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Goji Berry (Lycium Barbarum) in the treatment of diabetes melitus: a systematic review

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Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease characterized by disorders in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, lipoproteins and increased oxidative stress. New therapeutic alternatives have been studied for the treatment of DM and due to their antioxidant content, the Goji Berry is being widely used as a functional food. We performed a systematic review on the use of Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum) for the DM treatment. A systematic review was conducted through the PUBMED and LILACS databases being used the terms "Goji Berry and Diabetes", "Lycium Barbarum and Diabetes", "Goji Berry and Diabetes and Treatment" and "Lycium Barbarum and Diabetes and Treatment". Results showed Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum) has the potential to be effective in the treatment DM. Goji Berry would be an excellent alternative to already currently available drugs and contain no adverse effects. So, it is extremely important that more research on the subject to support its importance.
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*Corresponding author.
Email: profferfonseca@gmail.com eISSN: 2550-2166 / © 2017 The Authors. Published by Rynnye Lyan Resources
Food Research 1 (6) : 221 - 224 (December 2017)
Journal homepage: http://www.myfoodresearch.com
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Goji Berry (Lycium Barbarum) in the treatment of diabetes mellitus: a
systematic review
1Silva, C.S., 1Alves, B.C.A., 2Azzalis, L.A., 2Junqueira, V.B.C., 3Fonseca, R., 1Fonseca,
A.L.A. and 1,2*Fonseca, F.L.A.
1Laboratório de Análises Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Av. Príncipe de Gales, 821, CEP
09060-650,Santo André, SP, Brasil
2Instituto de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Prof. Artur Riedel, 275,
CEP 09972-270, Diadema, SP, Brasil
3Serviço de Pediatria do Hospital Sírio Libanês, Rua Dona Adma Jafet, 91, CEP 01308-050, São Paulo,
SP, Brasil
Article history:
Received: 14 June 2017
Received in revised form:
18 July 2017
Accepted: 19 July 2017
Available Online: 19 July
2017
Keywords:
Diabetes Mellitus,
Goji Berry (Lycium
barbarum),
Systematic review
DOI:
http://doi.org/10.26656/
fr.2017.6.102
Abstract
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease characterized by disorders in the metabolism
of carbohydrates, lipids, lipoproteins and increased oxidative stress. New therapeutic
alternatives have been studied for the treatment of DM and due to their antioxidant
content, the Goji Berry is being widely used as a functional food. We performed a
systematic review on the use of Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum) for the DM treatment. A
systematic review was conducted through the PUBMED and LILACS databases being
used the terms "Goji Berry and Diabetes", "Lycium Barbarum and Diabetes", "Goji Berry
and Diabetes and Treatment" and "Lycium Barbarum and Diabetes and Treatment".
Results showed Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum) has the potential to be effective in the
treatment DM. Goji Berry would be an excellent alternative to already currently available
drugs and contain no adverse effects. So, it is extremely important that more research on
the subject to support its importance.
1. Introduction
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease
characterized by disorders in the metabolism of
carbohydrates, lipids, lipoproteins, and increased
oxidative stress. It is classified as diabetes mellitus type I
(DMI), when there is a destruction of pancreatic beta
cells and the patient becomes insulin dependent, as there
is a deficiency in insulin secretion, and diabetes mellitus
type II (DMII) characterized by problems in secretion
and action of insulin pump, with the latter mainly
associated with lifestyle and morbidities such as obesity,
dyslipidemia and hypertension (Luo et al., 2004; Singh
et al., 2013; Hadi et al., 2015; SBD, 2015).
It is predicted that by 2035 this condition affects
around 471 million people, due to growth and aging of
the population, concomitant poor diet, and sedentary
lifestyle. Besides the physical and psychological damage
to those facing this disease, DM is also the cause of the
budget increase in the Unified Health System (SUS),
since Brazil had an average expenditure of $ 3.9 billion
to treat it (Wild et al., 2004; SBD, 2015).
