antidiabetic medicinal plants
DESCRIPTION
it describes plants with their antidiabetic activity......TRANSCRIPT
Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants
Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 1
Diabetes
“Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome characterised by disordered metabolism and
abnormally high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) resulting from low levels of the
hormone insulin with or without abnormal resistance to insulin’s effect”.
Diabetes is a defect in the body’s ability to convert glucose (sugar) to energy.
Glucose is the main source of fuel for our body. When food is digested it is changed
into fats, protein, or carbohydrates. Foods that affect blood sugars are called
carbohydrates. Carbohydrates, when digested, change to glucose. Examples of some
carbohydrates are: bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, corn, fruit, and milk products.
Individuals with diabetes should eat carbohydrates but must do so in moderation.
Glucose is then transferred to the blood and is used by the cells for energy. In order
for glucose to be transferred from the blood into the cells, the hormone - insulin is
needed. Insulin is produced by the beta cells in the pancreas (the organ that produces
insulin).
In individuals with diabetes, this process is impaired. Diabetes develops when the
pancreas fails to produce sufficient quantities of insulin. Diabetes is a condition that
is related to problems of insulin production or absorption. Insulin is a hormone that
is fundamental to transporting glucose from digested food to the body’s cells. When
the body cannot produce enough insulin, the glucose cannot be transported to the
cells and remains in the blood stream. This causes Type 1 diabetes. When the body
produces enough insulin but does not have enough receptor cells to absorb the
insulin, Type 2 diabetes develops. 90% of people who have diabetes have Type 2. Its
symptoms are the same as Type 1 diabetes.
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History
This article was originally published in Diabetes Health in November, 1996.
For 2,000 years diabetes has been recognized as a devastating and deadly disease. In
the first century A.D. a Greek, Aretaeus, described the destructive nature of the
affliction which he named "diabetes" from the Greek word for "siphon." Eugene J.
Leopold in his text Aretaeus the Cappodacian describes Aretaeus' diagnosis: "...For
fluids do not remain in the body, but use the body only as a channel through which
they may flow out. Life lasts only for a time, but not very long. For they urinate with
pain and painful is the emaciation. For no essential part of the drink is absorbed by
the body while great masses of the flesh are liquefied into urine."
Physicians in ancient times, like Aretaeus, recognized the symptoms of diabetes but
were powerless to effectively treat it. Aretaeus recommended oil of roses, dates, raw
quinces, and gruel. And as late as the 17th century, doctors prescribed "gelly of
viper's flesh, broken red coral, sweet almonds, and fresh flowers of blind nettles."
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Motivation and overview of diabetic research
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The
World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the deaths due to diabeteswill
increase all over the world by 80% in some regions, over the next ten years.
Among these, India host to the largest diabetes population in the world with an
estimated 35 million people, amounting to 8% of the adult population. WHO also
predicts that the diabetes currently affects almost two hundred million people
worldwide. International Diabetes Federation estimates that this figure will increase
to 333 million people by 2025. Only 5% of the diabetes in the world is type 1
(IDDM). The remaining 95% is type 2 (NIDDM).
Diabetes epidemic in India
The first national study on the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in India was done
between 1972 and 1975 by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR, New
Delhi) (Ahuja, 1979). Screening was done in about 35,000 individuals above 14 year
of age, using 50 g glucose load. Capillary blood glucose level >170 mg/dl was used
to diagnose diabetes. The prevalence was 2.1 % in urban population and 1.5% in the
rural population while in those above 40 year of age, the prevalence was 5% in
urban and 2.8% in rural areas. Subsequent studies showed a rising trend in the
prevalence of diabetes across different parts of India. In 1988, a study done in a
small township in south India reported a prevalence of 5% (Ramachandran et al.,
1988).This study also revealed that the prevalence in the southern part of India to be
higher-13.5 % in Chennai, 12.4 % in Bangalore and 16.6 % Hyderabad; compared to
eastern India (Kolkatta), 11.7 %; northern India (New Delhi), 11.6 %; and western
India (Mumbai) 9.3 % (Mohan et al., 2007).
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Types of diabetes
Diabetes in general, has been classified into three types namely type I, type II,
Gestational and other specific types of diabetes. Type I diabetes, which accounts
for 5-10% of all cases of diabetes, is affected with various microvascular and
macrovascular Complications that leads to the major morbidity and mortality
associated with it .Type 1 diabetes can start at any age and the pathogenecity is
strongly associated to the Autoimmune problems against the ß cells of islets of
Langerhans that ultimately result in Decreased insulin production.
♦Diabetes Type 1:
It Was previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-
onset diabetes. Type 1 diabetes develops when the body’s immune system destroys
pancreatic beta cells, the only cells in the body that make the hormone insulin that
regulates blood glucose. This form of diabetes usually strikes children and
young adults, although disease onset can occur at any age. Type 1 diabetes may
Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants
Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 5
account for 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Risk factors for type 1
diabetes may include autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors.
In type 1, the pancreas stops producing insulin due to autuimmune response or
possibly viral attack on pancreas. In absence of insulin, body cells don’t get the
required glucose for producing ATP (Adenosin Triphosphate) units which results
into primary symptom in the form of nausea and vomiting. In later stage, which
leads to ketoacidosis, the body starts breaking down the muscle tissue and fat for
producing energy hence, causing fast weight loss. Dehydration is also usually
observed due to electrolyte disturbance. In advanced stages, coma and death is
witnessed.
♦ Diabetes Type 2:
It Was previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or
adult-onset diabetes.Type 2 diabetes may account for about 90% to 95% of all
diagnosed cases of diabetes.It usually begins as insulin resistance, a disorder in
which the cells do not use insulin properly. As the need for insulin rises, the
pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce insulin.Type 2 diabetes is associated
with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes,
Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants
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impaired glucose metabolism, physical inactivity, and race/ethnicity.African
Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, and some Asian
Americans and Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders are at particularly high
risk for type 2 diabetes.Type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children
and adolescents. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic, lifelong disease that is due to
insulin resistance or reduced insulin sensitivity, combined with reduced insulin
secretion. Insulin is a hormonereleased by the pancreas in response to the
increased glucose level in the blood. The abnormality is reduced insulin
sensitivity, characterised by reduced level of insulin in the blood.
♦ Gestational Diabetes
A form of glucose intolerance that is diagnosed in some women during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes occurs more frequently among African Americans, and
American Indians. It is also more common among obese women and women with
a family history of diabetes. During pregnancy, gestational diabetes requires
treatment to normalize maternal blood glucose levels to avoid complications in the
infant. After pregnancy, 5% to 10% of women with gestational diabetes are found
to have type 2 diabetes.
The White classification, named after Priscilla White who pioneered in research on
the effect of diabetes types on perinatal outcome, is widely used to assess maternal
and fetal risk. It distinguishes between gestational diabetes (type A) and diabetes
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that existed prior to pregnancy (pregestational diabetes). These two groups are
further subdivided according to their associated risks and management.
The two subtypes of gestational diabetes (diabetes which began during pregnancy)
are:
Type A1: abnormal oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), but normal blood glucose
levels during fasting and two hours after meals; diet modification is sufficient to
control glucose levels
Type A2: abnormal OGTT compounded by abnormal glucose levels during fasting
and/or after meals; additional therapy with insulin or other medications is required
Signs and symptoms
Increased fatigue : Due to inefficiency of the cell to metabolize glucose, reserve fat
of body is metabolized to gain energy. When fat is broken down in the body, it
uses more energy as compared to glucose, hence body goes in negative calorie
effect, which results in fatigue.
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Polydipsia: As the concentration of glucose increases in the blood, brain receives
signal for diluting it and, in its counteraction we feel thirsty.
Polyuria: Increase in urine production is due to excess glucose present in body.
Body gets rid of the extra sugar in the blood by excreting it through urine. This
leads to dehydration because along with the sugar, a large amount of water is
excreted out of the body.
Polyphegia: The hormone insulin is also responsible for stimulating hunger. In
order to cope up with high sugar levels in blood, body produces insulin which
leads to increased hunger.
Weight flactuation: Factors like loss of water (polyuria), glucosuria , metabolism
of body fat and protein may lead to weight loss. Few cases may show weight gain
due to increased appetite.
Blurry vision: Hyperosmolar hyperglycemia nonketotic syndrome is the condition
when body fluid is pulled out of tissues including lenses of the eye, which affects
its ability to focus, resulting blurry vision.
Irritability: It is a sign of high blood sugar because of the inefficient glucose
supply to the brain and other body organs, which make us feel tired and uneasy.
Infections : The body gives few signals whenever there is fluctuation in blood
sugar (due to suppression of immune system) by frequent skin infections like
fungal or bacterial or UTI (urinary tract infection).
Poor wound healing: High blood sugar resists the flourishing of WBC, (white
blood cell) which is responsible for body immune system. When these cells do not
function accordingly, wound healing is not at good pace. Secondly, long standing
diabetes leads to thickening of blood vessels which affect proper circulation of
blood in different body parts.
