Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical New Team Aug 18, 2024 3 months, 3 days, 12 hours, 42 minutes ago
Diabetes News: Diabetes is a major global health concern, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. As the search for effective and safer treatments continues, researchers have increasingly turned to natural remedies. In a recent study conducted by scientists from Gyeongsang National University, South Korea, the root extract of Rosa davurica Pall. (RDR) has emerged as a promising natural antidiabetic agent. This
Diabetes News report explores the study's findings and sheds light on the potential of RDR in diabetes management.
Rosa davurica root extract shows promise as a natural antidiabetic agent
Understanding Rosa davurica and Its Antioxidant Properties
Rosa davurica Pall. is a deciduous shrub commonly found in East Asia, particularly in Korea, China, and Japan. Traditionally, various parts of this plant, including its leaves, stem, fruits, and roots, have been used in herbal medicine. The researchers focused on the root extract due to its higher polyphenol content compared to other parts of the plant. Polyphenols are known for their strong antioxidant properties, which are crucial in combating oxidative stress - a key factor in the development of chronic diseases like diabetes.
The study revealed that RDR exhibits significant antioxidant activity. This was demonstrated through various in vitro assays, including DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power activities, where RDR outperformed the commonly used antioxidant, ascorbic acid. The antioxidant potential of RDR is believed to play a vital role in its antidiabetic effects.
Inhibiting α-Glucosidase: A Key Mechanism
One of the critical mechanisms through which RDR exerts its antidiabetic effects is by inhibiting the enzyme α-glucosidase. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into glucose, leading to a rise in blood sugar levels. Inhibiting α-glucosidase can delay glucose absorption and help manage postprandial (after-meal) blood sugar spikes.
The study found that RDR inhibits α-glucosidase activity in a dose-dependent manner, with a maximum inhibitory effect comparable to that of acarbose, a standard antidiabetic drug. This suggests that RDR could be a natural alternative to synthetic α-glucosidase inhibitors, potentially offering similar benefits with fewer side effects.
Enhancing Glucose Uptake in Muscle Cells
Another significant finding of the study is RDR’s ability to enhance glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells. Skeletal muscle is a primary site for insulin-mediated glucose uptake, which is essential for maintaining blood sugar levels. The study showed that RDR promotes glucose uptake in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
Interestingly, the extent of glucose uptake stimulated by RDR was comparable to that induced by insulin and metformin, two widely used antidiabetic drugs. This indicates that RDR may help restore glucose uptake in cases of insulin resistance, a common issue in type 2 diabete
s.
AMPK Activation: The Underlying Mechanism
To understand how RDR enhances glucose uptake, the researchers investigated the signaling pathways involved. They found that RDR activates the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, a key regulator of cellular energy balance. AMPK activation leads to the translocation of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) to the cell membrane, facilitating glucose entry into cells.
Further experiments revealed that RDR increases the phosphorylation of AMPK and its downstream target, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), indicating enhanced AMPK activity. The use of an AMPK inhibitor confirmed that the AMPK pathway is crucial for RDR-induced glucose uptake.
Protecting Pancreatic Function and Improving Diabetic Symptoms
The in vivo part of the study involved using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, a standard model for studying diabetes. The STZ-induced rats exhibited typical diabetic symptoms such as weight loss, increased food and water intake, and elevated blood glucose levels. However, treatment with RDR significantly improved these symptoms.
RDR-treated rats showed a remarkable reduction in blood glucose levels, comparable to those treated with metformin. Additionally, RDR improved the function of the liver and kidneys, as evidenced by the restoration of enzyme levels, which were disrupted by diabetes. This protective effect on vital organs is crucial, as diabetes is often associated with complications that affect the liver and kidneys.
Histological analysis of pancreatic tissue revealed that RDR treatment partially restored the islet architecture damaged by STZ. The islets of Langerhans, which contain insulin-producing β-cells, showed less degeneration and increased insulin levels in RDR-treated rats. This suggests that RDR not only helps in managing blood glucose levels but also supports pancreatic function.
Phytochemical Insights: The Active Components of RDR
The study identified eight major phytochemical constituents in RDR using GC-MS analysis. These compounds, including 4H-pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl, and D-allose, exhibited strong antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. Molecular docking analysis further showed that these compounds have a high binding affinity for GLUT4, suggesting that they play a role in the glucose uptake mechanism.
Conclusion
The findings from this study suggest that Rosa davurica Pall. root extract (RDR) holds significant potential as a natural antidiabetic agent. Its ability to inhibit α-glucosidase, enhance glucose uptake via the AMPK pathway, and protect pancreatic function positions it as a promising alternative or complement to existing diabetes treatments. As the global burden of diabetes continues to rise, natural remedies like RDR could offer a safer and effective solution for managing this chronic condition.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed: International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/16/8944
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