Eating habits for patients with DM are essential for
improvement in the individuals’ life quality and
preventing the disease future complications and its
associated morbidity. Drug treatment is inevitable,
although in many cases bring many adverse effects like
weight gain, hypoglycemia, gastrointestinal symptoms
among others (Singh et al., 2013; George and Joseph,
2014; SBD, 2015).
New therapeutic alternatives are being studied for
the treatment DM. As a cheaper alternative with fewer
adverse effects to these carriers, the Goji Berry (Lycium
Barbarum, from Solanaceae family) is being widely used
as a functional food, mainly for their antioxidant action
due to a high content of vitamin C. Experiments have
shown its effectiveness in aging, increased metabolism,
immune system, liver function and glycemic control.
However, their benefits are attributed to the bioactive
222 Silva et al. / Food Research 1 (6) (2017) 221 - 224
eISSN: 2550-2166 © 2017 The Authors. Published by Rynnye Lyan Resources
component polysaccharide-protein complex 4 (LBP4),
which is composed of six monosaccharides (galactose,
glucose, rhmnose, arabinose, mannoseandxylose)
(Amagase and Nance, 2008; Ming et al., 2009; Amagase
et al., 2009; Lu and Zhao, 2010; Carnés et al., 2013).
The objective of this study was to perform a
systematic review on the use of Goji Berry (Lycium
barbarum) for the diabetes mellitus (DM) treatment.
2. Methodology
A systematic review was conducted through the
PUBMED and LILACS databases being used the terms
"Goji Berry and Diabetes", "Lycium Barbarum and
Diabetes", "Goji Berry and Diabetes and Treatment" and
"Lycium Barbarum and Diabetes and Treatment" from
January 2006 until July 2016. Because of the limited
number of available scientific articles that fulfill the
inclusion criteria a meta-analysis was not feasible for the
preparation of this study.
The terms that have been used to the inclusion: (I)
Such as available articles online (II) Articles in English
(III) Original work (IV) Studies in humans or
experimental. Exclusion criteria also included: (I)
Review work (II) Items that were not in English (III)
Treatment with other medicinal herbs associated with the
Goji Berry (Lycium Barbarum), IV) Articles > 10 years
of publication. After the selection of potential all articles
were read in full and tabulated containing article
(author's name and year of publication), the journal in
which it was published, population, study time and main
results.
3. Results
At first, a total of 35 articles about the subject was
found. After analyzing the titles and performing an
advanced research, 21 articles were considered, but when
read in its total by applying the inclusion and exclusion
criteria (Figure 1), only six articles fulfilled the criteria
previously established in this study (Table 1).
4. Discussion
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease characterized
by disorders in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids,
lipoproteins, and increased oxidative stress and eating
habits for patients with DM are essential for
improvement in the individuals’ life quality and
preventing the disease future complications and its
associated morbidity. Although drug treatment is
inevitable, an alternative with fewer adverse effects to
these drugs is the Goji Berry (Lycium Barbarum). The
bioactive component LBP-4 has been the target of
several studies for its anti-hypoglycemic role and
because of its antioxidants role. Zhao et al. (2014)
conducted a study to analyze insulin resistance through
translocation and activation of GLUT4. This study
suggests that LBP-4 had a moderate glucose action in
OLETF rats and may improve glucose intolerance,
thereby favoring insulin resistance, having a greater
increase in the translocation of GLUT4 by LBP-4 than
for insulin, plus a GLUT4 exposure increment in
adipocytes by LPB-4, raising the hypothesis that insulin
resistance progress is due to these two factors (Zhao et
al., 2014).
The efficacy of Goji berries for DMII patients was
shown by Cai et al. (2015). In this study, Goji berry was
administered for 3 months twice daily in capsules of 300
mg with LBP-4 to diabetic type II patients. According to
the authors, improvements in post prandial serum
glucose levels and the increase of HDL in these subjects,
as well as a decrease level of TNF-α, were observed.
These results were more successful in patients who did
not use anti hypoglycemic drugs.