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Diabetes diagnosis
The diagnosis of diabetes is made by a simple blood test measuring blood glucose
level and urine test measuring urine sugar level.
Usually these tests are repeated on a subsequent day to confirm the diagnosis. A
diagnosis of diabetes is a frightening and bewildering experience because there is
so much information to take in and the diagnosis may come as a shock. People
with Type 2 diabetes may hear their condition described as “mild,” but Type 2
diabetes is not a “mild” medical condition. Both forms and all stages of diabetes
are serious, with many possible complications, including eye, heart, kidney, and
nerve damage.
Diagnostic Range of Blood Sugar Level
Normal Diabetes
Fasting blood sugar 80-99 mg/dl 126 mg/dl and above
Random blood sugar 80-139 mg/dl 200 mg/dl and above
2 hour glucose tolerance test 80-139 mg/dl 200 mg/dl and above
Treatment for diabetes
As yet, there is no “cure” for either type of diabetes, although there are many ways
of keeping diabetes under control. Diabetes treatments are designed to help the body
to control the sugar levels in the blood. Studies have shown that good control of
blood sugar is the key to avoiding diabetic complications.
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 10
Type 2 diabetes treatment will vary dependent on blood sugar levels. Many patients
are counseled to change their lifestyle and lose weight. It is important to work with a
diabetes educator and dietitian. Treatment begins with changing certain food choices
and beginning an exercise program. Diabetes is a progressive disease, and the
treatment may change over time, requiring oral medication.
Allopathic Medication
AGENT MECHANISM SITE OF
ACTION
ADVANTAG
ES ADVERSE
EFFECT
SULPHONYL
UREAS
Stimulating
insulin
production
by
inhibiting
the K-ATP
channel
Pancreatic
beta cells
Effective and
inexpensive
Hypoglycemia
, weight gain
METFORMIN Decreases
insulin
resistance
liver Does not
cause
hypoglycemia,
weight loss
Nausea and
diarrhea.
THIAZOLIDINEDI
ONES (TZDs)
Reduce
insulin
resistance
by
activating
glut 4
GI tract Low risk Increased
liver
enzymes,
weight
gain,
edema,
mild
anemia
α-GLUCOSIDASE
INHIBITORS
Reduces
intestinal
glucose
absorption
Fat,
muscle
Decreases
postprandi
al plasma
triglycerid
e levels
Diarrhea,
abdominal
pain,
Side effects of allopathic medications vary wildly from mild to severe and there are
many. They include insomnia, vomiting, fatigue, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation,
dizziness, suicidal thoughts, hostility and difficulty sitting still, depression, mania,
Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants
Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 11
seizures, coma, anemia, hair loss, high blood sugar, shoplifting, swelling, impotency,
panic attacks, confusion, fainting and death.
Problems with modern (Allopathic) drugs:
High cost and long time taken in development of new drug
Toxicity – A new branch of medicine is termed iatrogenic diseases
Non-renewable source of basic raw materials. Most synthetic drug utilizes fossil
resources like petrochemicals
Environmental pollution by the chemical industry.
Advantages of plant-based drugs:
Long history of use and better patient tolerance as well as public acceptance.
Renewable source
Cultivation and processing environmental friendly
Local availability, especially in developing countries
It is often difficult for seniors to keep track of multiple medications which further
increase likelihood of side effects due to allopathic medicines.
Allopathic medicines prevent the pain and symptoms only not the
problem. Allopathic works fast and people can feel relief but symptoms come back
once by stop taking Allopathic medicines. So, in this point of view people again turn
back to Traditional Medicines.
The use of herbs to treat disease is almost universal among non-industrialized
societies, and is often more affordable than purchasing expensive modern
pharmaceuticals. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80 percent
of the population of some Asian and African countries presently uses herbal
medicine for some aspect of primary health care. Studies in the United States and
Europe have shown that their use is less common in clinical settings, but has become
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increasingly more in recent years as scientific evidence about the effectiveness of
herbal medicine has become more widely available.
The use of plants as medicines predates written human history. Ethnobotany (the
study of traditional human uses of plants) is recognized as an effective way to
discover future medicines. In 2001, researchers identified 122 compounds used in
modern medicine which were derived from "ethno medical" plant sources; 80% of
these have had an ethno medical use identical or related to the current use of the
active elements of the plant. Many of the pharmaceuticals currently available to
physicians have a long history of use as herbal remedies.
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The oldest written evidence for Natural Remedies
The oldest written evidence of medicinal plants’ usage for preparation of drugs has
been found on a Sumerian clay slab from Nagpur, approximately 5000 years old. It
comprised 12 recipes for drug preparation referring to over 250 various plants,
some of them alkaloid such as poppy, henbane, and mandrake.
The Chinese book on roots and grasses “Pen T’Sao,” written by Emperor Shen
Nung circa 2500 BC, treats 365 drugs (dried parts of medicinal plants), many of
which are used even nowadays such as the following: Rhei rhisoma,
camphor, Theae folium, Podophyllum, the great yellow gentian, ginseng, jimson
weed, cinnamon bark, and ephedra.
The Indian holy books Vedas mention treatment with plants, which are abundant
in that country. Numerous spice plants used even today originate from India:
nutmeg, pepper, clove, etc.
The Ebers Papyrus, written circa 1550 BC, represents a collection of 800
proscriptions referring to 700 plant species and drugs used for therapy such as
pomegranate, castor oil plant, aloe, senna, garlic, onion, fig, willow, coriander,
juniper, common centaury, etc.
According to data from the Bible and the holy Jewish book the Talmud, during
various rituals accompanying a treatment, aromatic plants were utilized such as
myrtle and incense.
Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants
In traditional medicine, diabetes mellitus is treated with diet, physical exercise and
medicinal plants. Even though, more than 1200 plants were used in the control of
diabetes mellitus, approximately 30% of the antidiabetic plants were
pharmacologically and chemically investigated (Alarcon et al., 2002). On the other
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 14
hand, potential hypoglycemic agents have also been detected in more than 100
plants which were used for antidiabetic therapy. Traditional treatments may
provide valuable clues for the development of new oral hypoglycemic agents and
simple dietary adjuncts. More than 100 medicinal plants were mentioned in the
Indian system of medicines including folk medicines for the management of
diabetes, which are effective either separately or in combinations (Kar et al.,
2003). As per the ethnobotanical literature on traditional phytotherapy of Indian
medicinal plants, the species like Asparagus racemosus, Butea monosperma,
Cathanranthus roseus, Coccinia indica, Gymnema sylvestre, Syzygium cumini and
Momordica charantia are consistently used by the tribal communities for the
treatment of diabetes (Rana et al., 1999) as well as in modern medicine.
Following Antidiabetic medicinal plants are taken for study purpose:
TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA (giloy)
SWERTIA CHIRAYITA (Chirata)
AEGLE MARMELOS (Bael Tree)
BAUHINIA VARIEGATA (Orchid Tree)
SYZYGIUM CUMINI (Jamun)
GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE (Gurmar)
MOMORDICA CHARANTIA (Karela)
MURRAYA KOENIGII (Curry patta)
PTEROCARPUS MARSUPIUM (Vijaysar)
TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM (Methi)
MORINGA OLEIFERA (Sargavo)
COSTUS IGNEUS (Keukand)
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Tinospora Cordifolia
Vernacular Information
English : Tinospora
Hindi : Guduchi
Gujarati : Gado
Sanskrit : Amruta
Scientific Classfication
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Magnoliopsida
Order : Ranunculales
Family : Menispermaceae
Genus : Tinospora
Species : T. cordifolia
Parts Used: whole plant
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Geographical Distribution
Globally the species is distributed in India, SriLanka and Bangladesh. Within India
it is distributed in Arunachal Pradesh and in South India. This species is globally
distributed in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Within India, it is found
throughout tropical India, ascending to an altitude of 300m. It is often cultivated.
Botanical Description
Tinospora is a big climber (glabrous) shrub generally climbs on large trees. It is a
twining, succulent-stemmed, fast growing with tuberous roots. Its branches are
grey-green, up to 40 mm in diameter, becoming brown with age. The leaves are
heart-shaped and 100 x 100 mm. Its flowers are tiny creamy-greenish and male
and female flowers are formed on different branches. It flowers in spring. The
female flowers are followed by oval red fruit up to 10 mm in diameter. These ripen
during summer and autumn. Its stems are Fleshy and roots are long thread like,
aerial, arise from branches. Bark is thin, greyish or creamy white in color, when
peeled fleshy stem is exposed. Its seeds are curved, pea sized. The extract obtained
from the root is pure white where as that obtained from the stem may be slightly
grayish. The freshly prepared Guduchi extract has a good taste.
