Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “ANTIDIABETICS”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 361 records · Page 20Linked to original sources

The antidiabetic agent rosiglitazone upregulates SERCA2 and enhances TNF-alpha- and LPS-induced NF-kappaB-dependent transcription and TNF-alpha-induced IL-6 secretion in ventricular myocytes.

Positive hemodynamic effects of the antidiabetic agent rosiglitazone on perfused whole hearts have recently been described, but the mechanisms regulating these effects are not well understood. This study reports the effects of rosiglitazone on calcium regulation in isolated neonatal rat ventricular myocytes by measurement of Ca2+ transient decay rates and SERCA2 gene expression, and shows that rosiglitazone enhances known cardioprotective signaling pathways. Myocyte treatment with 10 micromol/L rosiglitazone accelerated Ca2+ transient decay rates by approximately 30%, enhanced SERCA2 mRNA levels by approximately 1.5-fold and SERCA2 production by approximately 3-fold. Rosiglitazone treatment (1, 5, and 10 micromol/L) also led to a dose-dependent increase (approximately 1.2-1.5-fold) in SERCA2 promoter activity. Comparable levels of cardiac SERCA overexpression have been associated with physiologically relevant and compensatory effects in vivo. These data link thiazolidinedione-induced improvement in cardiac myocyte function to an upregulation of SERCA2 gene expression. Since NF-kappaB-dependent pathways, including the upregulation of IL-6 secretion, were shown to protect neonatal rat ventricular myocytes from apoptosis upon TNFalpha stimulation, additional experiments were designed to determine whether rosiglitazone enhances TNFalpha-induced NF-kappaB-dependent transcription and IL-6 secretion. Because the endotoxin stress response in ventricular myocytes involves the upregulation of TNFalpha, and the activation of NF-kappaB, the effects of rosiglitazone on lipopolysaccharide-induced NF-kappaB-dependent transcription were also investigated. Treatment of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes with 10 micromol/L rosiglitazone enhanced TNF-alpha- and lipopolysaccharide-induced NF-kappaB-dependent transcription by approximately 1.8- and approximately 1.4-fold respectively, and TNF-alpha-induced IL-6 secretion by n1.5-fold. Rosiglitazone had no significant effects on basal levels of NF-kappaB-dependent transcription and IL-6 secretion. Thus, cardioprotective effects of rosiglitazone may be partly mediated by NF-kappaB.

Animals↗

Mechanisms of vasorelaxation induced by troglitazone, a novel antidiabetic drug, in the porcine coronary artery.

BACKGROUND: Troglitazone (TRO), a novel antidiabetic drug, has been reported to decrease blood pressure and relax vascular strips. The mechanism of relaxation induced by TRO was determined in terms of Ca2+ signaling in smooth muscle cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: Front-surface fluorometry and fura 2-loaded medial strips of porcine coronary artery were used to examine the effects of TRO on cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and contractions. The sustained contraction induced by 100 nmol/L U46619 was similar to that induced by 60 mmol/L K+ depolarization (60K+). TRO concentration dependently decreased [Ca2+]i and the force of these contractions. The concentration of TRO required to induce 50% inhibition of U46619-induced force (2.9 micromol/L) was significantly lower than that required in the case of 60K+-induced force (7.3 micromol/L). Replacing extracellular Ca2+ with Mn2+ gradually quenched fluorescence at 360 nm excitation. This decline was accelerated by 100 nmol/L U46619 and 30K+ to a similar extent, indicating a similar activation of Ca2+ influx. TRO completely inhibited U46619-activated influx but partly inhibited depolarization-activated influx. Cumulative applications of extracellular Ca2+ during stimulations with U46619 or 118K+ induced stepwise increases in [Ca2+]i and force. TRO shifted the [Ca2+]i-force relation to the right during both stimulations. CONCLUSIONS: TRO relaxes coronary artery by decreasing [Ca2+]i and Ca2+ sensitivity of contractile apparatus. Inhibition of Ca2+ influx was important in decreasing [Ca2+]i. TRO more effectively inhibits receptor-operated Ca2+ influx than voltage-operated Ca2+ channels.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

Central and peripheral effects of insulin/IGF-1 signaling in aging and cancer: antidiabetic drugs as geroprotectors and anticarcinogens.

