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Excessive fat accumulation in obesity contributes to inflammation. Macrophages are inflammatory cells that are abundant in adipose tissue. This study aim to evaluate the anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects of Anredera cordifolia leaves. Powdered leaves of Anredera cordifolia were extracted with ethanol by maceration. The anti-obesity effect of the extract was assessed by measuring Extracellular Regulated Kinase (ERK) levels and the number of adipocytes in high fat diet-induced obesity rats. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed by examining the number of macrophages in adipose tissue. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control groups (K1, K2, and K3); treatment groups (P1, P2, and P3). All groups except K1, were fed with high fat diet. K2 was not treated, K3 received orlistat (positive control). The treatment groups received A. cordifolia leaf extract as follows: P1 (50 mg/kg), P2 (100 mg/kg), and P3 (150 mg/kg). Following a 4-week treatment period, the body weight, abdominal circumference, ERK levels and macrophages in the adipose tissue of the rats were measured. There was a decrease in the body weights of rats treated with A. cordifolia leaf extract at all doses. There was a substantial reduction in abdominal circumference, and a decrease in ERK levels at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg doses, and an increased amount of adipocytes in all the treatment groups. The extract also caused a significant decrease in the number of macrophages in adipose tissue. Therefore, A. cordifolia leaf extract has the potential to be used as anti-obesity and antiinflammatory agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus (DM) can lead to dyslipidemia, which is a risk factor for macrovascular complications such as heart disease and stroke. Aside from administering antidiabetic medications, DM treatment can also be achieved through the use of natural components, such as Myrmecodia pendans, commonly known as the ant nest plant (ANP). Aim: This study aimed to investigate the impact of administering the ANP on the lipid profile of Wistar rats. Methods: A group of 20 rats was divided into two categories: 6 rats served as healthy controls (H), while the remaining 14 rats were subjected to a high-lipid diet and streptozotocin to generate a model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The diabetic rats were divided into two groups: the DM group consisted of rats that did not receive any treatment, while the ANP group was administered the herb orally. Results: The results revealed significant variations in triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels among the three groups (p < 0.05). The post hoc test revealed disparities in triglyceride and LDL between those in the DM group and the ANP group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Myrmecodia pendans demonstrated the ability to decrease triglyceride and LDL, while increasing HDL levels in rats with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Various disease complications are a risk of overweight or obesity, so losing weight can reduce the risk of diseases caused by obesity. Binahong leaf ethanol extract (Anredera cordifolia) is a weight-loss herbal preparation. Aim: This study aims to analyze whether A. cordifolia extract is effective in losing weight by affecting the mechanism of adipogenesis in an animal obesity model. Materials and Methods: Animals were grouped into six groups as follows: the normal diet (K1), the negative control group (K2), the positive control group with Orlistat at a dose of 20 mg/kg BW (K3), an ethanol extract of A. cordifolia leaves at doses of 50 mg/kg BW (P1), 100 mg/kg BW group (P2), and 150 mg/kg BW (P3). All rats were fed a diet that consisted of high fat for eight weeks, except K1. Afterward, the treatments were given based on group distribution. Then, the rats were treated based on their groups for 4 weeks, and the high-fat diet was still given during the treatment for the control groups (K2). Anthropometric examinations such as body weight, length, and the circumference of the abdomen were measured. Metabolic parameters, including blood glucose, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and abdominal fat weight, were measured using molecular parameters that measured PI3K levels and Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in abdominal fat tissue samples using the ELISA method. Results: ERK levels of abdominal fat were lowered in the treatment group using the extract of A. cordifolia (50 mg/kg BW (P1) and 100 mg/kg BW (P2)) compared to the control group that was given a high-fat diet without treatment. The control group, which was fed a high-fat diet without treatment, had an average ERK level of 10.17 ± 2.98 ng/ml, P1 (50 mg/kg BW). Furthermore, when ethanol extracts were used as opposed to the control group, which received a high-fat diet without treatment, there was an increase in phosphoinositide