After using Goji berry in diabetic nephropathy, Zhao
et al. (2009) observed that there was a decrease in
proteinuria and a significant improvement in other renal
markers, thus decreasing renal injury in rats.
Another positive finding regarding the use of Goji
berry was found by Jing et al. (2009). According to the
authors, the use of LBP-4 in diabetic rats showed a
decrease in total cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Li
(2007) showed in his research that LBP restored the
levels of lipid peroxidation, thereby reducing blood
glucose rates, which may be associated with the use of
LBP for improving lipid disorders in diabetic rats
addition to delaying the onset of diabetes.
In a new study using diabetic rabbits induced by
Alloxan, Zhao et al. (2016) showed that the
recommended dosage for the beneficial effect of LBP is
10 mg / kg, different from the amounts in studies
previously reported. The effect of LBP was compared in
five groups of rabbits: group I, non-diabetic group; group
II, diabetic nephropathy control (DN) treated with
placebo; group III, held the exclusive use of LBP in
diabetic rabbits (DM) with the objective to prevent;
group IV, using the Telmisartan drug for improvement of
DN and the group V, using the LBP (10 mg / kg in 3 ml)
as a treatment in DN. At the end of the experiment the
LBP treatment group (V), when compared to the DN
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Silva et al. / Food Research 1 (6) (2017) 221 - 224 223
eISSN: 2550-2166 © 2017 The Authors. Published by Rynnye Lyan Resources
group (II), showed an improvement in fasting glucose
tolerance; group prevention (III), when compared to
treatment group with LBP (V), showed better results, and
its use was more feasible for prevention of kidney issues
caused by diabetes.
By analyzing the articles described in this study, we
can see that various methodologies were used to prove
the utility of Goji berry. Thus, it is difficult to
standardize a single method, which would be beneficial
to achieve more reliable results. Research has
demonstrated that the Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) has
the potential to be effective in the treatment DM, in
addition to its protective effect on renal disease patients
and their high antioxidant effect. Therefore it is
extremely important more research on the subject to
support its importance, as this would be an excellent
alternative to already currently available drugs.
Conflict of Interest
No competing financial interests exist.
FULL PAPER
Figure 1. Selection Process articles eligible for the study.
Table 1. General characteristics of the articles included in the study.
Article Journal Population Study Time Main results
Zhao et al.
(2014)
Food and
Function 18 male OLETF rats 04 weeks Showed an improvement of insulin resistance
through the translocation of GLUT4.
Cai et al.
(2015)
Medical
Chemistry 67 patients DM II
03
consecutives
months
There was an increase of HDL and the most
effective hypoglycemic effect was who did not
use drugs.
Zhao et al.
(2009)
Journal of
Physiology and
Pharmacology
32male Wistar rats
(streptozotocin-
induced diabetes
STZ)
08 weeks
LPB-4 possesses protective properties in
patients with diabetic nephropathy.
Jing et al.
(2009)
African Journal
of Traditional,
Complementary
and Alternative
Medicines
40 male rats
(Diabetes induced by
Alloxan)
28 days
The use of 40 mg was more effective in rats
than the dose of 20 mg, demonstrating Goji
berry having potential for the treatment of
diabetes, besides not being shown hepatotoxic
effect.
Li (2007)
International
Journal of
Biological
Macromolecular
es
50 Wistar rats
(streptozotocin-
induced diabetes
STZ)
30 days
It is suggested that LBP can be used as anti-
hypoglycemic agent in addition to its
protective effect on the kidneys and liver,
because of its antioxidants.
Zhao et al.
(2016) Life Sciences
25 Japonese male
rabbits (Diabetes
induced by Alloxan)
12 weeks
Using the LBP an improvement in renal
function and inflammation in diabetic rabbits,
but the effect was more effective in preventing
rather than the treatment of this pathology.
