Endocrine Abstracts

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by partial or total deficiency of insulin resulting in derangement of carbohydrate metabolism and a decrease in the activity of glycogenic enzymes resulting in depletion of liver and muscle glycogen. Accordingly, this study assessed the influence of OA on two key glycogenic enzymes of skeletal muscle and liver tissues in STZ-induced diabetic rats. We have, however, reported that the anti-hyperglycaemic effects of Syzygium aromaticum de...

We have reported that the anti-hyperglycaemic effects of Syzygium cordatum leaf triterpene mixtures (oleanolic acid (OA) and ursolic acid) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats are mediated in part via increased hepatic glycogen synthesis. To further elucidate the mechanism(s) of the hypoglycaemic effects of the triterpene, this study investigated the effects of plant derived OA on glycogenic enzyme activities in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Pure OA was obtained f...

Available evidence suggests that Syzygium spp ethyl acetate extract solubles (EAS) contain triterpene constituents; oleanolic acid (OA), ursolic acid (UA) and methyl maslinate with hypoglycaemic properties. The effects of maslinic acid (MA) on blood glucose in type 1 diabetes mellitus are, however, unclear. Accordingly, we evaluated anti-hyperglycaemic effects of MA in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, an experimental model for type 1 diabetes. Extraction and fractio...

Chloroquine, the commonly used in the treatment of malaria has been reported to elicit adverse effects such as hypoglycaemia through unknown mechanisms. In particular, literature to date has revealed that the effects of the drug on insulin concentrations remain obscure. Our investigation therefore focuses on establishing a possible mechanism of CHQ-induced hypoglycaemia with regards to its effects on plasma insulin concentrations. The purpose of this study was to investigate t...

Available evidence suggests that Syzygium spp ethyl acetate solubles (EAS) contain triterpene mixtures (oleanolic/ursolic acid and methyl maslinate/methyl corosolate) with hypoglycaemic properties in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Accordingly, maslinic acid (MA) was isolated from S. aromaticum. Air-dried powdered flower buds of S. aromaticum were sequentially extracted thrice at 24 h intervals with 3 litres on each occasion of hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetat...