobotany and Pharmacology
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes is a global health issue characterized by impaired insulin secretion and insulin resistance.
- Mexican traditional medicine commonly utilizes hypoglycemic plants for managing type 2 diabetes.
- Eryngium longifolium and Alsophila firma are traditionally consumed to control blood glucose levels, particularly in a fasting state.
Purpose of the Study:
- To scientifically validate the traditional use of Eryngium longifolium and Alsophila firma for their hypoglycemic properties.
- To investigate the acute hypoglycemic effects and potential mechanisms of action of these plants.
Main Methods:
- Phytochemical profiling using HPLC-DAD to identify active compounds.
- Acute toxicity assessments in animal models.
- In vivo hypoglycemic tests in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced hyperglycemic rats.
- In vitro assays to evaluate the effect on glucose metabolism enzymes (glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase).
Main Results:
- Phytochemical analysis revealed caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, isoflavones, and glycosylated flavonoids in E. longifolium; flavanones or dihydroflavonols were suggested in A. firma.
- Both plants demonstrated a significant hypoglycemic effect in hyperglycemic rats, though not dose-dependent.
- In vitro studies showed inhibition of glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase by the plant extracts.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first scientific evidence supporting the traditional use of E. longifolium and A. firma as hypoglycemic agents.
- The observed hypoglycemic effects may be attributed to the inhibition of hepatic glucose production, specifically by targeting glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase.
- These findings suggest a potential role for these plants in managing hyperglycemia, particularly during fasting states.
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