Active Antidiabetic constituents
Name: Berberine
M. F.: [C20H18NO4] +
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Extraction Method 1
An aliquot of Tinospora cordifolia was fractionated by TLC using silica gel as an
adsorbent. The system was sequentially eluted with CHCI3 and MeOH in a
polarity gradient fashion, by increasing polarity of MeOH from 0 to 100%. to
obtain 36 fractions.Fractions 10-16 were purified by Column chromatography
(silica gel) eluting with CHCI3-MeOH (6:1)to obtain compound 1 as yellow
needles Fractions 17-31 were subjected to Column chromatography (silica gel),
sequentially eluted with CHCl3-MeOH (4:1). After crystallization in MeOH,
compound 2 was obtained as orange plates.
The alkaline aqueous fraction was acidified with HC1 to pH 3.0 and treated with a
solution of picric acid for 24 h, forming a ppt.This ppt. was dissolved in MeOH,
treated with activated charcoal and filtered over celite. The methanolic solution
was passed through an ion-exchange column, evaporated and further purified by
preparative chromatography on silica gel (mobile phase: MeOH: water: NH3
(25%), 15:3:1) to obtain compound Berberin.
Extraction Method 2
Ultra pressure extraction of berberine
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(1: plunger; 2:ultrahigh pressure vessel; 3: pressure-conduction media; 4: sealed plastic bag; 5:
plant materials and extraction solvent; 6: valve; 7: pipe; 8: supercharger; 9: lubricator groove; 10:
valve).
The Tinospora cordifolia - stem was crushed, with 24 mesh screened. 2.0 g of
plant materials was set in a plastic bag and added extraction solvent in proportion,
sealed and drained bubbles, increased the pressure to the required pressure to keep
pressure for 120 s, then removed the pressure and obtained extracts, filtered, with
0.22 μm filter membrane, and then stored at 4°C for spare.
Antidiabetic activity
The stem of Tinospora cordifolia is widely used in the therapy of diabetes by
regulating the blood glucose in traditional folk medicine of India. It has been
reported to mediate its anti-diabetic potential through mitigating oxidative stress
(OS), promoting insulin secretion and also by inhibiting gluconeogenesis and
glycogenolysis, thereby regulating blood glucose. Alkaloids, tannins, cardiac
glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, and steroids as the major
phytoconstituents of Tinospora cordifolia have been reported to play an anti-
diabetic role.
The isoquinoline alkaloid rich fraction from stem, including, palmatine,
jatrorrhizine, and magnoflorine have been reported for insulin-mimicking and
insulin-releasing effect both in vitro and in vivo. Oral treatments of root extracts
have been reported to regulate blood glucose levels, enhance insulin secretion and
suppress OS markers. Initiation and restoration of cellular defence anti-oxidant
markers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and
glutathione (GSH), inhibition of glucose 6-phosphatase and fructose 1, 6-
diphosphatase, restoration of glycogen content in liver was reported in in
vitro studies.
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The crude stem ethyl acetate, dichloromethane (DCM), chloroforms and hexane
extracts of Tinospora cordifolia inhibited the enzyme's salivary and pancreatic
amylase and glucosidase thus increasing the post-prandial glucose level and finds
potential application in treatment of diabetes mellitus.
T. cardifolia root extract (TCE) has been reported to cause an increase in body
weight, total hemoglobin and hepatic hexokinase and lowering hepatic glucose-6-
phosphatase, serum acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and
lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in diabetic rats thus having hypoglycemic and
hypolipidaemic effect.
Antidiabetic Medicines made from T.Cordifolia
Other action of Tinospora cordifolia
Astringent Blood purifier
Anti Inflammatory
Anti allergic
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swertia chirayita
Vernacular Information
English : Chirata
Hindi : Chirayita
Gujarati : Kachnar
Sanskrit : Kirat tikta
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division : Angiosperms
Class : Eudicots
Order : Asterids
Family : Gentianaceae
Genus : Swertia
Species : S. chirata
Parts Used: Dried whole plant
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Geographical Distribution
Himalayas, India, Chin , Nepal,
Botanical Description
The plant is an erect annual. The stems are robust, branching, cylindrical below
and 4-angled upwards, containing a large pith; the leaves are broadly lanceolate, 5-
nerved and sub-sessile; the flowers occur in large panicles, are lurid greenish
yellow, tinged with purple; the capsules are egg-shaped, many-sided, sharp-
pointed; the seeds are smooth and many- angled. The drug (chiretta) is obtained
from the dried plant.
Active Antidiabetic Constituents
Name
M.F.
Swechirin
C15H12O6
Other:
Xanthones
Mangiferin
Kairatenol (penta cyclic compound)
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Extraction Method
Preparation of the crude sample
Whole plants (0.5 kg) were ground into a powder and extracted three times with
75% ethanol. The extraction times were 2 h, 2 h and 1 h, respectively. The extracts
were combined and evaporated to dryness by rotary evaporation at 60 C under
vacuum, which yielded 0.11 kg of dry powder.
The residues were then suspended in distilled water (3 L) and extracted with light
petroleum ether (b.p. 60–90 C, 6 L), chloroform (6 L) and n-butanol (6 L). After
the chloroform layer was concentrated to dryness, 26 g of extract was obtained.
The extract of chloroform (26 g) was subjected to silica gel (1000 g) CC eluted
with petroleum ether and increasing proportions of ethyl acetate to give five
fractions, and 6.4 g of crude sample was obtained from fraction 4 for
HSCCCseparation.
HSCCC Separation(High Speed Counter Current Chromatography)
Functionally, the high-speed CCC consists of a helical coil of inert tubing
which rotates on its planetary axis and simultaneously rotates eccentrically
about another solar axis. (These axes can be made to coincide)The effect is
to create zones of mixing and zones of settling which progress along the
helical coil at dizzying speed. This produces a highly favorable
environment for chromatography.
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Antidiabetic activity
A xanthone was isolated from the hexane fraction of the Swertia chirayita plant
and identified as 1,8-dihydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyxanthone (swerchirin). It has a very
significant blood sugar lowering effect in fasted, fed, glucose loaded, and
tolbutamide pretreated albino rat models. The ED50 for 40% blood sugar lowering
in CF male albino rats (body weight 140-165 g) is 23.1 mg/kg/oral. The possibility
of its application in clinical therapy for diabetes mellitus needs exploration.
Mechanism of blood sugar lowering by the crude/impure swerchirin (SWI)
isolated from the hexane fraction of Swertia chirayita was investigated. Single oral
administration of SWI (50 mg/kg, body wt) to fed CF rats induced about 60%
(max.) fall in blood glucose by 7 hr post-treatment. This was associated with
marked depletion of aldehyde-fuchsin stained beta-granules and immunostained
insulin in the pancreatic islets. In vitro, glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis by
muscle (diaphragm) was significantly enhanced by the serum of SWI-treated rat.
At 100, 10 and 1 microM final concentration, SWI greatly enhanced glucose (16.7
mM)-stimulated insulin release from isolated islets. It is therefore concluded that
SWI lowers blood glucose level by stimulating insulin release from islets of
Langerhans.
Swerichin is known to increase Plasma immune reactive insulin (IRI levels) and
shows higher degree of beta cells degranulation.“Chiretta” (market name) is
ingathered in drug industry (Bentley and Trimen, 1880). It is called as elixir and
immersion in American and British pharmacopoeias.
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Antidiabetic Medicines made from S.Chirayita
Other Action of Swertia chirayita :
Anti-inflammatory
anesthetic,
anticonvulsant properties
hypotensive
antipsychotic
antimalarial
antibacterial properties
antihistaminic
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Aegle Marmelos
Vernaculra Information
English : Bael Tree
Hindi : bilva
Gujarati : Bili
Sanskrit : bilva
Scientific Classfication
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Magnoliopsida
Order : Sapindales
Family : Rutaceae
Genus : Aegle
Species : Aegle marmelos
Parts Used: Roots, bark, Leaves, Ripe- Unripe fruits
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Geographical Distribution
India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand
Forests of India, western Himalayas, andaman island.
Botanical Descrioption
Bael is a medium sized tree, reaching a height of 8 to 10 metres. It has a solid
trunk, branches with long straight offshoot. Its leaves are fragrant and sweet-
scented and greenish-white flowers. The fruit is woody and polished, 5 to 15 cm in
diameter. It has abundant seeds that are thickly covered with fibrous hair and are
implanted in a fat perfumed pulp. This is generally considered as sacred tree by the
Hindus, as its leaves are offered to Lord Shiva during Leaves, worship. According
to Hindu mythology, the tree is another form of Lord Kailashnath.fruit, stem and
roots of this tree at all stages of maturity are used as ethno medicine against
various human ailments.
Active Antidiabetic constituents :
Name : Marmelosin
M. F. : C16H14O4
M.W.: 270.27 gm/mole
Other:
Marmesin, Psoralin, umbelliferon
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 27
Extraction Method
Extraction by Continuous hot percolation (Soxhlet extraction)
The plant material 1st grinded. The powder is passed through mesh No.10.The
drug is packed in a paper cylinder made from a filter paper and it is placed in the
body of Soxhlet extractor.
