Sneha S Pillai1, S Mini2. 1. Department of Biochemistry, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695581, India. Electronic address: sneha.sp88@gmail.com. 2. Department of Biochemistry, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695581, India. Electronic address: minisaraswathy@gmail.com.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hibiscus rosa sinensis petals possess wide range of pharmacological properties, with remarkable nutritional values. Diabetes is one of the most devastating diseases affecting the world today. A few side effects associated with the use of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents prompted us to search new bioactive principles from antidiabetic plants used in traditional medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY: The anti-diabetic therapeutic potential of the flavonoids rich ethyl acetate fraction of Hibiscus rosa sinensis petals (EHRS) was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High glucose (25 mM) induced apoptotic model of diabetes in RIN-m5F pancreatic β-cells was used for the study. RESULTS: EHRS elevated the release of insulin in pancreatic cells and modulated apoptotic signaling cascades. It significantly reduced NF-κB nuclear translocation, thereby down-regulated the expressions of major inflammatory cytokines and up-regulated expressions of pancreatic β-cell functional genes such as, foxO-1, Ucn-3, Pdx-1, MafA and Nkx6.1. On comparison with its constituent phytochemicals, superior protective effect shown by EHRS may be due to the additive action of these phytoconstituents. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study suggest hibiscus petals as a natural source and functional food of potential therapeutics to protect pancreatic β-cells in experimental diabetes mellitus.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hibiscus rosa sinensis petals possess wide range of pharmacological properties, with remarkable nutritional values. Diabetes is one of the most devastating diseases affecting the world today. A few side effects associated with the use of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents prompted us to search new bioactive principles from antidiabetic plants used in traditional medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY: The anti-diabetic therapeutic potential of the flavonoids rich ethyl acetate fraction of Hibiscus rosa sinensis petals (EHRS) was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High glucose (25 mM) induced apoptotic model of diabetes in RIN-m5F pancreatic β-cells was used for the study. RESULTS: EHRS elevated the release of insulin in pancreatic cells and modulated apoptotic signaling cascades. It significantly reduced NF-κB nuclear translocation, thereby down-regulated the expressions of major inflammatory cytokines and up-regulated expressions of pancreatic β-cell functional genes such as, foxO-1, Ucn-3, Pdx-1, MafA and Nkx6.1. On comparison with its constituent phytochemicals, superior protective effect shown by EHRS may be due to the additive action of these phytoconstituents. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study suggest hibiscus petals as a natural source and functional food of potential therapeutics to protect pancreatic β-cells in experimental diabetes mellitus.