224 Silva et al. / Food Research 1 (6) (2017) 221 - 224
eISSN: 2550-2166 © 2017 The Authors. Published by Rynnye Lyan Resources
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FULL PAPER
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... Furthermore, they have found that Ningxia wolfberry pollen, leaf and flower can be a potential resource of nutrients for humans and animals. It has also effectiveness in aging, increased metabolism, immune system, liver function and glycemic control (Silva et al., 2017). However, their benefits are attributed to the bioactive component polysaccharide-protein complex 4 (LBP4), which is composed of six monosaccharides (galactose, glucose, rhmnose, arabinose, mannoseandxylose) (Amagase and Nance (2016) noted that Goji has a complex rich in vitamins and minerals that protect the central nervous system, reduces the risk of glaucoma and has antitumor activity, prevents chronic diseases such as hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, hepatitis, and also helps in reducing fatigue and greater resistance in exercise, being a strong ally in the prevention of aging. ...
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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for thousands of years by different generations in China and other Asian countries as foods to promote good health and as drugs to treat disease. Goji berry (Lycium barbarum), as a Chinese traditional herb and food supplement, contains many nutrients and phytochemicals, such as polysaccharides, scopoletin, the glucosylated precursor, amino acids, flaconoids, carotenoids, vitamins and minerals. It has positive effects on anitcancer, antioxidant activities, retinal function preservation, anti-diabetes, immune function and anti-fatigue. Widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, Goji berries can be sold as a dietary supplement or classified as nutraceutical food due to their long and safe traditional use. Modern Goji pharmacological actions are improving function, enhances the body ,s ability to adapt to a variety of noxious stimuli; it significantly inhibits the generation and spread of cancer cells and can improve eyesight and increase reserves of muscle glycogen and liver glycogen which may increase human energy and has anti-fatigue effect. Goji berries may improve brain function and enhances learning and memory. It may boost the body ,s adaptive defences, and significantly reduce the levels of serum cholesterol and triglyceride, it may help weight loss and obesity and treats chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Today they are considered functional food with many beneficial effects, which is why they have become more popular recently, especially in Europe, North America and Australia, as they are considered as superfood with highly nutritive and antioxidant properties. Geographical origin of Goji berries are one of the most important quality parameters in TCM since the differences in climate, soil, and cultivation methods cause differences in the chemical composition of the plants. Goji berry has huge health benefits that attract good international markets. Goji berry which is as knows as the super fruit and super food in TCM for the claimed health benefits and it should be part of daily diet. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used as a spice and a medicine for over 200 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ginger is an important plant with several medicinal, and nutritional values used in Asian and Chinese Tradition medicine. Ginger and its general compounds such as Fe, Mg, Ca, vitamin C, flavonoids, phenolic compounds (gingerdiol, gingerol, gingerdione and shogaols), sesquiterpenes, paradols has long been used as an herbal medicine to treat various symptoms including vomiting, pain, cold symptoms and it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumor activities, anti-pyretic, anti-platelet, anti-tumourigenic, anti-hyperglycaemic, antioxidant anti-diabetic, anti-clotting and analgesic properties, cardiotonic, cytotoxic. It has been widely used for arthritis, cramps, sprains, sore throats, rheumatism, muscular aches, pains, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, hypertension, dementia, fever and infectious diseases. Ginger leaves have also been used for food flavouring and Asian Traditional Medicine especially in China. Ginger oil also used as food flavouring agent in soft drink, as spices in bakery products, in confectionary items, pickles, sauces and as a preservatives. Ginger is available in three forms, namely fresh root ginger, preserved ginger and dried ginger. The pharmacological activities of ginger were mainly attributed to its active phytocompounds 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, zingerone beside other phenolics and flavonoids. Gingerol and shogaol in particular, is known to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In both Traditional Chinese Medicine, and modern China, Ginger is used in about half of all herbal prescriptions. Traditional medicinal plants are often cheaper, locally available and easily consumable raw and as simple medicinal preparations. Ginseng is the most famous of the Chinese herbs throughout the world, and has been one of the most valued herb in China. Traditional Chinese Medicine as an important component of complementary and alternative medicine, evolved over thousands of