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Diabetes is a global pandemic typified by impaired carbohydrate metabolism. In folklore, mushrooms consumption has been linked to diabetes management. However, this study aims to unravel the blood‐glucose‐lowering mechanisms of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) and shiitake mushroom (Lentinus subnudus) in streptozotocin induced‐diabetic rats. Forty two adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups: the control (C), untreated diabetic rats (group 2), diabetic rats treated with acarbose (25 mg/bodyweight) (group 3), and diabetic rats placed on diet supplemented with 10% and 20% oyster mushroom and shiitake mushroom designated as groups 4–7, respectively. The experiment lasted for 14 days. However, the fasting blood glucose (FBG), activity of α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, angiotensin‐1 converting enzyme (ACE), arginase, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant status in rat's pancreas and heart were evaluated. The FBG level, activity of α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, ACE, and arginase were all reduced significantly (p < .05) in normal rats and in diabetic rat placed on oyster mushroom and shiitake mushroom inclusion diets when compared with untreated diabetic rats. Similarly, activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase was significantly (p < .05) elevated in diets‐treated diabetic rats when compared with an untreated diabetic rat. Also, elevated malondialdehyde equivalent compounds in untreated diabetic rats were significantly reduced in diabetic rats fed with the supplemented diets. Nevertheless, oyster‐mushroom‐ and shiitake‐mushroom‐supplemented diets exhibited FBG lowering ability, reduced activity of α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, ACE, and improved diabetic rats antioxidant status. Nevertheless, shiitake‐mushroom‐supplemented diets exhibited better effects than oyster‐mushroom‐supplemented diets in treated diabetic rats. Supplemented diets with shiitake and oyster mushroom reduce elevated blood glucose level fasting in diabetic rats. Supplemented diets with shiitake and oyster mushroom reduce activity of key enzymes linked with carbohydrate degradation. Supplemented diets with shiitake and oyster mushroom enhance antioxidant status of the diabetic rats.

This study sought to investigate and compare the interaction of caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and some pro-oxidants (FeSO 4 , sodium nitroprusside and quinolinic acid) induced oxidative stress in rat brain in vitro. The result revealed that caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid inhibited AChE and BChE activities in dose-dependent manner; however, caffeic acid had a higher inhibitory effect on AChE and BChE activities than chlorogenic acid. Combination of the phenolic acids inhibited AChE and BChE activities antagonistically. Furthermore, pro-oxidants such as, FeSO 4 , sodium nitroprusside and quinolinic acid caused increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents of the brain which was significantly decreased dose-dependently by the phenolic acids. Inhibition of AChE and BChE activities slows down acetylcholine and butyrylcholine breakdown in the brain. Therefore, one possible mechanism through which the phenolic acids exert their neuroprotective properties is by inhibiting AChE and BChE activities as well as preventing oxidative stress-induced neurodegeneration. However, esterification of caffeic acid with quinic acid producing chlorogenic acid affects these neuroprotective properties.

Chlorogenic acid is a major phenolic compound that forms a substantial part of plant foods and is an ester of caffeic acid and quinic acid. However, the effect of the structures of both chlorogenic and caffeic acids on their antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials have not been fully understood. Thus, this study sought to investigate and compare the interaction of caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid with α-amylase and α-glucosidase (key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes) activities in vitro. The inhibitory effect of the phenolic acids on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities was evaluated. Thereafter, their antioxidant activities as typified by their 1,1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging ability and ferric reducing antioxidant properties were determined. The results revealed that both phenolic acids inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities in a dose-dependent manner (2–8 μg/mL). However, caffeic acid had a significantly (p<0.05) higher inhibitory effect on α-amylase [IC (concentration of sample causing 50% enzyme inhibition)=3.68 μg/mL] and α-glucosidase (IC =4.98 μg/mL) activities than chlorogenic acid (α-amylase IC =9.10 μg/mL and α-glucosidase IC =9.24 μg/mL). Furthermore, both phenolic acids exhibited high antioxidant properties, with caffeic acid showing higher effects. The esterification of caffeic acid with quinic acid, producing chlorogenic acid, reduces their ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities. Thus, the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities by the phenolic acids could be part of the possible mechanism by which the phenolic acids exert their antidiabetic effects.

Studies utilizing cell-based systems to investigate plant-based diets for diabetes management are gaining attention due to the adverse effects associated with commercially available drugs. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-diabetic effects of specific plant-derived products remain inadequately explored. The major aim of our study was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which bioactive compounds in the fruit of Solanum spp. influence key proteins associated with type 2 diabetes. The expressions of genes such as glucose transporter protein 4 (GLUT4), myocyte enhancer factor-2 (MEF-2A), and nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) were investigated in a palmitate-induced C2C12 cell model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The structures of these proteins were retrieved from the protein database, while bioactive compounds previously identified in Solanum spp. were obtained from PubChem site. Drug-likeness properties of these compounds (ligands) were assessed. The docked protein-ligand complexes were further analyzed using the Protein-Ligand Profiler web server. Our results showed that the studied compounds from Solanum spp. profoundly upregulated GLUT4 expression (9–19-fold increase) in the C2C12 cell line, thus surpassing the effects of the standard anti-diabetic drug metformin. Additionally, activities of antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were elevated. Molecular docking showed that rutin, an abundant flavonoid from Solanum spp., had the highest binding affinity for the active sites of the target proteins. These findings provide new mechanistic insight into the anti-diabetic effects of Solanum spp., primarily due to its high rutin content, which plays a major role in the plant’s glucose-regulating and antioxidant actions. Our findings underscore the potential use of Solanum spp. as an affordable functional food for managing type 2 diabetes, especially in developing countries with limited resources for purchasing drugs. Although promising, our findings should be further validated by clinical studies.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents a condition of deadly physiological condition characterized by a rate that has increased significantly in the past couple of decades. As the condition's incidence and severity increase, many medicinal techniques are being explored as potential solutions. Among is dietary polyphenols that was documented for their efficacy in addressing diabetes and related conditions such as cardio-respiratory implications, for various treatment endpoints. However, these biological properties of polyphenol are faced with challenges; this includes their instantaneous removal, a lack of water solubility, volatility at a low pH value, and sized particles which can affect its bioavailability and effectiveness. In order to overcome this challenge, nanotechnology (nanoencapsulation) which represents a fascinating niche for investigative work is then applied in order to further improve the diagnostic and therapeutic value of this compound (polyphenol). This current article aims to discuss the several research results that have been done and reported on the nanoencapsulation polyphenols' approach in the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Introduction: Africa faces immense food and health insecurity challenges, a problem partly attributed to food loss and waste during postharvest handling and distribution. In the context of research to meet the sustainable development goals, this project specifically addressed the postharvest loss of the ripe indigenous eggplant (Solanum anguivi lam) fruit called “Igba Yinrin” by Yoruba in South-West Nigeria, which is usually discarded in farms. The study was carried out on ripe and unripe fruits to better understand their value by comparing their effects in diabetes treatment. Methods: The study sought to assess the effects of a diet including ripe or unripe mature eggplant fruits in the sucrose-induced diabetic-like fruit fly. Bioactive compounds were identified and quantified with HPLC–UV, while the antioxidant vitamin (A, C, E), carotenoid, and mineral (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, P, and Zn) content was analyzed in the fruits. Extracts were used to investigate their in vitro anti-inflammatory properties on cyclooxygenases (COX 1 and 2), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), and anti-diabetes enzymes [α-amylase and α-glucosidase], while extract-supplemented diets (0.25–1% concentration) were fed to the fruit flies for 14 days. Results: Interestingly, the results showed that the ripe fruits had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher total phenol and flavonoid content, as well as a higher content of vitamins, carotenoids, and minerals, than the unripe fruits. The in vivo activities of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione transferase (GST)] and the total thiol level increased, while the blood glucose, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly). An in silico docking analysis showed strong binding affinity of the above-mentioned enzymes under investigation with the ligands hesperidin, naringin, and myricetin, which are bioactive compounds contained in the examined extracts. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in the biological effects of the ripe and unripe fruit extracts on inflammatory and anti-diabetes enzyme activities, which means that the ripe fruit, usually discarded, could serve as a sustainable alternative source of food nutrients.

Objectives The rising incidence of hypertension and diabetes is among the contributors to global death, with a significant financial burden. This study aims to explore the popularity of plant-based substitutes, focusing on a tea-based polyherbal blend of Roselle calyx, Moringa oleifera , and Annona muricata leaves, and its effect on the NRF2 gene and enzymes linked to diabetes and hypertension. Methodology The samples (1 g, containing a 2:2:6 ratio of the plant) were weighed into tea bags with or without aspartame as a sweetener, and then steeped in 100 ml of boiling water for 5, 10, and 15 min. Adult albino rats were fed a high-fat diet and received Streptozotocin STZ (35 mg/kg b.w.). Diabetes (glucose > 250 mg/dl) was confirmed after 72 h, followed by L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day) administration and sample treatment. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 gene, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and diabetes-hypertension-linked enzymes: purinergic (ATP, AMP, and ADA), arginase, phosphodiesterase (PDE-5), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) were determined. Results The results revealed a decrease in PDE-5, arginase, ACE, ATP, AMP, and ADA activities by the treatment. The study also demonstrates that polyherbal tea has a beneficial effect by upregulating the NRF2 gene, leading to the amelioration of oxidative stress through the SOD, catalase, GST, and GPX pathways. Conclusion These results highlight the potential of polyherbal tea with the longest brewing times as a viable management strategy for diabetes and hypertension.