three-kinase (PI3K) levels (K2). The control group received 9.35 ± 2.87 ng/ml, the treatment group received 100 mg/kg BW (P2) 9.48 ± 1.54 ng/ml, and the treatment group received 150 mg/kg BW (P3) 7.87 ± 1.79 ng/ml. The weight of fat in the abdomen differed between the groups that received a high-fat diet without treatment (K2) and those that received a high-fat diet with treatment (P1, P2, P3; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Anredera cordifolia extract possesses anti-obesity activities by decreasing ERK and increasing PI3K levels, as well as reducing abdominal fat weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Dementia is a common aging-related neurodegenerative disease in the elderly worldwide. Alterations in neurogenesis and angiogenesis factors have been linked to cognitive impairment in neurological disorders. However, synthetic drugs to improve memory disorders have uncomfortable side effects. The purpose of this study is to explore the neuroprotective potential of the fruit ethanol extract of andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC) [Andaliman fruit ethanol extract (AEE)] on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and spatial memory in rat models of aging. Materials and Methods: This study had an experimental design with AEE. The 4 groups were treated as follows: N (normal), M (served as positive control), P1 (AEE 150 mg/kg bw), and P2 (AEE 300 mg/kg BW) for 8 weeks. Aged model rats (M, P1, and P2) were obtained by inducing D-galactose (150 mg/kg bw). BDNF and VEGF expression were determined by RT-PCR, and spatial memory was assessed using the test of the Moris Water Maze (MWM). The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to assess the statistical analysis. Results: AEE had a tendency to increase BDNF in P2 compared to the normal group (1.98 versus 1). VEGF expression increased in P1 and P2 compared to the normal group (1.14 and 1.29 versus 1). AEE at a dose of 300 mg/kg bw significantly improved spatial memory (p = 0.026). Conclusion: For eight weeks, AEE at a dose of 300 mg/kg bw considerably increased the potential to enhance VEGF and BDNF expression as well as spatial memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic disease that occurs due to abnormalities in insulin secretion and insulin action is said to be diabetes or hyperglycemia. One alternative that can be used for hyperglycemia management is to use tekelan leaves (C. odorata L.). The leaves of this tekelan plant have low water solubility and high permeability. A liposome is a good carrier to increase the solubility and penetration of the compounds it carries. This study aimed to develop a nanotechnological liposomal preparation from the ethanol extract of tekelan leaves as a hypoglycemic agent in diabetic male rats induced by nicotinamide 120 mg/kg BW and streptozotocin 60 mg/kg BW. Antihyperglycemia treatment was applied to nanoliposomes at a dose of 25 mg / kg BW, 125 mg / kg BW, 250 mg / kg BW, CMC-Na and 0.45 mg / kg BW of glibenclamide. The results obtained were at 12 ’sonication time, the resulting particle size is 145.5 ± 2.8 and PI 0.307 ± 0.03. The results of antihyperglycemia testing were obtained at a nanoliposome dose of 250 mg/kg BW produced the lowest blood glucose levels, namely, 86 ± 4.30 mg / dL.

Squalene has been tested widely in pharmacological activity including anticancer, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties. This study aims to examine antidiabetic activity of squalene in silico and in vivo models. In the in silico model, the PASS server was used to evaluate squalene antidiabetic properties. Meanwhile, the in vivo model was conducted on a Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) with the rats separated into three groups. These include squalene (160 mg/kgbw), metformin (45 mg/kgbw), and diabetic control (DC) (aquades 10 mL/kgbw) administered once daily for 14 days. Fasting Blood Glucose Level (FBGL), Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV (DPPIV), leptin, and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity were measured to analysis antidiabetic and antioxidant activity. Additionally, the pancreas was analysed through histopathology to examine the islet cell. The results showed that in silico analysis supported squalene antidiabetic potential. In vivo experiment demonstrated that squalene decreased FBGL levels to 134.40 ± 16.95 mg/dL. The highest DPPIV level was in diabetic control- (61.26 ± 15.06 ng/mL), while squalene group showed the lowest level (44.09 ± 5.29 ng/mL). Both metformin and squalene groups showed minor pancreatic rupture on histopathology. Leptin levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in diabetic control group (15.39 ± 1.77 ng/mL) than both squalene- (13.86 ± 0.47 ng/mL) and metformin-treated groups (9.22 ± 0.84 ng/mL). SOD activity were higher in both squalene- and metformin-treated group, particularly 22.42 ± 0.27 U/mL and 22.81 ± 0.08 U/mL than in diabetic control (21.88 ± 0.97 U/mL). In conclusion, in