Studies in mammals have led to the suggestion that hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia are important factors both in aging and in the development of cancer. Insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling molecules linked to longevity include DAF-2 and insulin receptor (InR) and their homologues in mammals and to inactivation of the corresponding genes followed by increased life span in nematodes, fruit flies, and mice. It is possible that the life-prolonging effect of caloric restriction are due to decreasing IGF-1 levels. A search of pharmacological modulators of life span-extending mutations in the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway and mimetics of effects of caloric restriction could be a direction in the regulation of longevity. Some literature and our own observations suggest that antidiabetic drugs could be promising candidates for both life span extension and prevention of cancer.

Aging↗

Bone is a target for the antidiabetic compound rosiglitazone.

Rosiglitazone is an FDA-approved oral antidiabetic agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This compound improves insulin sensitivity through the activation of the nuclear receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma). In addition to sensitizing cells to insulin, the PPAR-gamma2 isoform appears to be critical for the regulation of osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation from common mesenchymal bone marrow progenitors. We have demonstrated previously that PPAR-gamma2 activated with rosiglitazone acts as a dominant inhibitor of osteoblastogenesis in murine bone marrow in vitro. Here, we show that in vivo, rosiglitazone administration results in significant bone loss. When rosiglitazone (20 microg/g body weight/d) was given to 6-month-old, nondiabetic C57BL/6 mice for 7 wk, a significant decrease in total body bone mineral density was observed. Analysis of bone microarchitecture, using micro-computed tomography, demonstrated a decrease in bone volume, trabecular width, and trabecular number and an increase in trabecular spacing. Histomorphometric analysis showed a decrease in bone formation rate, with a simultaneous increase in fat content in the bone marrow. Changes in bone morphology and structure were accompanied by changes in the expression of osteoblast- and adipocyte-specific marker genes; the expression of the osteoblast-specific genes Runx2/Cbfa1, Dlx5, and alpha1(I)collagen were decreased, whereas the expression of the adipocyte-specific fatty acid binding protein aP2, was increased. These in vivo data suggest that rosiglitazone therapy may pose a significant risk of adverse skeletal effects in humans.

Animals↗

The antidiabetic agent pioglitazone increases expression of glucose transporters in 3T3-F442A cells by increasing messenger ribonucleic acid transcript stability.

Whereas adipocytes normally play an important role as a major site for systemic energy homeostasis, adipocyte function is markedly altered in disorders such as diabetes. In this study, we investigated the effect of pioglitazone, a novel antidiabetic agent known to lower plasma glucose in animal models of diabetes mellitus, on expression of glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT4 in 3T3-F442A cells. Treatment of confluent 3T3-F442A preadipocyte cultures for 7 days with pioglitazone (1 microM) and insulin (1 microgram/ml) resulted in nearly 100% differentiation of cells to lipid-accumulating adipocytes, and such adipocytes showed a markedly increased capacity for glucose uptake. Analysis of messenger RNA transcripts encoding GLUT1 and GLUT4 glucose transporters over the 7-day differentiation period indicated time-dependent increases in abundance of each type that were maximal at more than 5-fold with the combined presence of insulin and pioglitazone. In accord, GLUT1 and GLUT4 protein levels also increased to maximal levels of 10-fold and 7-fold, respectively, over those in undifferentiated preadipocytes. Increased messenger RNA half-lives from 2.2 to greater than 24 h for GLUT1 and from 1.2 to greater than 24 h for GLUT4 correlated with this induced adipocyte differentiation. Taken together, these findings indicated that pioglitazone markedly enhanced expression of cellular glucose transporters, and the mechanism for this action was mainly stabilization of transporter messenger RNA transcripts. Such increased expression of glucose transporters in adipocytes establishes the cells in a state active for glucose uptake, thus ultimately facilitating storage and metabolism as well.

