Protopine-Enriched Dactylicapnos Scandens Root Fraction Improves Glucose Homeostasis in Cell and Mouse Models Via...

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Dactylicapnos scandens is traditionally used for healthcare in parts of India and China.
• Type 2 diabetes involves impaired glucose regulation and oxidative stress.
• Traditional medicine often holds potential therapeutic compounds requiring scientific validation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antidiabetic potential of Dactylicapnos scandens root tuber extract.
• To elucidate the mechanism of action, focusing on hepatic gluconeogenesis and oxidative stress.
• To identify key bioactive compounds responsible for the observed effects.

Main Methods:

• In vitro studies using free fatty acid (FFA)-induced CC1 liver cells.
• In vivo studies using streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Swiss albino mice.
• Activity-guided fractionation to isolate and identify bioactive compounds, followed by mechanistic studies involving key enzymes and signaling pathways like AMPK.

Main Results:

• The enriched fraction and isolated protopine increased glucose uptake in liver cells.
• The extract significantly down-regulated gluconeogenesis enzymes (Glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate kinase) via AMPK modulation.
• In vivo studies demonstrated improved glucose tolerance, insulin levels, and beneficial histopathological changes in diabetic mice.

Conclusions:

• Dactylicapnos scandens root tuber extract, with protopine as a major component, exhibits significant antihyperglycemic efficacy.
• The plant extract ameliorates Type 2 diabetes by regulating hepatic gluconeogenesis and oxidative stress through the AMPK/PEPCK/G6Pase pathway.
• This study validates the traditional use of Dactylicapnos scandens and highlights protopine as a potential therapeutic agent for diabetes management.