Soxhlet Apparatus
Seperation of Marmelosin from Extract by Column chromatography
In column chromatography, the mobile phase is a solvent and the stationary phase
is Finely divided solid, such as Silica gel. slurry of the silica gel was prepared for
column by ethyl acetate, methanol, and hexane as an eluent in (1:1:1.5) ratio and
then carefully poured into the column. The eluent was collected in different test
tube with a volume of 2 ml in each test tube. The eluent was dried and marmelosin
was separated out.
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 28
Antidiabetic Activity
The administrations of AM extract significantly decreased serum triglycerides and
total cholesterol in diabetic mice. The levels of serum lipids are usually elevated in
diabetes mellitus and such an elevation represents the high risk of coronary heart
diseases. The marked hyperlipidemia that characterizes the diabetes status may be
regarded as consequences of the uninhibited action of lipolytic hormones on the fat
depots.
Glycogen is the primary intracellular storage form of glucose and its levels in
various tissues, specifically in liver and skeletal muscles, are a direct reflection of
insulin activity since it regulates glycogen deposition by stimulating glycogen
synthase and inhibiting glycogen phosphorylase. Since streptozotocin causes
selective destruction of β-cells of islets of Langerhans resulting in marked decrease
in insulin levels, it could be predicted that glycogen levels in tissues (muscle and
liver) decreases as the influx of glucose in the liver is inhibited in the absence of
insulin. However, this alteration in hepatic and muscle glycogen content is
normalized by insulin treatment. supplementation of diabetic mice with AM
extract resulted in significant elevation in both muscle and hepatic glycogen
content.
Bael is used as an antidiabetic plant in folklore medicine. The hypoglycemic
effect of Bael is similar to insulin. During Diabetes there is increase in protein
catabolism, which feeds gluconeogenesis that results in hyper uremia and hypo
proteinemia. So, here Aegle marmelos enhance proteolysis in muscle and other
tissus, coupled with lower protein synthesis and give protective effect of the
extract on protein catabolism.
In hyperglycemia the activity of fructose -1,6-diphosphate is enhanced, which
concerned with gluconeogenesis. Aegle marmelos leaf has a corrective influence
on these altered enzyme activity.
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 29
Antidiabetic Medicines made from A.mamelos
Other Action of Aegle Marmelos:
Every part of bale tree-stem, bark, root, leaves and fruit at all stages of maturity -
have medicinal merits and have been used as remedy for a long time. Fresh half
ripe Bael fruit is mildly astringent and used to cure dysentery, diarrhoea, hepatitis,
tuberculosis, dyspepsia and good for heart and brain. Roots have antidiarrhoetic,
antidote to snake venom, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.
Constipation: Ripe bael fruit is regarded the best of all purgatives. It cleanses
and strengthens the intestines. Its everyday usage for 2 or 3 months disposes even
the old hoarded faecal matter.
Diarrhoea and Dysentery: The immature or half-ripe fruit is the most effective
remedy for continual diarrhoea and dysentery. The use of dried bael or its
powdered form gives the best result.
Peptic Ulcer: Bael leaves are considered an effective solution for peptic ulcer. The
leaves are doused overnight in water. This water is sieved and taken in the
morning.
Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants
Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 30
Bauhinia variegata
Vernacular Information
English : Orchid tree
Hindi : Kachnar
Gujarati : orchid
Sanskrit : Kachnar
Scientific Classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Angiosperms
Class : Eudicots
Order : Fabels
Family : Fabeceae
Genus : Bauhinia
Species : Bauhinia Variegata
Parts used : leaves, flowers
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 31
Geographical Distribution
southern asia, southern china, himalayas, Pakistan, Nepal
Botanical Description
It is a small to medium-sized tree growing to 10–12 m tall, deciduous in the dry
season. The leaves are 10–20 cm long and broad, rounded, and bilobed at the base
and apex. The flowers are conspicuous, bright pink or white, 8–12 cm diameter,
with five petals. The fruit is a pod 15–30 cm long, containing several seeds.
Active Antidiabetic Constituents
Stem bark : Tannins, Roseoside
Flower : octacosanol, Beta sitosterol, stigma sterol, myrecetol
Extraction Method
Cytochemical immunolocalization
Leaves were thoroughly washed, cut into pieces (0.5 x 0.5 cm) and fixed in 50 mm
sodium cacodylate buffer, pH 7.0, containing 0.1% glutaraldehyde and 4%
paraformaldehyde for 2 hr at room temperature. Samples were washed three times
for 10 min with the same buffer and dehydrated in 50% (30 min), 70% (60 min),
and 90% methanol (60 min). After dehydration the pieces were embedded in LR
Gold resin (50, 70, and 100% resin in methanol) for a total of 6 days. For
immunocytochemical localization, sections of approximately 60 nm were cut from
the resin blocks and collected on Formvar films. The sections were treated with 50
mm ammonium chloride for 1 hr and with PBS (10 mm sodium phosphate, 150
mm sodium chloride) containing 1% bovine serum albumin (BSA) for 2 hr. The
sections were then incubated with a guinea pig anti-human insulin antibody
(1:200) in the above buffer for 2 hr. The sections were then washed six times each
for 5 min with PBS plus 1% BSA as blocking buffer and four times (5 min each)
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 32
with PBS alone. After washing, sections were incubated with a guinea pig anti-IgG
antibody conjugated with colloidal gold (10 nm) at 1:350 dilution for 2 h and
washed again. The sections were then contrasted with 5% uranyl acetate followed
by 1% lead citrate for 1 min.
Crystalline inclusions
The crystalline inclusions in leaves of B. variegata were analyzed by energy-
dispersive X-ray microanalysis. After fixation with 2.5% glutaraldehyde, 4%
paraformaldehyde and 50 mM cacodylate the samples were dehydrated in ethanol
and critical point dried in CO2- covered carbon in a Balzer Apparatus. Samples
were analyzed.
Chloroplast purification
Five grams of B. variegata leaves was gently homogenized at 4ºC in a mortar with
two volumes (w/v) of a grinding buffer containing 0.35 M sucrose, 3 mM EDTA,
0.1% (w/v) BSA, 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.2, and 10 mM mercaptoethanol. The
homogenate was filtered through four layers of cheesecloth and the filtrate was
centrifuged at 250 g for 10 min at 4ºC. The supernatant was then centrifuged at
3000 g for 10 min at the same temperature. The pellet containing chloroplasts was
resuspended in 2 mL of grinding buffer and the quality of the preparation was
analyzed by phase contrast light microscopy.
Extraction of proteins from electrophoresis gels
Chloroplast proteins were extracted from 2-mm thick 15% SDS-PAGE gels by the
syringe maceration extraction method (15). After electrophoresis (ten gels) the
band, with a mass similar to that of bovine insulin, was sliced horizontally into
0.5-cm sections. The gel slices (~1 g of gel material) were placed in a 3-mL
syringe and forced through the opening into a second syringe. This procedure was
Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants
Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 33
repeated five times. Next, the gel material was collected into a 2-mL Eppendorf
tube and 1 mL of water was added. The mixture was vortexed for 30 s and left at
room temperature for 5 min. The gel material was pelleted by centrifugation at
12,000 g for 1 min and the supernatant was collected. Ten microliters of the above
solution containing the chloroplast insulin-like protein fraction extracted from
SDS-PAGE gels was diluted 1:10 in 50% acetonitrile and used for measuring the
absorption spectrum from 220 to 900 nm in a Specord M500 spectrophotometer.
Antidiabetic Activity
The hypoglycemic activity of the protein isolated from leaf extracts. The leaves of
the many Bauhinia species are used in antidiabetic treatments by many populations
of the world.
In India, stem bark is used as an antidiabetic in the Ayurvedic system of
medicine.In a recent in-vitro study, the ethanolic extract of B. variegata and its
major constituent, roseoside, have demonstrated enhanced insulin release from the
beta-cell lines .
In view of these facts, this work studied the influence of the stem bark of B.
variegata on alloxan-induced hyperglycemia in rats.
There is no medicines available in market as antidiabetic made from B.variegata.
Other action of B. variegate
Anti T.B.
Also used in Asthma, Pilles, Diarrhoea, Goitre, Skin –disease
Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants
Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 34
Syzygium Cumini
Vernacular Information
English : Black Plum
Hindi : Jamun
Gujarati : Jambu
Sanskrit : Mahaphala
Scientific Classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Magnoliopsida
Order : Myrtales
Family : Myritaceae
Genus : Syzygium
Species : Syzygium Cumini
Parts Used : Fruit, Seed Powder
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 35
Geographical Distribution
Jambul is native to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, thePhilippines,
and Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia , Native to Africa, China,
Bhutan, India,
Botanical Description
A fairly fast growing species, it can reach heights of up to 30 m and can live more
than 100 years. Its dense foliage provides shade and is grown just for its
ornamental value. At the base of the tree, the bark is rough and dark grey,
becoming lighter grey and smoother higher up.The leaves which are an aroma
similar to turpentine, are pinkish when young, changing to a leathery, glossy dark
green with a yellow midrib as they mature. Jambul trees start flowering from
March to April. The flowers of jambul are fragrant and small, about 5 mm in
diameter. The fruits develop by May or June and resemble largeberries. The fruit
is oblong, ovoid, starts green and turns pink to shining crimson black as it matures.