years with its own unique system of theories, diagnostics and therapies in Asian countries, especially China. In most parts of the world, especially western countries, Ginseng has been increasingly used in the last decades and has become well known for its significant role in preventing and treating so many diseases. Ginseng species are Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (Korean ginseng), Panax japonicas C. A. Meyer (Japanese ginseng), Panax major Tings, Paanx notoginseng (Burkill) F. H. Chen (Sanchi ginseng), Panax omeiensis J. Wen, Panax pseudoginseng Wallich, Paanx quinquefolius L. (American ginseng), Panax sinesis J. Wen, Panax trifolius L (Dwarf ginseng), Panax wangianus Sun, Panax zingiberensis C. Y. Wu & K. M. Feng, Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv. (Vietnamese ginseng) and etc. But the most important species are Panax ginseng (Chinese ginseng), and Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng). Panax ginseng has consisted of a number of active constituents, such as saponins or ginsenosides, carbohydrates, nitrogenous substances, phytosteril, essential oils, organic acids, amino acids, peptidoglycans, carbohydrate, nitrogen-containing compounds, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and other phenolic compounds. Ginsenosides are classified into two main groups known as protopanaxadiol (PPD), and protopanaxatriol (PPT). Pharmacological activities of ginseng extracts are effects on the central nervous system; antipsychotic action; tranquilizing effects; protection from stress ulcers; increase of gastrointestinal motility; anti-fatigue action; endocrinological effects; enhancement of sexual behaviour; acceleration of metabolism; or synthesis of carbohydrates, lipids, RNA, and proteins. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginseng help to maintain a healthy immune system. Ginseng contains an abundance of diversified chemical elements hardly found in other medicinal herbs. More clinical studies are necessary to uncover the numerous substances and their effects in ginseng that contribute to public health. Astragalus is a common Traditional Chinese Medicinal plant which is a widely used herbal product in China, other Asian countries and some western countries. Astragalus has been used for almost 2000 years in China to boost the body ,s general vitality and strengthening resistance to exogenous pathogens. Saponins, polysaccharides, amino acids, flavonoids, organic acid, glycosides, alkaloid, and trace elements, are the major class of chemical compounds occurring in species of Astragalus genus, the largest one in the family of Leguminosae. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Astragalus considers to used in the treatment of diabetes, mellitus, nephritis, leukemia, uterine cancer, besides its tonic agent and diuretic effects. Astragalus polysaccharide, the active component extracted from Astragali Radix which is the root of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge. Some uses of Astragalus are in kidney and urinary problems, Digestion, liver problems, female reproductive system problems, muscular, skin problems, cardiovascular and blood, immune and lymphatic system, nervous system, respiratory system, and for some specific disease. It helps protect the body against various types of stress such as physical and emotional stress. Astragalus root including anti-aging properties, and also helping to prevent bone loss. In TCM, huang qi is never administered as a mono drug, but forms part of mixtures depending on the indications. Astragali Radix, the root of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge, has been reported to exert hepatoprotective effects, antioxidative effects, antiviral activity, anti-oxidative effects, anti-hypertensive effects, and immunostimulant properties; it has also been reported to strengthen superficial resistance, drainage action and new tissue growth. Although, TCM in China is partly integrating with western medicine science, researchers should learn more from TCM and carry out more studies.
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Goji berries (Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense), also known as wolfberries, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. These nutrient-dense berries, rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, carotenoids, and phenolics, exhibit numerous health benefits. Renowned for their antioxidant properties, goji berries contribute to anti-aging, improved vision, immune enhancement, and potential protection against hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. They are widely consumed as dried fruits, teas, juices, and functional ingredients in diverse food products, enhancing their sensory and nutritional profiles. In addition to their culinary applications, goji berries hold promise in pharmaceutical and skincare industries. Incorporating goji extracts in milk, meat, bakery, and confectionery products enhances their antioxidant capacity and sensory attributes. Future prospects focus on advancing agricultural methods, expanding global acceptance, and substantiating health claims through clinical research. Goji berries, celebrated as a superfood, continue to gain prominence as functional ingredients for health and wellness. KEYWORDS: Goji berries, antioxidants, health benefits, bioactive compounds, polysaccharides,carotenoids.