3T3 Cells↗

The antidiabetic drug metformin elevates receptor tyrosine kinase activity and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate mass in Xenopus oocytes.

Although metformin is an important antidiabetic, its mechanism of action is still unknown. To study its mechanism, we examined metformin stimulation of insulin action on the Xenopus oocyte. Similar to therapeutic concentrations, maximal stimulation of insulin-induced meiotic cell division was achieved at about 1-10 microg/ml (or 7.7-77 /microM) metformin. An equivalent concentration of metformin was required to elevate receptor tyrosine kinase activity (in whole cells or a membrane-cortex preparation) and, through this tyrosine kinase activation, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) production. With whole cells, the preincubation time for metformin stimulation of insulin action (approximately 1 h) was equivalent to the time required for metformin to maximize tyrosine phosphorylation and raise IP3, levels. With the membrane-cortex preparation, metformin was active within minutes; thus, metformin may act at an intracellular site. Since metformin can increase IP3, mass, we prevented elevation of calcium by prior microinjection of a calcium chelator or heparin (a drug that inhibits IP3 binding to the IP3 receptor). Both the chelator and heparin blocked metformin stimulation of insulin action on whole cells. Since microinjection of IP3, also stimulates insulin action, metformin may stimulate insulin action by elevation of intracellular calcium in addition to activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase.

Animals↗

The new antidiabetic drug MCC-555 acutely sensitizes insulin signaling in isolated cardiomyocytes.

Freshly isolated adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes have been used to characterize the action profile of the new thiazolidinedione antidiabetic drug MCC-555. Preincubation of cells with the compound (100 microM for 30 min or 10 microM for 2 h) did not modify basal 3-O-methylglucose transport, but produced a marked sensitizing effect (2- to 3-fold increase in insulin action at 3 x 10(-11) M insulin) and a further enhancement of maximum insulin action (1.8-fold). MCC-555 did not modulate autophosphorylation of the insulin receptor and tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1). However, insulin action (10(-10) and 10(-7) M) on IRS-1-associated phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase activity was enhanced 2-fold in the presence of MCC-555. Association of the p85 adapter subunit of PI 3-kinase to IRS-1 was not modified by the drug. Immunoblotting experiments demonstrated expression of the peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor-gamma in cardiomyocytes reaching about 30% of the abundance observed in adipocytes. The insulin-sensitizing effect of MCC-555 was lost after inhibition of protein synthesis by preincubation of the cells with cycloheximide (1 mM; 30 min). Cardiomyocytes from obese Zucker rats exhibited a completely blunted response of glucose transport at 3 x 10(-11) M insulin. MCC-555 ameliorates this insulin resistance, producing a 2-fold stimulation of glucose transport, with maximum insulin action being 1.6-fold higher than that in control cells. This drug effect was paralleled by a significant dephosphorylation of IRS-1 on Ser/Thr. In conclusion, MCC-555 rapidly sensitizes insulin-stimulated cardiac glucose uptake by enhancing insulin signaling resulting from increased intrinsic activity of PI 3-kinase. Acute activation of protein expression leading to a modulation of the Ser/Thr phosphorylation state of signaling proteins such as IRS-1 may be underlying this process. It is suggested that MCC-555 may provide a causal therapy of insulin resistance by targeted action on the defective site in the insulin signaling cascade.

Animals↗

Antidiabetic sulfonylurea enhances secretagogue-induced adrenocorticotropin secretion and proopiomelanocortin gene expression in vitro.

The presence of high-affinity binding sites for antidiabetic sulfonylureas (SUs) and the expression of SU receptor (SUR) messenger RNA in the adenohypophyseal cells have recently been reported. In this study, we examined the effects of SU on POMC gene expression and ACTH secretion using the AtT20PL cell line, a subclone of AtT20 in which the rat POMC 5'-promoter-luciferase fusion gene was stably incorporated. A representative SU glibenclamide inhibited the basal POMC 5'-promoter activity. In contrast, glibenclamide enhanced forskolin- or CRH-induced POMC expression in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the latter effect was not observed under treatment with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, a nonselective phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Furthermore, diazoxide, an opener of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel, only antagonized the suppressive effect of glibenclamide. Lastly, RT-PCR analysis showed that mouse SUR (but not SUR2) messenger RNA was expressed in this cell line. These results suggest that, in AtT20PL cells, SU has dual effects, i.e. a suppressive effect on basal POMC expression through diazoxide-sensitive (ATP-sensitive) K+-channel-mediated mechanism, and an enhancing effect on cAMP/protein kinase A-stimulated POMC expression through a different mechanism (probably mediated by phosphodiesterase). To our knowledge, this is the first report showing the effect of SU on the expression of the anterior pituitary hormone gene.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