A variant of the tree produces white coloured fruit..
Active Antidiabetic Constituent
Phytochemical : Ferulic Acid
IUPAC Name : (E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)acrylic acid
M.F. : C10H10O4
M.W. : 290.0 g/mol
O
HO
O
OH
Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants
Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 36
Extraction Method
Preparation of plant extract :
The jamun fruits are 1st washed and pulp is removed from seeds. Seeds were
washed, dried and coarsely powdered.
The powder was extracted with hexane to remove lipids. it is then filtered and
residue is successively extracted with ethyl acetate and methanol using cold
percolation method. Then phytochemical screening give results of extract.
Isolation of Active Compound :
5 gm of seed Methanolic extract is mixed with silica gel (60-120 mesh) and
loaded in a column packed with silica gel using hexane as a solvent. The column is
eluted with increasing order of polarity.
The fraction eluted at 100% MeOH, yield of 350mg obtained as pale brown
semisolid. It is characterized by spectroscopic techniques.
Antidiabetic activity
Jambu extracts, solutions, and other preparations from plants with a putative
antihyperglycemic effect have a worldwide utilization in the treatment of diabetes.
Among them, the tea prepared from leaves of jambolan [Syzygium jambos (L.) Alst
or Syzyguium cumini (L.) Skeels] is largely used. An antihyperglycemic effect in
patients with diabetes, however, could not be ruled out, since its mechanism of
action could depend on specific abnormalities of diabetes in humans.
tea prepared from leaves of Syzygium cumini (two grams per liter of water, taken
as water substitute)Fasting blood glucose levels decreased.
Significant blood glucose lowering activity was observed in fasted rats at a single
oral dose of 250mg/kg body weight, along with marked degranulation in
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 37
pancreatic β-cells and increase in muscle glycogen store of normal rats. Whole
fruit extract was lowered the blood glucose concentration probably by stimulating
insulin secretogouge activity and increasing the glycogen store in muscles of
normal rats. These observations indicate that the S. cumini whole fruit definitely
possess hypoglycemic potential, which has not been reported earlier.
Oral administration of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts showed significant
decrease in blood sugar level. It showed an incerased activity of hexokinase and
decreased activity of glucose 6- phosphate in liver.The isolated compound of seed
extract at a dose level of 50 mg/kg showed significant decrease in blood sugar
level. However leaves of plant does not contain antidiabetic activity.The effect
exerted by s.cumini are more potent than that of Glibenclamide.
Antidiabetic medicines made from s.cumini
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 38
Other action of s.cumini
The bark is acrid, sweet, digestive, astringent to the bowels, anthelmintic and used
for the treatment of sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, thirst, biliousness, dysentery
and ulcers. It is also a good blood purifier. The fruit is acrid, sweet, cooling and
astringent to the bowels and removes bad smell form mouth, biliousness,
stomachic, astringent, diuretic and antidiabetic. The fruit has a very long history of
use for various medicinal purposes and currently has a large market for the
treatment of chronic diarrhea and other enteric disorders. The seed is sweet,
astringent to the bowels and good for diabetes. The ash of the leaves is used for
strengthening the teeth and gums. Vinegar prepared from the juice of the ripe fruit
is an agreeable stomachic and carminative and used as diuretic and it is also useful
in spleen enlargement and an efficient astringent in chronic diarrhea.
Juice of tender leaves of this plant, leaves of mango and myrobalan are mixed and
administered along with goat's milk and honey to treat dysentery with bloody
discharge, whereas juice of tender leaves alone or in combination with
carminatives such as cardamom or cinnamon is given in goat's milk to treat
diarrhoea in children. Traditional medical healers in Madagascar have been using
the seeds of jambolan for generations as the centerpiece of an effective therapy for
counteracting the slow debilitating impacts of diabetes. The seed extract is used to
treat cold, cough, fever and skin problems such as rashes and the mouth, throat,
intestines and genitourinary tract ulcers (infected by Candida albicans) by the
villagers of Tamil Nadu. Jambolan fruit can be eaten raw and can be made into
tarts, sauces and jams. Good quality jambolan juice is excellent for sherbet, syrup
and “squash”, an Indian drink
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 39
Gymnema sylvestre
Vernacular Information
English : small indian ipecac
Hindi : Gurmar
Gujarati : Madhunashini
Sanskrit : Meshshringi
Scientific Classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Magnoliopsida
Order : Gentianales
Family : Asclepiadaceae
Genus : Gymnema
Species : G.sylvestre
Parts used: Leaves
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 40
Geographical Distribution
G. sylvestre is native to the tropical forests of central and southern India had wider
distribution and it grows in the plains fromthe coast, in scrub jungles and in
thickets at an altitude ranging from 300 - 700m. The genus Gymnema comprises
40 species distributed from Western Africa to Australia. They are mainly
distributed in the Deccan peninsula parts of northern, western India, Tropical
Africa, Australia,Vietnam, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
Botanical Description
Gymnema sylvestre (GS) is a slow growing, perennial, woody climbing plant
(Asclepiadaceae family), which grows in tropical forests of central and southern
India. Leaves are opposite, usually elliptic or ovate (1.25–2.0 inch × 0.5–1.25
inch); flowers are small, yellow, in umbellate cymes.
Active Antidiabetic Constituents
Name : Gymnemagenin Basic structure of Gymnemic Acid
M.F. : C30H50O6.
M.W. : 506.72gm/mole
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 41
Extraction Method
EXTRACTION OF GYMNEMIC ACID BYHOOPERS’S METHOD
Soxhlet apparatus
Step1: Extraction with petroleum ether
1 kg of dry leaf powder was packed into a clean soxhlet extraction unit. Seven
liters of petroleum ether (60-800C) was added and extracted for 24-36hours till all
the components are soluble in petroleum. Petroleum extract is collected and
distilled in a distillation unit. Then a net weight of250 gm of petroleum ether
extracts was obtained. Petroleum ether extraction was used for defatting dried leaf
power.
Step2: Extraction with 90% methanol
The plant material is then extracted with 90% methanol. 90% methanol was added
and the extraction was carried out for 24-36 hours till the total methanol soluble
extract was obtained. The methanol soluble extract was distilled and finally175gm
of the thick paste were obtained.
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Step3: Isolation of pure gymnemic acid frommethanol extract
175gm thick paste of methanol soluble extract was dissolved in 1% aqueous KOH
solution oncontinuously stirring for 45min to 1 hour. Thesolution is then filtered
through filter paper to separate the un-dissolved particles. Diluted HCl was added
slowly under constant stirring, during which the gymnemic acids were
precipitated. Precipitated solution was filtered under suction and precipitate was
dried. The pure gymnemic acid was obtained.
Antidiabetic Activity
The variety of theorized mechanisms is a based on the fact that the atomic
arrangement of gymnemic acid molecules is similar to that of glucose molecules.
There are some possible mechanisms by which the leaves extract of GS or
gymnemic acid possess their hypoglycemic acid effects.
It causes inhibition of glucose absorption from intestine: gymnemic acid molecules
fill the receptor location in the absorptive external layers of the intestine thereby
preventing the sugar molecules absorption by the intestine, which results in low
blood sugar level. Receptor blockade is established quickly and persists for about 5
hours, decreasing sugar absorption of about 50%.
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 43
It increases utilization of glucose as it increase the activities of enzymes
responsible for utilization of glucose by insulin-dependent pathways, determines
an increase in phosphorylase activity and decrease in gluconeogenic enzymes and
sorbitol dehydrogenase; moreover increases cell permeability to insulin.
It increases secretion of insulin by stimulating β-cells and/or increasing their
number (in pancreatectomized animals it has no hypoglycemic effect, indicating
that its effect may require some residual β-cell function).
It promotes regeneration of islet cells, ensuring adequate hormonal support and
response.
Besides all that, gymnemic acids and gurmarin (another constituent of the leaves)
have been shown to block sweet taste in humans: almost certainly gymnemic acid
molecules fill the receptor locations on the taste buds thereby preventing its
activation by sugar molecules present in the food, thereby curbing the sugar
craving.
One of the mechanisms responsible for adult onset diabetes mellitus is a form of
insulin resistance,which is attributed to the inability of insulin to enter cells via the
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 44
insulin receptor. Should this effect beproven, Gymnema may prove useful in both
adult onset (NIDDM) and juvenile onset diabetes mellitus(IDDM) to help insulin
enter cells.