silico and in vivo experiments provide evidence of squalene antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: An earlier study on the hypoglycemic activity of S. polyanthum (Wight.) leaf methanol extract identified squalene as the major chemical compound. The present study was conducted to assess the hypoglycemic effect of fractions and subfractions of the methanol extract of S. polyanthum compared to the squalene using a bioassay-guided in vivo study. (2) Methods: The methanol extract was fractionated using the liquid–liquid fractionation method. Streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic rat was used to study the hypoglycemic effect. (3) Results: The findings showed that chloroform fraction significantly (p < 0.05) lowered blood glucose levels of diabetic rats as compared to the control. Further fractionation of chloroform fraction yielded subfraction-1 and -2, whereby subfraction-1 exhibited a higher blood-glucose-lowering effect. The lipid profile test showed that the total cholesterol level of subfraction-1 and squalene-treated groups decreased significantly (p < 0.05). An immunohistochemistry study revealed that none of the treatments regenerated pancreatic β-cells. Gas chromatography–mass spectrophotometer analysis identified the presence of squalene in the active methanol extract, chloroform fraction, and subfraction-1. In silico analysis revealed a higher affinity of squalene against protein receptors that control lipid metabolism than metformin. (4) Conclusions: Data obtained from the present work suggested the crude methanol extract exerted the highest hypoglycemic effect compared to fraction, subfraction, and squalene, confirming synergistic effect may be responsible for the hypoglycemic activity of S. polyanthum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Beside conventional oral antidiabetic, many diabetic patients used plant as an alternative medicine. One of the plants is Syzygium polyanthum Wight. Walp. Previous study showed that ethanolic extract of Syzygium polyanthum (Wight.) Walp leaves (EESP) is safe to be consumed by healthy volunteer. Aim: The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of EESP on malondialdehyde (MDA) level in type 2 diabetes mellitus volunteers. Materials and Methods: EESP was obtained by maceration then formulated in capsules (weight of 350 mg). A total of 12 volunteers were randomly given EESP or Placebo/Pl (amylum) once daily for 14 days in conjunction with metformin 500 mg twice daily. Hemoglobin (Hb), liver and kidney function and MDA were measured at the beginning and at the end of the study. Results: After 14 days administration of EESP, Hb 12.52± 1.23 (g/dL), SGOT 24.16±13.57 (U/L), SGPT 27.50 ± 20.52 (U/L), ureum 23.12±13.27 (mg/dL), creatinine 0.71 ± 0.23 (mg/dL) while MDA 1041.63 ± 615.66 ng/mL in EESP treated group. The reduction of MDA level in EESP-treated group (24%) were higher than Pl-treated group (16%). Conclusion: S. polyanthum leaf extract is potential as antioxidant in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ant Nest (Myrmecodia pendans) is one of plants that have been used by locals in Indonesia to empirically treat various diseases. Ant Nest in vitro and in vivo studies on animals have been widely reported its pharmacological activities as an antioxidant. Unfortunately, scientific proofs reported on this plant as human medicine are still lacking. Aim: This study aimed to ensure effectiveness, and safety due to administration of Ant Nest Water Extract (ANWE) formulated in capsule. Materials and Methods: Twelve volunteers were divided into 2 groups, 6 volunteers in each group. Group I: Ant Nest Water Extract Capsule (ANWEC) in dose of 350 mg ANWE, and group II: Placebo Capsule (PC) which contained 350 mg amylum. Each groups given the capsule once daily for 28 days. The comparison was made between group I and group II. Hematology tests include hemoglobin, leucocyte and thrombocyte. Blood chemistry tests include SGOT, SGPT, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, glucose, ureum (Ur) and creatinine (Cr). Malondialdehyde (MDA) level was measured at day-28 which was the last day of the intervention. Results: After 28 days administration of ANWE, the SGOT, SGPT, Ur, and Cr showed in normal level as follows SGOT (U/L): 19.2 ± 3.99; SGPT (U/L): 17.2 ± 6.80; Ur (mg/dL): 19.75 ± 3.66; Cr (mg/dL): 1.06 ± 0.13. MDA (ng/mL) level in ANWEC-treated group was significantly lower (117.2±23.8) than PC (147.25±18.7). There was no intolerable complaints during the observation. Conclusion: The study concluded that Water Extract of Ant Nest 350 mg has no damage to liver, kidney and hematology, so it was proven that this plant is safed to be consumed by human for its potency as antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, numerous scientific investigations have been conducted to study the antidiabetic effects of Annona muricata L. However, no comprehensive evidence-based systematic review regarding this topic is available. Hence, this