Natural products for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Pharmacology and mechanisms.

The golden age of cannabis pharmacology began in the 1960s as Raphael Mechoulam and his colleagues in Israel isolated and synthesized cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, and other phytocannabinoids. Initially, THC garnered most research interest with sporadic attention to cannabidiol, which has only rekindled in the last 15 years through a demonstration of its remarkably versatile pharmacology and synergy with THC. Gradually a cognizance of the potential of other phytocannabinoids has developed. Contemporaneous assessment of cannabis pharmacology must be even far more inclusive. Medical and recreational consumers alike have long believed in unique attributes of certain cannabis chemovars despite their similarity in cannabinoid profiles. This has focused additional research on the pharmacological contributions of mono- and sesquiterpenoids to the effects of cannabis flower preparations. Investigation reveals these aromatic compounds to contribute modulatory and therapeutic roles in the cannabis entourage far beyond expectations considering their modest concentrations in the plant. Synergistic relationships of the terpenoids to cannabinoids will be highlighted and include many complementary roles to boost therapeutic efficacy in treatment of pain, psychiatric disorders, cancer, and numerous other areas. Additional parts of the cannabis plant provide a wide and distinct variety of other compounds of pharmacological interest, including the triterpenoid friedelin from the roots, canniprene from the fan leaves, cannabisin from seed coats, and cannflavin A from seed sprouts. This chapter will explore the unique attributes of these agents and demonstrate how cannabis may yet fulfil its potential as Mechoulam's professed "pharmacological treasure trove."

Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads

Background Numerous diseases have been related with free radicals overproduction and oxidative stress. Botanical preparations possess a multitude of bioactive properties, including antioxidant potential, which has been mainly related with the presence of phenolic compounds. However, the mechanisms of action of these phytochemicals, in vivo effects, bioavailability and bio-efficacy still need research. Scope and approach The present report aims to provide a critical review on the aspects related with the in vivo antioxidant activity of phenolic extracts and compounds from plant origin. Key findings Biological functions beyond the human metabolism were discussed, comparing in vivo vs. in vitro studies, as also focusing the conditioning factors for phenolic compounds bioavailability and bio-efficacy. Furthermore, an upcoming perspective about the use of phytochemicals as life expectancy promoters and anti-aging factors in human individuals was provided. Conclusions Overall, and despite all of those advances, the study of the biological potential of numerous natural matrices still remains a hot topic among the scientific community. In fact, the available knowledge about the responsible phytochemicals for the biological potential, their mechanisms of action, the establishment of therapeutic and prophylactic doses, and even the occurrence of biochemical inter-relations, is considerable scarce.

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In vivo antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds: facts and gaps

Diabetes is one of the five leading causes of death in the world, with type 2 diabetes occurring more frequently than type 1. Management of diabetes without side effects is still a challenge and therefore new strategies need to be examined. Because of difficulties in human research, animal models of diabetes are useful research tools for this purpose and rodent models of type 2 diabetes are the first choice. The aim of this study is an overview on one of the most frequently used models of type 2 diabetes in rat, induced by streptozotocin and nicotinamide, considering its advantages and disadvantages for diabetes research in humans.

Streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced rat model of type 2 diabetes (review)

Natural medicines from plant source used for therapy of diabetes mellitus: An overview of its pharmacological aspects

An insight into the health-promoting effects of taxifolin (dihydroquercetin).

Antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. leaves in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Antidiabetic effect of plumbagin isolated from Plumbago zeylanica L. root and its effect on GLUT4 translocation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Objective
To investigate the effect of aqueous solution of Biophytum sensitivum leaf extract (BSEt) on normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats.

Christudas Sunil

Papers

An insight into the health-promoting effects of taxifolin (dihydroquercetin).

Antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. leaves in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Antidiabetic effect of plumbagin isolated from Plumbago zeylanica L. root and its effect on GLUT4 translocation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Effect of Biophytum sensitivum on streptozotocin and nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats.

In vitro antioxidant, antidiabetic and antilipidemic activities of Symplocos cochinchinensis (Lour.) S. Moore bark.