The leaves are also noted for lowering serum cholesterol and triglycerides. The
primary chemicalconstituents of Gymnema include gymnemic acid, tartaric acid,
gurmarin, calcium oxalate, glucose,stigmasterol, betaine, and choline. While the
water-soluble acidic fractions reportedly provide thehypoglycemic action, it is not
yet clear what specific constituent in the leaves is responsible for thesame. Some
researchers have suggested gymnemic acid as one possible candidate, although
furtherresearch is needed.
Antidiabetic Medicines made from G.sylvestre
Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants
Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 45
Other Action of G.sylvestre
Liver tonic
Cardiotonic
Antioxident
Astringent
Antimicrobial
Antiulcer
Hepatoprotective
Antioxident
Ant fertility
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 46
Momordica Charantia
Vernacular Information
English : Bitter Gourd
Hindi : Karela
Gujarati : Karela
Sanskrit : Karvellak
Scientific Classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Order : Cucurbitales
Family : Cucurbetaceae
Genus : Momordica
Species : Charantia
Parts Used: Fruits, Seeds, Leaves.
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 47
Geographical Distribution
parts of South America and the Amazon basin including Brazil, Guyana and the
Caribbean, East Africa and Asia including India, China, Philippines, Pakistan,
Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Botanical description
This herbaceous, tendril-bearing vine grows to 5 m. It bears
simple, alternate leaves 4–12 cm across, with three to seven deeply separated
lobes. Each plant bears separate yellow male and female flowers. In the Northern
Hemisphere, flowering occurs during June to July and fruiting during September to
November.
The fruit has a distinct warty exterior and an oblong shape. It is hollow in cross-
section, with a relatively thin layer of flesh surrounding a central seed cavity filled
with large, flat seeds and pith. The fruit is most often eaten green, or as it is
beginning to turn yellow. As the fruit ripens, the flesh (rind) becomes tougher,
more bitter, and too distasteful to eat. When the fruit is fully ripe, it turns orange
and mushy, and splits into segments which curl back dramatically to expose seeds
covered in bright red pulp.
Active Antidiabetic constituents
Product Name : Charantin
M.F. : C35H58O6
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 48
Extraction Method
Sample preparation
The fruits of bitter melon were cleaned and cut into small pieces, and then oven
dried at 50 C for a day. The dried sample was then pulverized into fine powder in
a grinder,which was then stored at 4 C until use.
Subcritical water Extraction (SCWE) of M.Charantia
Diagram of experimental setup subcritical water extraction.
The subcritical water extraction was carried out in a laboratory-built apparatus
shown in Figure. The extraction system consisted of two HPLC pumps used to
deliver the water and solvent through the system at constant flow rates, a degassing
instrument an oven where the extraction vessel was mounted, a pressure gauge,
and a back pressure regulator valve. All connections were made with stainless steel
capillaries.
Water was passed through a degassing degassed water was then delivered to
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Equipment to remove dissolved oxygen, The preheating coil, made from 3 m
length stainless steel tubing, installed in the oven, and delivered through to the
extraction vessel, which was preloaded with 1.0 g of sample. The back pressure
regulator valve placed at the outlet of the extraction system was used to maintain
the system pressure to ensure that the water was in liquid state at the temperatures
tested.
Before starting the extraction, all connections were checked for possible leakage.
The second pump was then turned on to deliver ethanol at constant flow rate of 1
ml/min to wash off any residual product in the outlet line behind the extractor. The
extract was cooled in a coil immersed in a water bath to prevent possible product
degradation, and the extract was collected in fractions in sample collecting vials
every 10 minutes in a first hour and every 20 minutes in the second hour. After
extraction, the compound remained in the sample residue was extracted repeatedly
in 30 ml methanol until the extract was clear. The samples were then evaporated
under vacuum to remove the water and methanol until volume of the samples was
about 10 ml and stored at 4 C until analysis.
Antidiabetic Activity
M. charantia, its extracts and isolated components are believed to exert their
hypoglycaemic effects via different physiological and biochemical processes.
These include insulin secretagogue like effect, stimulation of skeletal muscle and
peripheral cell glucose utilization, inhibition of intestinal glucose uptake,
inhibition of hexokinase activity, suppression of key gluconeogenic enzymes,
stimulation of key enzymes, HMP pathway and preservation of pancreatic islet
cells and their functions.
M. charantia and its various extracts and components have been reported to exert
hypoglycemic effects, studies have shown that both the aqueous and alcoholic
extracts of the fruit of M. charantia can inhibit the activities of fructose 1, 6-
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 50
diphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase and at the same time stimulating the
action of glucose-6-phosphatase dehydrogenase. It was previously reported
that M. charantia and its various extracts can stimulate peripheral cell glucose
uptake.
In addition to its insulin-like effects on skeletal muscle cells, daily oral intake
of M. charantia fruit juice over a period of 10 weeks significantly reduced the
amount of Na+ and K
+-dependent
14C-D-glucose absorbed by rat jejunum brush
border membrane vesicle compared to vesicles obtained from STZ-induced
diabetic rats.Taken together, these results clearly demonstrated that M.
charantia and its extracts can directly regulate blood glucose via two mechanisms.
Firstly, it can regulate how much glucose is absorbed by the gut into the blood
following a meal and secondly, it can stimulate glucose uptake into skeletal muscle
cells just like insulin. Moreover, it seems to exert its effect via the same
intracellular signaling pathways as insulin in regulating glucose metabolism in the
body.
M. charantia fruit juice may have a role in the renewal of β cells in treated diabetic
rats or alternatively, the juice may permit the recovery of partially destroyed β
cells. Physiological experiments have also shown that M. charantia can stimulate
insulin secretion from the endocrine pancreas and elicit glucose uptake in the liver.
Current evidence therefore indicates that the recovery and subsequent increase in
the number of insulin producing cells followed by the release of insulin may be
part of the several pathways by which M. charantia exerts its hypoglycemic
effects. In addition to the properties mentioned above, M. charantiaand its extracts
may possess cell-like proliferation and growth-like properties similar to that of
insulin. Nevertheless, further experiment are required, at least at the molecular
level, to determine the precise mechanisms whereby M. charantia can either repair
damaged β cells or prevent their death.
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 51
Antidiabetic Medicines made from M.charantia
Other Action of M.charantia
Antimicrobial
Antiulcer
Hepatoprotective
Antioxident
Anti fertility Anti bacterial
Anti emetic
Diuretic
Chemopreventive
Antioxident
Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants
Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 52
Murraya koenigii
Vernacular Information
English : Curry tree
Hindi : Kadhi Patta
Gujarati : Mitho Limdo
Sanskrit : Kaidarya
Scientific Classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Angiosperms
Class : Eudicots
Order : Sapindales
Family : Rutaceae
Genus : Murraya
Species : M.Koenigii
Parts used : leaves
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 53
Geographical distribution
Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Native to Africa, China, Bhutan, India,
pakistan.
Botanical Description
Murraya koenigii or sweet neem is a small tree, growing 4–6 m (13-20 feet) tall,
with a trunk up to 40 cm diameter. The leaves are pinnate, with 11-21 leaflets,
each leaflet 2–4 cm long and 1–2 cm broad and highly aromatic. The flowers are
small, white, and fragrant. The small black shiny berries are edible, but their seeds
are poisonous
Active Antidiabetic Constituents
Name : Mahanimbine
M.F. : C23H25NO
Other
Curryanin
Murrayline
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 54
Extraction Method
Soxhlet Apparatus
Extraction and isolation
The dried plant powder of Murraya koenigii leaves were extracted with petroleum
ether (60-80ºC) in a Soxhlet apparatus for 72 h. at room temperature. The total
extract was concentrated under reduced pressure and kept at room temperature. A
greenish solid was separated out.
This was dissolved in petroleum ether (60-80ºC) and chromatographed using silica
gel (60-120 mesh) column and eluted successively with petroleum ether and
chloroform mixture.
The fractions obtained with 50% petroleum ether (60-80ºC) in chloroform afforded
compound-I (mahanimbine). The compound-I was subjected to preparative TLC
gave pure mahanimbine
Antidiabetic Activity
The dose of mahanimbine (50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p) once in a week for30 days is
given to the alloxan rat. it may be suggested that the mechanism of action of
mahanimbine is similar to glibenclamide.
Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants
Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 55
The possible mechanism by which the mahanimbine decreases blood sugar level
may be by potentiating of insulin effect either by increasing the pancreatic
secretion of insulin from beta cells of islets of langerhans or by increasing the
peripheral glucose uptake.
The possible protective effect of M. koenigii leaf extract against cell damage and
antioxidant defense system of plasma and pancreas in streptozotocin induced
diabetic
rats was carried out and suggested that M. koenigii treatment exerts a protective
effect in diabetes by decreasing oxidative stress and pancreatic Cell damage.