study was conducted to systematically evaluate the studies of the efficacy of A. muricata in diabetes management. Six online databases used to search for the related articles. The search terms used were A. muricata/soursop in combination with diabetes, glucose, and insulin. Seventeen studies were identified that fit the inclusion criteria (1 clinical, 10 in vivo, 4 in vitro, 1 in vivo/in vitro and 1 in silico). A clinical study showed the positive adjuvant effect of A. muricata to glibenclamide in type 2 diabetes patients. In vivo studies reported beneficial effects of A. muricata in murine models to include decreasing fasting blood glucose level, attenuating diabetes-associated weight loss, increasing serum insulin, improving the lipid profile, normalizing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and exerting pancreas-protective and hepatoprotective effects. In vitro studies of A. muricata demonstrated its potential for reducing post-prandial glucose level by inhibiting pancreatic α-amylase, lipase, and α-glucosidase and lowering oxidative stress by inhibiting glycation and lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the in-silico study suggested a positive effect of A. muricata in enhancing insulin sensitivity. A. muricata showed a promising effect on the metabolic parameters in diabetes mellitus. Considering that A. muricata is widely consumed worldwide, further exploration of its therapeutic potential is worthwhile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An aqueous extract (AE) of vinegar made from Nypa fruticans Wurmb. can improve postprandial glucose levels in normoglycaemic rats. The aim of this study was to evaluate its antihyperglycaemic activity further using in vivo and in vitro approaches. Methods: AE was administered to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats twice daily at three doses (1000, 500, and 250 mg/kg b.w.) for 12 days p.o. Several biochemical analyses and a histological study of the pancreas and liver were performed, accompanied by a cell culture assay. Results: As compared to diabetic control (DC), AE at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w. caused significant reduction (p < 0.05) of blood glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides levels, with positive improvement of serum insulin levels. Interestingly, immunohistochemical staining of the pancreas suggested no β-cell regeneration, despite significant increase in insulin production. AE-treated groups, however, showed overall restoration of the hepatic histoarchitecture of STZ-induced liver damage, suggesting a possible hepatoprotective effect. The pancreatic effect of AE was further studied through RIN-5F cell culture, which revealed a positive stimulatory effect on insulin release at a basal glucose concentration (1.1 mM). Conclusion: Nypa fruticansWurmb. vinegar's aqueous extract exerts its antihyperglycaemic activity, at least in part, through insulin stimulatory and hepatoprotective effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syzygium polyanthum (S. polyanthum), a plant belonging to Myrtaceae, is widely used in Indonesian and Malaysian cuisines. Diabetic patients in Indonesia also commonly use it as a traditional medicine. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the antihyperglycemic effect of the methanol extract (ME) of S. polyanthum leaf and its possible mechanisms of action. To test for hypoglycemic activity, ME was administered orally to normal male Sprague Dawley rats after a 12-h fast. To further test for antihyperglycemic activity, the same treatment was administered to glucose-loaded (intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, IPGTT) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, respectively. Hypoglycemic test in normal rats did not show significant reduction in blood glucose levels (BGLs) by the extract. Furthermore, IPGTT conducted on glucose-loaded normal rats also did not show significant reduction of BGLs. However, repeated administration of metformin and three doses of ME (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) for six days caused significant reduction of fasting BGLs in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The possible mechanisms of action of S. polyanthum antihyperglycemic activity were assessed by measurement of intestinal glucose absorption and glucose uptake by isolated rat abdominal muscle. It was found that the extract not only inhibited glucose absorption from the intestine but also significantly increased glucose uptake in muscle tissue. A preliminary phytochemical qualitative analysis of ME indicated the presence of tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins. Additionally, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis detected squalene. In conclusion, S. polyanthum methanol leaf extract exerts its antihyperglycemic effect possibly by inhibiting glucose absorption from the intestine and promoting glucose uptake by the muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]