Pentaclethra macrophylla (PM) and Albizia zygia (AZ) are medicinal plants with known ethnopharmacological use. This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant potential and enzyme modulatory activities of aqueous extracts of their leaves, focusing on erectile dysfunction (ED)-related targets. PM leaf extract exhibited higher total phenolic content (43.9 mg GAE/g) than AZ (29.4 mg GAE/g), while AZ had higher flavonoid content (0.92 mg QE/g vs 0.70 mg QE/g in PM). Both extracts showed strong antioxidant activity, including DPPH radical scavenging (IC 50 : PM = 2.34 mg/mL; AZ = 2.32 mg/mL), hydroxyl radical scavenging (IC 50 : PM = 0.60 mg/mL; AZ = 1.11 mg/mL), and Fe 2+ chelating capacity (IC 50 : PM = 0.63 mg/mL; AZ = 0.30 mg/mL). They also significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation in FeSO 4 -induced systems (IC 50 : PM = 4.69 mg/mL; AZ = 4.56 mg/mL). In enzyme assays, PM exhibited stronger acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition (IC 50 = 0.45 mg/mL) than AZ (IC 50 = 0.52 mg/mL), while AZ showed stronger inhibition of arginase (IC 50 = 0.22 mg/mL vs PM = 0.47 mg/mL), ATPdase (IC 50 = 0.36 mg/mL), and ADPdase (IC 50 = 0.19 mg/mL). These activities suggest that the erectogenic potential of these extracts may stem from their combined antioxidant and enzyme-modulatory mechanisms. These findings justify further investigation into their potential development as plant-based therapeutic agents for ED.

The use of synthetic dye as food colorant has gained popularity despite the known toxicity of such compounds. Tartrazine is a synthetic azo dye used primarily as an additive in many foods; however, neurotoxicity is one of its prominent effects in humans. Quercetin and ferulic acid are polyphenolic compounds ubiquitously distributed in fruits and vegetables, with a well-documented modulatory effect on neurotoxicity. This study thus evaluated the effect of quercetin and ferulic acid on tartrazine-induced neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Wild-type (Harwich strain) Drosophila melanogaster flies, 3–5 days old (male), were divided into six groups containing 40 flies per replicate: group 1 (Control) was fed with basal diet, group 2: flies fed with dietary inclusion of 0.005 mg/g tartrazine, group 3: flies fed with dietary inclusion of 0.005 mg/g tartrazine + 0.05 mg/g ferulic acid, group 4: flies fed with dietary inclusion of 0.005 mg/g tartrazine + 0.5 mg/g ferulic acid, group 5: flies fed with dietary inclusions of 0.005 mg/g tartrazine + 0.05 mg/g quercetin, and group 6: flies fed with dietary inclusions of 0.005 mg/g tartrazine + 0.5 mg/g quercetin for 7 days. Survival, mortality, and negative geotaxis assay were carried out to assess the behavioral profiles of the flies. Thereafter, fly homogenates were assayed for neurochemical indices, antioxidant enzyme activities, and other redox status indices. The results revealed that the quercetin and ferulic acid significantly improved the behavioral indices, ameliorate oxidative stress, improved antioxidant enzyme activities, and restored neurochemical parameters in the treated flies.

Dietary sources of functional foods and nutraceutical have shown strong potentials in the management of hypertension and its complications. Sandpaper leaves, Ficus asperifolia Miq (FA), particularly found in Africa has a rich folkloric history in the management of diabetes and hypertension. This study produced biscuits supplemented with blends of FA at 2.5% and 5% fed to Nw (G)‐nitro‐l‐arginine‐methyl‐ester (L‐NAME, 40 mg/kg/day) induced‐hypertensive rats for 14 days followed by the assessment of blood pressure, lipid profile, and atherogenic index in hypertensive rats. The phenolic constituents of FA blends were analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography diode‐anode (HPLC‐DAD). Thereafter, the mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured using the tail‐cuff method after which the heart and lungs of rats were collected, weighed, and the antioxidant status and lipid cholesterol profile were assessed. We realized that recorded phenolic constituents in extracts of FA was at a high level and FA enriched biscuit‐diet caused a significant decrease in SBP and MABP in L‐NAME‐induced hypertensive rats, body weight, atherogenic index and cholesterol profile in treated rats. However, FA enriched biscuit resulted in increased activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) antioxidant enzymes in the heart and lungs of hypertensive rats. This study revealed that FA enriched biscuit‐diet does not only have antihypertensive and antioxidant potential in L‐NAME‐induced hypertensive rats but also plays a protective role in the management of hyperlipidemia. Oral administration of L‐NAME induced hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative stress in rats. Hypertensive rats showed elevated systolic (SBP) and mean arterial blood pressure. In addition, hypertensive rats treated with formulated biscuit diet of Ficus asperifolia Miq showed reduction in hyperlipidemia and improved antioxidant enzymes activities after 14 days.