Hypoglycaemic effect of extracts of M. koenigii leafs along with the number of the
spices were studied which proved that they can be used as potent antidiabetic
diet.The aqueous extract of the M. koenigii leaves has evaluate the hypoglycaemic
activity in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rabbits with the effect of a standard
hypoglycaemic drug, tolbutamide. Curry leaf extract posseses the property to
decrease blood cholesterol and blood glucose levels in diabetic mice and reduces
the body weight after its treatment.
There are no medicines available in market as antidiabetic from
M.koenigii.
Other Action Of M. Koenigii
Murraya koenigii or Sweet neem leaves has been used as medicine for more than
2000 years. The leaves of are also used as a herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Their
properties include as an anti-diabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-
inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-hypercholesterolemic and contain iron.
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 56
Eyes: The juice extracted from curry leaves brightens the eyes and delays
cataract.
Diarrhea: Drinking the juice of 15-20 curry leaves mixed with a teaspoon of
honey serves as an efficient curry leaf for diarrhea.
Constipation: Take one teaspoon of dried curry leaf powder with a teaspoon of
honey in it. Consume this for about two to three times in a day to get rid of
constipation.
Nausea: Drinking a cup of water mixed with one tablespoon of roasted curry
leaves serves as one of the most effective for nausea.
Curry leaf benefits the body by stimulating digestive enzymes, reducing body heat,
relieving kidney pain, controlling Diabetes, making the eyes appear brighter,
retaining the natural pigmentation of hair,. Curry leaves are known to be good for
hair, for keeping them healthy and long.
Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants
Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 57
Pterocarpus marsupium
Vernacular Information
English : Indian kino tree
Hindi : Beeja
Gujarati : Vijaysar
Sanskrit : asana
Scientific Classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Angiosperms
Class : Eudicots
Order : Fabels
Family : Fabeceae
Genus : Pterocarpus
Species : P.Marsupium
Parts used: bark, wood, Gum
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 58
Geographical Distribution:
Native to India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, where it occurs in parts of the Western Ghats in
the Karnataka-Kerala region.
Botanical Description
The tree grows to 10-15 meter in height, smoky Gum is red in color. Leaves and
foliage bear wavy margin. Flowers- yellowish. Legumes- contain two seeds.
Active Antidiabetic Constituents
Name: 3,5-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxystilbene;
M.F.:C16H16O3
M.W.:256.3gm/mole
Name:(-) Epicatechin
M.F.:C15H14O6
M.W.:290.27 gm
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 59
Extraction Method
Extraction Using HPLC
The bark sample of P. marsupium was ground to powder. The ground sample was
extracted using MeOH as a solvent.
The extract (0.2g) was further extracted with 100 ml water. The sample was then
centrifuged for 10 min at 16˚C.
The test samples was passed through 0.2 µm filter syringe and 20µl of test solution
was injected to HPLC using C-18 reversed phase column with a reversed phase
guard column.
The mobile phase consisted of A: B (80:20) in which A was 2.5% aqueous acetic
acid and B was acetonitrile .It was degassed and filtered and used for separating
the target marker with a flow rate of 1 ml/min.The chromatogram was scanned up
to 20 min, which was detected at 280 nm.
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 60
Antidiabetic Activity
Pancreatic beta cell regeneration - a novel antidiabetic mechanism of
Pterocarpus marsupium
A flavonoid fraction (XE) extracted from the bark of pterocarpus marsupium
Roxb. (Leguminoceae)was studied for the hypoglycaemic activity normal and
alloxanised albino rats. The drug XE did notshow a consistent effect on normal
blood sugar levels but it effectively reversed the alloxan-inducedchanges in the
blood sugar level and the beta-cell population in the pancreas. It also showed
protective effect when it was given prior to alloxan administration. The novel
action of drug on the pancreatic beta-cells and absence of acute toxicity may offer
a new hope to the diabetics in future.
Hypoglycemie activity of Pterocarpus marsupium wood
Feeding of the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of an absolute ethanol extract of
Pterocarpus marsupium wood for 5 days significantly lowered blood sugar levels
with a corresponding increase in the blood insulin level in alloxan-diabetic rats.
A Constituent of Pterocarpus marsupium, (-)-Epicatechin, as a Potential
Antidiabetic Agent.
Pterostillbene (phenolic constituent) of the heartwood of P. marsupium
significantly lowered the blood glucose level of hyperglycemic rats, and the effect
was comparable to that of 1,1 dimethylbiguanide (metformin).
An active constituent of P. marsupium, (-)-epicatechin has been reported as a
potential antidiabetic agent to reverse hyperglycemia in alloxan diabetic.
A flavonoid fraction (XE) extracted from the bark of p. marsupium was studied for
the hypoglycaemic activity normal and alloxanised albino rats. it effectively
reversed the alloxan-induced changes in the blood sugar level and the beta-cell
population in the pancreas.
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 61
An active constituent of Pterocarpus marsupium, (-)-epicatechin (1), has been
reported to reverse
Hyperglycemia in alloxan diabetic rats when given before or within 24 hr after the
dose of alloxan. However, when doses of (-)-epicatechin are begun 92 hr after
alloxan, there is no significant difference in blood glucose levels between control
and (-)-epicatechin treated rats. These data suggest that, although (-)-epicatechin
may protect against alloxan toxicity under certain conditions, the usefulness of (-)-
epicatechin appears minimal in the treatment of already established diabetic states.
Effect of aqueous extract of Pterocarpus marsupium wood on alloxan-induced
diabetic rats.
An aqueous extract of Pterocarpus marsupium wood was screened for
hypoglycemic
Activity on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. During both acute and sub-acute tests,
the water extract, at an oral dose of 250 mg/kg, showed statistically significant
hypoglycemic activity.
Effect of feeding aqueous extract of Pterocarpus marsupium on glycogen
content of tissues and the key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism.
The Indian traditional system of medicine prescribed plant therapies for diseases
including diabetes mellitus called madhumeh in Sanskrit. One such plant
mentioned in Ayurveda is Pterocarpus marsupium (PM). In the present study,
aqueous extract of PM was assessed for its effect on glycogen levels of insulin
dependent (skeletal muscle and liver), insulin-independent tissues (kidneys and
brain) and enzymes such as glucokinase (GK), hexokinase (HK), and
Phosphofructokinase (PFK). Administration of PM led to decrease in blood
glucose levels by 38 and
60% on 15th and 30th day of the experiment.
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 62
Antidiabetic Medicines made from P.Marsupium
Other Action of P.Marsupium
Rejuvenator
Anti polyurea
Cooling
In skin diseases
Astringent
Antibacterial
Anthelmintic
Analgesics
Carminative
Digestive
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 63
Trigonella foenum-graecum
Vernacular Information
English : Fenugreek seed
Hindi : Methi
Gujarati : Methi
Sanskrit : Methika
Scientific Classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Angiosperms
Class : Eudicots
Order : Fabels
Family : Fabeceae
Genus : Trigonella
Species : T. foenum-graecum
Parts Used: leaves, seeds
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 64
Geographical Distribution
This plant is native to India, Middle East and Mediterranean countries, northern
Africa and the United States.
Botanical Description
Annual erecct herb containing light green leaves, pod 5-7cm, each pod contains
10-20 small hard yellowish brown cylindrical seeds.
Active Antidiabetic Constituents
Name : 4- Hydroxy isoleucin Name : Trigonelline
M.F. : C6H13N03 M.F. : C7H8NO
M.W. : 147.17gm/mole M.W. : 132.0 gm/mol
The seeds are rich in leucine, valine, lysine and phenylalanine. Manganese,
magnesium, zinc and copper contents.
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 65
Extraction Method 1
Extraction of Trigonelline and 4-Hydroxyisoleucine
100 g of both the Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds and cultured cells (control &
treated) were separately homogenized in 10 M HCl, filtered, and the acid aqueous
solution was then stirred with zinc dust overnight, filtered with CH2Cl2 to yield the
total alkaloids. The residues were re-dissolved in 10 ml acidulated methanol for
phytochemical study and HPLC analysis.
Isolation and Identification of Trigonelline and 4-Hydroxyisoleucine
A preliminary phytochemical analysis was carried out using thin-layer
chromatography (TLC) for detecting the presence of trigonelline and 4-
hydroxyisoleucine. The two major spots related to Trigonelline and 4-
Hydroxyisoleucine were separated by preparative TLC using CH2Cl2 - MeOH – 25%
NH4OH (85: 15: 2 v/v) as a solving system. Furthermore, co-chromatography (TLC &
HPLC) with reference compounds was performed.
Extraction Method 2
General procedure for preparation of Fenugreek extract
Fenugreek seeds were air dried and ground in a grinder so that the powder could pass
through a 0.8 mm mesh sieve. Fenugreek powder is then defatted with hexane at 40ºC
for 2 h under stirring and filtered through a Whatman filter paper and dried. Defatted
Fenugreek seeds are stirred with extracting solvent at 55-60 ºC for 1 h and filtered
over Whatman filter paper
Selection of solvent for defatted Fenugreek powder
With water Fenugreek seeds swells and it is difficult to filter. Therefore extraction was
tried with increasing methanol concentration in water. The extracts were subjected for
colour development with ninhydrin and absorbance was measured.