A new selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma antagonist with antiobesity and antidiabetic activity.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) plays a key role in adipocyte differentiation and insulin sensitivity. Its synthetic ligands, the thiazolidinediones (TZD), are used as insulin sensitizers in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. These compounds induce both adipocyte differentiation in cell culture models and promote weight gain in rodents and humans. Here, we report on the identification of a new synthetic PPARgamma antagonist, the phosphonophosphate SR-202, which inhibits both TZD-stimulated recruitment of the coactivator steroid receptor coactivator-1 and TZD-induced transcriptional activity of the receptor. In cell culture, SR-202 efficiently antagonizes hormone- and TZD-induced adipocyte differentiation. In vivo, decreasing PPARgamma activity, either by treatment with SR-202 or by invalidation of one allele of the PPARgamma gene, leads to a reduction of both high fat diet-induced adipocyte hypertrophy and insulin resistance. These effects are accompanied by a smaller size of the adipocytes and a reduction of TNFalpha and leptin secretion. Treatment with SR-202 also dramatically improves insulin sensitivity in the diabetic ob/ob mice. Thus, although we cannot exclude that its actions involve additional signaling mechanisms, SR-202 represents a new selective PPARgamma antagonist that is effective both in vitro and in vivo. Because it yields both antiobesity and antidiabetic effects, SR-202 may be a lead for new compounds to be used in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

3T3 Cells↗

Antidiabetic effect of a new peptide from Squalus mitsukurii liver (S-8300) in streptozocin-induced diabetic mice.

We have evaluated the antidiabetic effect of S-8300 (a peptide extracted from shark liver (Squalus mitsukurii)) in streptozocin (streptozotocin)-diabetic mice. Diabetes was induced by a single intravenous injection of streptozocin (150 mg kg(-1)). The effects of S-8300 (3 or 10 mg kg(-1)) on diabetic mice were investigated by observing the changes in the levels of fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, hepatic glycogen, triglycerides, cholesterol, free fatty acid, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde. Body weight, kidney weight and the degree of injured beta-cells in pancreatic islets were recorded also. Diabetic mice treated with S-8300 showed a significant decrease in the levels of fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, triglycerides, cholesterol, free fatty acid in plasma and malondialdehyde in tissues. The animals showed a significant increase in the content of hepatic glycogen and the activity of superoxide dismutase. Treatment with S-8300 attenuated the degree of injured beta-cells in the pancreatic islets. The effect of S-8300 was similar to that of glibenclamide (5 mg kg(-1)).

Animals↗

Acceleration of glycolysis in erythrocytes by the antidiabetic agent M16209.

The effects of M16209 (1-(3-bromobenzofuran-2-ylsulfonyl)hydantoin), an antidiabetic agent and aldose reductase inhibitor, on glycolysis were studied in rat and human erythrocytes in vitro. M16209 increased lactate production from glucose when incubated with rat and human erythrocytes, and also increased glucose consumption in rat erythrocytes. The rates of production of lactate in rat erythrocytes treated with M16209 at 10, 25 and 50 microM were 113, 118 and 123%, respectively, of those in vehicle treated cells. Sorbinil (aldose reductase inhibitor), tolbutamide (sulfonylurea), and buformine (biguanide) did not increase lactate production in rat erythrocytes when tested at 50 microM. On the other hand, M16209 did not affect lactate production from D-glyceraldehyde in rat erythrocytes. At 100 microM the agent decreased both glucose-6-phosphate and fructose-6-phosphate in rat erythrocytes, and increased fructose-1,6-bisphosphate; at 10 microM it also increased 6-phosphofructokinase activity in rat hemolysates. These findings suggest that M16209 accelerates glycolysis in erythrocytes via activation of 6-phosphofructokinase.