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Objective: Goji berry has been used for thousand years inTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China and other Asian countries as foods to promote health and as drugs to treat diseases. It has been claimed this important medicinal crop is the good source of compounds with valuable nutritional and bioactive properties which can also provide industrial sustainability in organic life. Materials and methods: All relevant papers in English language were collected. The keywords of wolfberry, goji berry, Chinese herbalism and western Medicine were searched in Google Scholar, Scopus, Research Gate and PubMed. Results: Besides its uses in food and culinary, wolfberry has long played important roles in TCM where they are believed to enhance immune system function, improve eyesight, protect liver, boost sperm production and improve circulation, among other effects. TCM calls for wolfberry to be prepared as a decoction or ground into a powder and mixed with other herbs. Additionally, Gojiberry is rich in ascorbic acid, thiamine and riboflavin. Moreover, Gojiberrycontains carbohydrates, organic acids, and so many minerals like potassium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc and selenium. Conclusion: This review article allowed verifying that wolfberry as asource of compounds with valuable nutritional and bioactive properties.
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Objectives: Studies have shown that people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may develop atherosclerosis due to the disturbance in oxidative control and progressive dyslipidemia. Our study aimed to highlight the benefits of simvastatin treatment in improving serum lipids and reducing oxidative damage in patients with T2DM. Methods: Our randomized control trial included 56 patients with T2DM and dyslipidemia. The participants were on glibenclamide (5mg/day) during the period of the study. The patients were divided into two study groups (groups 1 and 2). Group 1 was the control group and consisted of 31 patients. Group 2 consisted of 25 participants, who were given simvastatin 20mg tablet once daily for 12 weeks. The control group did not receive simvastatin. Both groups were followed-up for measurement of blood pressure, pulse rate, serum lipids, and parameters of oxidative stress. Results: The simvastatin treated group showed a significant improvement with reduced erythrocyte glutathione compared to the control group (p<0.001). This was also associated with a significant reduction in erythrocyte malondialdehyde in the simvastatin treated group compared to the control group (p<0.001). Serum lipids reflected a similar improvement in the levels of erythrocyte malondialdehyde. Conclusions: Our study highlights the beneficial role of simvastatin in improving the degree of oxidative stress in patients with T2DM through its effects on serum lipids and lipid peroxidation.
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Diabetes resulting from both genetic and lifestyle factors causes high insulin deficiency or its resistance. As hyperglycemia and decreased insulin secretion and/or its sensitivity appear to be the primary defects associated with diabetes, available treatments focus on reducing those defects. A novel approach of treatment is to target the incretin mimetic hormones, which are secreted by intestinal cells in response to food intake, provoking glucose-dependent insulin secretion from the pancreas. Efficacy and safety studies of dipetidyl peptidase inhibitors (DPP-IV), sitagliptin, vildagliptin and linagliptin provide similar improvements in HbA1c levels when compared with metformin, sulfonylureas or glitazones without contributing to weight gain and hypoglycemia. Caution is required when choosing the gliptin in people with renal or hepatic impairment and with a risk of pancreatitis. The glucagon like peptide (GLP-1) analogues Exenatide and Liraglutide also have positive impact on glycemic control especially when used as a combination therapy. Another upcoming approach is using sodium-glucose co transporter two inhibitors in kidney, by exploring pathophysiology of renal glucose re absorption in the proximal tubule.