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 66
Antidiabetic Activity
The hypoglycemic activity of a fenugreek seed extract (FSE) was studied in alloxan
(AXN)-induced diabetic mice and found to be comparable to that of insulin.
The mechanism by which FSE attenuated hyperglycemia was investigated in vitro.
FSE stimulated glucose uptake in cells in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was
shown to be mediated by the translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) from the
intracellular space to the plasma membrane. These effects of FSE on GLUT4
translocation and glucose uptake were inhibited by (PI3-K) inhibitor.
Fenugreek is a dietary supplement that may hold promise in this regard. Insulin
stimulates cellular glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissues by inducing the
translocation of glucose transporter-4 (Glut-4) from an intracellular pool to the
plasma membrane. In the diabetic state, because of deficiency of insulin, Glut-4
translocation does not take place efficiently and Glut-4 transporters remain inside,
where they are not functional. This results in decreased uptake of glucose by muscle
cells, which contribute significantly to the elevated blood glucose levels. Therefore,
restoration of Glut-4 will achieve norm glycaemia.
In humans, fenugreek seeds exert hypoglycaemic effect by stimulating glucose-
dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, as well as by inhibiting the
activities of α-amylase and sucrose. Fenugreek seeds also lower serum triglycerides,
total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). These effects
may be due to sapogenins, which increase biliary cholesterol excretion in liver,
leading to lowered serum cholesterol level. The effectiveness of the antidiabetic
compounds vanadate and Trigonella have been successfully used to reverse the
diabetes effect on the Glut-4 transporter to normal levels in experimental diabetes.
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 67
Antidiabetic Medicines made from T.Foenum- Graceum
Other Action of Fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek or Methi seeds are used in colic flatulence, dysentery, diarrhoea, dyspepsia,
chronic cough and enlargement of liver and spleen, rickets, gout and diabetes. It is
also used as a carminative, tonic, and aphrodisiac.
Fenugreek oil is used in the manufacture of hair tonics. Diabetes or hypoglycemia:
Fenugreek reduces blood glucose levels, and in the few studies using it as a
hypoglycemic, also reduces blood cholesterol.
Fenugreek is often cited as a natural remedy for asthma,
Migraines. Fenugreek herb has been known to help reduce fever when taken with
lemon and honey, since it nourishes the body during an illness.
Heartburn and Acid Reflux: Fenugreek seeds contain a lot of mucilage, which helps
sooth gastrointestinal inflammation by coating the lining of the stomach and intestine.
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 68
Moringa oleifera (Miracle tree)
Vernacular Information
English : Drumstick tree
Hindi : Sahajan
Gujarati : Sargavo
Sanskrit : surajana
Scientific Classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Angiosperms
Class : Eudicots
Order : Fabels
Family : Moringaceae
Genus : Moringa
Species : Moringa Oleifera
Parts Used: Leaves, Fruits
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 69
Geographical Distribution
It had spread to most part of Asia, nearly the whole of Africa, South America,
southern part of North America and some pockets in Europe.
Botanical Description
A medium sized delicate tree with 20 – 25 feet height; leaves tripinnate compound;
leaflets small; ovate flowers white in panicle, seeds winged white papery fruits long
capsule.
Active Antidiabetic Constituents
Name : Cryptochlorogenic acid
M.F. : C16H18O9
M.W. : 354.30gm/mole
Name : Isoquercetin
M.F. : C21H20O12
M.W. : 464.38gm/mole
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 70
Extraction Method
Soxhlet Apparatus
Methanol extract of Moringa leaves was prepared by Soxhlet method with 50 gm
powder + 300 ml methanol. Leaves of Moringa oleifera were shade dried.
The extract was stored in desicator for use in subsequent experiment.
TLC was carried out on precoated silica gel GF254 sheets. Pure compounds,
isoquercetin, astragalin, and crypto-chlorogenic acid, isolated and identified.
Antidiabetic Activity
Moringa oleifera leaves have been shown to have glucose lowering effect in studies
on normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats.study showed hypoglycemic and
antihyperglycemic activity of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves in normal
and alloxan induced diabetic rabbits respectively
Such a phenomenon of less hypoglycemic response at higher doses is common with
indigenous plants and has already been observed in Psidium guajava , Trichosanthes
dioica , Cynodon dactylon and Cinnamomum tamala..
Phytochemical screening of Moringa oleifera extract revealed the presence of
flavinoids, tannin, anthraquinone, cardiac glycosides alkaloids, triterpenoids,
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saponins, and reducing sugars.
A number of investigators have shown that coumarin, flavonoid, terpenoid and a host
of other secondary plant metabolites including arginine and glutamic acids posses
hypoglycemic effects in various experimental animals model.
Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activity of the leaves of Moringa oleifera may
be probably due to the presence of terpenoids, which appears to be involved in the
stimulation of the β-cells and the subsequent secretion of preformed insulin. One or
more of the other chemical constituents of the plant especially flavonoid is also likely
to have played a crucial role in the hypoglycemic action of the plant extract. Further
studies are required to isolate and characterized the active components of the extract
of this plant.
Antidiabetic Medicines made from M. Oleifera
Other Action of Moringa oleifera
Appitizer
Anthlemintic
Hypotensive
Cardiac tonic
Anti ulcer
Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants
Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 72
Costus Igneus (Insulin plant)
Vernacular Information
English : Fiery costus
Hindi : Keukand
Gujarati : pakarmula
Sanskrit : pushkarmula
Scientific Classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Angiosperms
Class : Eudicots
Order : Fabels
Family : Costaceae
Genus : Costus
Species : Costus igneus
Parts used : leaves, flowers
Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants
Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 73
Geographical Distribution
Insulin plant is native to Southeast Asia, America specially on the Greater Sunda
Islands in Indonesia. It is a relatively new entrant to Kerala and India.
Botanical Description
The large, smooth, dark green leaves of this tropical evergreen plant have light
purple undersides and are spirally arranged around stems, forming attractive,
arching clumps, arising from underground root stocks (Fig .1.1). Plants reach to
about two feet tall, with the tallest stems falling over and lying on the ground.
Beautiful, 1.5 inch diameter, orange flowers are produced in the warm months,
appearing on cone-like heads at the tip of branches.
Active Antidiabetic Constituents
Name : Quercetin
M.F. : C15H10O7
M.W : 302.23 gm/mole
Other
Beta-carotene,
flavonoids,
insulin precursors.
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Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 74
Extraction Method 1
The vacuum dried,concentrated EtOH extract of C.igneus was treated by acid
hydrolysis to determine if any glycosides were present. The concentrates were
spotted on activated TLC plates. To elute quercetin, the plates were developed
with toluene : ethyl acetate : acetic acid : MeOH (2 : 7.5 : 0.25 : 0.25). The
developes plates were air dried, sprayed with 20% SbCl2 in CHCl3 and dried in a
chromatographic oven at 105˚c for 10 min. Rf value were calculated.
Extraction Method 2
Solvent extraction
Leaf, stem and rhizome of Costus igneus were cleaned and shade-dried. The dried
each part of Costus igneus were pulverized by a mechanical grinder and passed
through a 20-mesh sieve. A powdered samples (500g) were separately extracted
with petroleum ether, hexane, methanol and ethanol using a soxhlet apparatus. The
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extraction was carried out for 24h at room temperature with mild shaking. The
extracts were filtered and concentrated at 35°C and it is used for further analysis.
Preparation of crude sapogenin extract
Freshly harvested leaf and rhizome each weighing 50g were chopped and refluxed
with 3.5M HCl (115ml) for 3h. The solution was filtered, the residue washed with
water to neutrality and the filter and the residue were dried at 65°-70°C for
overnight. The dried residue was then extracted with petroleum ether in a soxhlet
apparatus for 6h and the petroleum ether extract was concentrated. The resulting
solid which precipitated was filtered and dried to give the crude sapogenin extract.
Antidiabetic Activity
The leaves of insulin plant reduced the fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels,
bringing them down towards normal. Reduction in the fasting and the postprandial
blood sugar levels with leaves of insulin plant was comparable with that obtained
with Glibenclamide 500 μg/kg at 250 mg/kg/day and 500 mg/kg/day of powdered
leaves
of the insulin plant.
The hypoglycemic action can be due to release of insulin, insulin-sensitizing action
or a combination of both. Hence further studies need to be undertaken to determine
the mechanism of action by measurement of either insulin or 'C' peptide level.
Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants
Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 76
Antidiabetic Medicines made from Costus igneus
Other Action Of Costus Igneus
Antiviral
Blood purifier
Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants
Dept.of Chemistry, K.S.K.V.Kachchh University Page 77
Refrences