Aldehyde Reductase↗

Actions of the novel oral antidiabetic agent HQL-975 in genetically obese diabetic db/db mice.

The hypoglycemic effect of the novel oral agent 3-[4-12-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl]-2S-propyla mino-propionic acid (HQL-975) was examined in db/db mice with genetically obese non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The oral administration of HQL-975 at 3.5 and 35.3 mg/kg/d for 7 d decreased the plasma glucose level of these mice in a dose-dependent manner. HQL-975 also significantly decreased the plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acid and insulin levels. In the oral glucose tolerance test, HQL-975-treated mice showed improved glucose tolerance and decreased endogenous insulin secretion. HQL-975 increased glycemic response to exogenous insulin in the mice. In the HQL-975-treated db/db mice adipocytes, the glucose uptake, insulin binding, and GLUT4 expression were increased compared with those in untreated db/db mice adipocytes. These results indicate that HQL-975 improved insulin action in db/db mice through receptor and post-receptor effects. In conclusion, HQL-975 is a new oral antidiabetic agent with a hypoglycemic effect which is associated with an insulin-sensitizing effect. This agent may therefore be effective for the treatment of NIDDM.

3T3 Cells↗

Lipogenic action of the novel oral antidiabetic agent HQL-975 in genetically obese diabetic KK-Ay mice.

HQL-975 (3-{4-12-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxyl-phenyl}-2S- propylamino-propionic acid) is a new oral antidiabetic agent which has been shown to be effective in insulin-resistant diabetic animals. In the present study, we examined the effects of HQL-975 on glucose utilization and insulin action in KK-Ay mice with genetically obese non-insulin diabetes. (1) Dietary administration of HQL-975 (19 mg/kg/d for 7 d) improved hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and hyperinsulinemia in the mice. (2) The HQL-975-treated mice showed enhanced net glucose utilization, that is, glucose was significantly incorporated into total lipids in the white adipose tissue (WAT) and liver, and into glycogen in the diaphragm for the last 24 h of the drug administration period. (3) Treatment improved the decreased stimulative action of insulin in the epididymal WAT and the agent increased insulin-stimulated lipogenesis from both glucose and acetate. (4) Treatment also increased the activity of lipogenic enzymes such as glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and fatty acid synthetase. (5) In vitro exposure of WAT to HQL-975 enhanced lipogenesis in the presence of insulin. From these findings, we conclude that HQL-975 improves glucose utilization of KK-Ay mice through the enhancement of insulin action, which is associated with its lipogenic effects.

Adipose Tissue↗

Antidiabetic effect of an acidic polysaccharide (TAP) from Tremella aurantia and its degradation product (TAP-H).

Continuous oral administration of the acidic polysaccharide (TAP) solution (0.5 g/l) and the TAP-H (degradation products of TAP) solution (1.5 g/l) instead of water for 10 weeks were found to depress plasma glucose increases in diabetes using genetically non-insulin-dependent diabetic model (KK-Ay) mice. TAP and TAP-H significantly lowered levels of insulin, total-cholesterol and triglyceride in the blood of the mice. In excretion to feces, TAP and TAP-H significantly increased the total bile acid, while the cholesterol content of both groups was less than that of the control. Furthermore, TAP and TAP-H significantly decreased the plasma lipoperoxide level. The study shows that TAP and TAP-H have an antidiabetic effect on diabetes model mice.

Animals↗

Antidiabetic effect of glycyrrhizin in genetically diabetic KK-Ay mice.