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Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine as a chief ingredient of L. barbarum (wolf berry/goji berry) for the treatment of various diseases with the symptom of frequent drinking and urination. The study was a randomized, controlled clinical trial. A total of 67 patients with type 2 diabetes (30 in control group and 37 in LBP group) participated in this prospective, randomized, double-blind study (administration at 300mg/day body weight). In order to observe the hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering activity of LBP in patients with type 2 diabetes after dinner, varieties were tested between control and LBP intervention groups in 3 months. Although, the study had small sample size and short follow-up, significant findings were got. The results of our study indicated a remarkable protective effect of LBP in patients with type 2 diabetes. Serum glucose decreased significantly and insulinogenic index increased during OMTT after 3 months administration by LBP. LBP also increased HDL levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. It had more obvious hypoglycemic efficacy for those people who did not take any hypoglycemic medicine compared to patients with hypoglycemic medicines. This study showed that LBP should be a good potential treatment aided-agent for type 2 diabetes.
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Ethnopharmacological relevance: Long term hyperglycemia leads to development of complications associated with diabetes. Diabetic complications are now a global health problem without effective therapeutic approach. Hyperglycemia and oxidative stress are important components for the development of diabetic complications. Over the past few decades, herbal medicines have attracted much attention as potential therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of diabetic complications due to their multiple targets and less toxic side effects. This review aims to assess the current available knowledge of medicinal herbs for attenuation and management of diabetic complications and their underlying mechanisms. Material and methods: Bibliographic investigation was carried out by scrutinizing classical text books and peer reviewed papers, consulting worldwide accepted scientific databases (SCOPUS, PUBMED, SCIELO, NISCAIR, Google Scholar) to retrieve available published literature. The inclusion criteria for the selection of plants were based upon all medicinal herbs and their active compounds with attributed potentials in relieving diabetic complications. Moreover, plants which have potential effect in ameliorating oxidative stress in diabetic animals have been included. Results: Overall, 238 articles were reviewed for plant literature and out of the reviewed literature, 127 articles were selected for the study. Various medicinal plants/plant extracts containing flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, saponins and phytosterol type chemical constituents were found to be effective in the management of diabetic complications. This effect might be attributed to amelioration of persistent hyperglycemia, oxidative stress and modulation of various metabolic pathways involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Conclusion: Screening chemical candidate from herbal medicine might be a promising approach for new drug discovery to treat the diabetic complications. There is still a dire need to explore the mechanism of action of various plant extracts and their toxicity profile and to determine their role in therapy of diabetic complications. Moreover, a perfect rodent model which completely mimics human diabetic complications should be developed.
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Aims: This study was aimed to investigate the effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on renal function and inflammatory reaction in rabbits with diabetic nephropathy. Main methods: Diabetes was induced by injecting alloxan (ALX). Japanese male white rabbits were randomly assigned into 5 groups: normal control group, diabetic nephropathy(DN) model group, LBP prevention group, positive control group and LBP treatment group. LBP (10mg/kg) was given to the LBP prevention group after diabetes mellitus(DM) model succeeded for 12weeks and to the LBP treatment group after DN model succeeded for 4weeks. Telmisartan (3.7mg/kg) was given to the positive group after DN model succeeded for 4weeks, and the same volume of balanced saline was given to the normal group and DN group for 12weeks. Urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (SCr), and C-reaction protein (CRP) in serum were detected at the end of the 12th week. The expression of MCP-1 mRNA and ICAM-1 mRNA extracted from cortex were detected by RT-PCR. Western blot analysis was carried out to examine NF-κB p65 protein expression. Key findings: LBP improves the renal function and alleviates the inflammatory reaction in the kidneys of diabetic rabbits. In addition, the prevention effect of LBP is better than the treatment effect of LBP. Significance: LBP has obvious protective effect on the diabetic nephropathy rabbits' renal function and postpones the appearance and development of DN. The mechanisms may be related to the reduction the expression of MCP-1mRNA and ICAM-1mRNA by restraining the expression of NF-κB and AngII.
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Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) has been shown to ameliorate insulin resistance, but the identification of compounds from LBP and the mechanisms have not been clarified. In this study, LBP-4a was purified from Lycium barbarum by DEAE cellulose and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography, and the effects of LBP-4a on insulin resistance were investigated. The results indicated that LBP-4a caused translocation of the glucose transporter isoform 4 (GLUT4) to the cell surface, which in turn stimulated glucose uptake, and the effect was sensitive to wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), and SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK (α, β)). Furthermore, the effects of LBP-4a on p38 MAPK activities were abrogated by pretreatment of rat adipocytes using SB203580. In summary, LBP-4a improved insulin resistance via translocation and activation of GLUT4 in OLETF rats, and the activation of PI3-K and p38 MAPK contributed to these effects.