We, previously demonstrated that one shot administration of glycyrrhizin (Grz) reduced the postprandial blood glucose rise, using Std ddY mice. Subsequently, we evaluated the effects of long-term Grz treatment (2.7, 4.1 g/kg diet) on diabetic symptoms using genetically non-insulin dependent diabetic model mice (KK-Ay). Male KK-Ay mice were divided into 3 groups: the control group, 0.27% Grz diet (2.7 g of Grz/kg diet) group and 0.41% Grz diet (4.1 g of Grz/kg diet) group. The elevation of blood glucose concentration was almost entirely suppressed in mice fed the 0.41% Grz diet 7 weeks after the beginning of test feeding, although it was not suppressed in mice fed the control diet or the 0.27% Grz diet. Water intake in the control and 0.27% Grz diet groups increased gradually, whereas, this was not true in the 0.41% Grz diet group. Grz treatment significantly lowered blood insulin level. Throughout the experiment, Grz did not affect the food intake or body weight among the three groups. The mice fed the 0.41% Grz diet also improved their tolerance to oral glucose loading 9 weeks after the beginning of test feeding. This study shows that Grz has an antidiabetic effect in noninsulin-dependent diabetes model mice.

Animals↗

Scropolioside-D2 and harpagoside-B: two new iridoid glycosides from Scrophularia deserti and their antidiabetic and antiinflammatory activity.

Five iridoid glycosides, including the two new compounds scropolioside-D(2) (1) and harpagoside-B (2), were isolated from the aerial parts of Scrophularia deserti DEL (Scrophulariaceae). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral data to be 6-O-[2",4"-di-O-acetyl-3"-O-trans-cinnamoyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl]-8 alpha-hydroxymethyl-1 alpha,5 beta,6 alpha,7 alpha,9 beta-pentahydro-7(8)-epoxy-2-oxaind-3-ene-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside-6'-O-acetate (1) and 5-O-beta-hydroxy-8-O-beta-trans-cinnamoyl-8 alpha-methyl-1,6,7,9-tetrahydro-2-oxaind-3-ene-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), respectively. In addition, three more iridoid glycosides, scropolioside-D (3), koelzioside (4), and 8-O-acetyl-harpagide (5), were also isolated and characterized from this source. The biological activity and the structure activity relationship of the compounds were also studied, and scropolioside-D (3) and harpagoside-B (2) were found to possess significant antidiabetic and antiinflammatory activity, respectively.

Animals↗

Antidiabetic activity of Bauhinia forficata extracts in alloxan-diabetic rats.

The antidiabetic activity of aqueous, ethanolic and hexanic extracts of Bauhinia forficata was investigated in a model of alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. The biochemical parameters studied were: plasma glucose, serum triglycerides, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein (LDL). Extracts were administered daily for 7 d at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o., 48 h after alloxan injection (60 mg/kg, i.v.). The alloxan-diabetic rats showed significant reductions in plasma glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol after treatment with the extracts and glibenclamide (used as standard) as compared to the diabetic controls. Levels of LDL were not altered. In conclusion, our results showed that the plant extracts when administered by gavage may reduce glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol levels. These results suggest the validity of the clinical use of B. forficata in the treatment of diabetes mellitus type II.

Animals↗

Comparative radical scavenging and antidiabetic activities of methanolic extract and fractions from Achillea ligustica ALL.

The yield of methanolic extract and total phenol and non polar content of flowered parts from Achillea ligustica ALL. are reported. GC-MS analysis of the non polar fraction showed that the triterpene moretenol was the major constituent (17.228%) followed by stigmast-6-en-3beta-ol, veridiflorol and beta-amyrin (7.524%, 5.078% 4.470%, respectively). The antioxidant activities of the methanolic extract and its fractions from A. ligustica were carried out using two different in vitro assays, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test and lipid peroxidation of liposomes assay. Methanolic extract showed higher radical scavenging activity on DPPH (IC50 of 50 microg/ml). This activity is probably due to the phenolic fraction which shown an IC50 value of 22 microg/ml. A different result was obtained from the methanolic extract on the lipid peroxidation of liposomes (IC50 of 416 microg/ml). The alpha-amylase inhibition assay was applied to evaluate antidiabetic activity. The methanolic extract showed weak activity (28.18% at 1 mg/ml) while the n-hexane fraction showed 74.96% inhibition at 250 microg/ml.

Achillea↗