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Goji berries (GB) have been introduced in Western diet. Preliminary reports have demonstrated its allergenic capacity. The objectives of the study were to investigate the frequency of sensitisation and the allergens involved. 566 individuals, with respiratory or cutaneous symptoms were skin-prick tested with GB extract. Thirty three were positive (5.8%). 94% were sensitised to other allergens. Specific IgE to GB, peach, tomato and nut-mix was measured. Thirteen individuals from 24 available sera (54.2%) had positive specific IgE. 92.3% of GB positive patients were positive to peach. Seven individuals recognised 8 bands and six recognised a 7kDa band. This band was identified as a LTP by MS/MS. Cross-reactivity was demonstrated with tomato, tobacco, nutmix, Artemisia pollen and purified Lyc e 3 and Pru p 3. GB are a new allergenic source with high prevalence of sensitisation. LTP seems to be the major allergen involved in sensitisation and cross-reactivity.
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Epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that high dietary fat intake of mice is associated with many physically degenerative diseases. Since oxidative stress and abnormal lipid metabolism have been speculated to be critical mechanisms underlying degenerative diseases, we hypothesized that a high-fat (HF) diet might induce oxidative stress or lipid oxidation and subsequently contribute to the high risk of some diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ones. To test this hypothesis, male kunming mice were placed on either a HF diet or a normal laboratory diet for 30 consecutive days. This investigation demonstrated that blood fat [low density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerols (TAG), high density lipoprotein (HDL)], blood sugar (blood glucose and liver glycogen) and oxidative stress (activities of antioxidant enzymes and levels of non-enzymic antioxidants) of mice fed high-fat diet (group II) were significantly increased or decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) when compared with the control group (I). The present study revealed that HF diet induced oxidative stress and provided novel evidence regarding the link between high dietary fat and increased risk of degenerative diseases. The administration of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides did not show any effect on the body weight of the experimental mice, but significantly decreased the levels of LDL, TC, TAG, blood glucose and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) or increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) when compared with mice in HF group (II). These findings were further supported by significantly increased non-enzymic antioxidants levels (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), suggesting that L. barbarum polysaccharides showed a noticeable inhibition against lipid oxidation induced by free radicals caused by HF diet intake (groups III, IV, V) on the basis of their antioxidant activities.
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Polysaccharides were extracted from Lycium barbarum fruits in this work. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) have been employed to characterize this polysaccharides in the present study. The results of chemical composition indicated that the L. barbarum polysaccharides were composed of two kinds of monosaccharides, namely glucose and fructose in molar ratios of 1:2.1. The results indicated that the glucose and fructose were the predominant monosaccharides. IR spectrum of L. barbarum polysaccharides revealed a typical peaks of polysaccharides. The results still showed that L. barbarum polysaccharides significantly decreased the myocardium LD level, increased Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase activities in heart ischemia reperfusion (IR) rats. In addition, L. barbarum polysaccharides still markedly decreased myocardium Bax positive rate and myocardial cell apoptosis and increased Bcl-2 positive rate in a dose-dependent manner. It may be concluded that administration of L. barbarum polysaccharides can prevented the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Article
A study was undertaken to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of polysaccharide extracted from Lycium barbarum (LBP). The various parameters studied included body weight (bw), fasting blood glucose levels (FBG), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) in diabetic and normal mice. LBP treatment (20, 40 mg/ kg body weight) for 28 days resulted in a significant decrease in the concentration of FBG, TC and TG in diabetes mellitus mice. Furthermore, LBP significantly increased body weight. The data demonstrated LBP at the dose of 40 mg/kg bw exhibited the better effect.