In vitro antiplasmodial effect of ethanolic extracts of coastal medicinal plants along Palk Strait against Plasmodium falciparum

Objective

To identify the possible antiplasmodial compounds from Achyranthes aspera (A. aspera), Acalypha indica (A. indica), Jatropha glandulifera (J. glandulifera) and Phyllanthus amarus (P. amarus).

Methods

The A. aspera, A. indica, J. glandulifera and P. amarus were collected along Palk Strait and the extraction was carried out in ethanol. The filter sterilized extracts (100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 and 3.125 µg/mL) of leaf, stem, root and flower extracts of A. aspera, A. indica, J. glandulifera and P. amarus were tested for antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum. The potential extracts were also tested for their phytochemical constituents.

Results

Of the selected plants species parts, the stem extract of A. indica showed excellent antiplasmodial activity (IC₅₀= 43.81µg/mL) followed by stem extract of J. glandulifera (IC₅₀= 49.14µg/mL). The stem extract of A. aspera, leaf and root extracts of A. indica, leaf, root and seed extracts of J. glandulifera and leaf and stem extracts of P. amarus showed IC₅₀ values between 50 and 100 µg/mL. Statistical analysis revealed that, significant antiplasmodial activity (P<0.01) was observed between the concentrations and time of exposure. The chemical injury to erythrocytes was also carried out and it showed that there were no morphological changes in erythrocytes by the ethanolic extract of all the tested plant extracts. The in vitro antiplasmodial activity might be due to the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, triterpenoids, proteins, and tannins in the ethanolic extracts of tested plants.

Conclusions

The ethanolic stem extracts of P. amarus and J. glandulifera possess lead compounds for the development of antiplasmodial drugs.     

In vitro antibacterial activity of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower extract against human pathogens

Objective

To access the in vitro antibacterial activity of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (H. rosa- sinensis) flower extract against human pathogens.

Methods

Antibacterial activity was evaluated by using disc and agar diffusion methods. The protein was run through poly acrylmide gel electrophoresis to view their protein profile.

Results

The results showed that the cold extraction illustrates a maximum zone of inhibition against Bacillus subtillis (B. subtillis), Escherichia coli (E. coli) viz., (17.00 ± 2.91), (14.50 ± 1.71) mm, followed by hot extraction against, E. coli, Salmonella sp. as (11.66 ± 3.14), (10.60 ± 3.09) mm. In methanol extraction showed a highest zone of inhibition recorded against B. subtillis, E. coli as (18.86 ± 0.18), (18.00 ± 1.63) mm pursued by ethanol extraction showed utmost zone of inhibition recorded against Salmonella sp. at (20.40 ± 1.54) mm. The crude protein from flower showed a maximum inhibitory zone observed against Salmonella sp., E. coli viz., (16.55 ± 1.16), (14.30 ± 2.86) mm. The flower material can be taken as an alternative source of antibacterial agent against the human pathogens.

Conclusions

The extracts of the H. rosa-sinensis are proved to have potential antibacterial activity, further studies are highly need for the drug development.     

Frequent nasopharyngeal suctioning as a risk factor associated with neonatal coagulase-negative staphylococcal colonisation and sepsis

INTRODUCTION

This case-control study aimed to determine whether catheter use was significantly associated with coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) colonisation and/or sepsis in neonates.

METHODS

Weekly swabs of the nose, umbilicus, rectum, wounds, eye discharge and intravenous catheter tips (after removal) of infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Malaysia, were cultured. CoNS sepsis was diagnosed if pure growth of CoNS was cultured from the peripheral blood specimen of symptomatic infants. For each infant with CoNS colonisation or sepsis, a control infant was retrospectively and randomly selected from unaffected infants in the ward. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine whether catheter use was a significant risk factor.

RESULTS

CoNS colonisation was detected in 113 (8.7%) infants. CoNS sepsis was found in 12 (10.6%) infants with CoNS colonisation and 7 (0.6%) infants without CoNS colonisation. Multivariate analysis showed that the following were significantly associated with CoNS colonisation: conjunctivitis (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 8.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9–34.8, p = 0.005); central venous catheters (adjusted OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.9–17.8, p = 0.002); and nasopharyngeal and/or oral suctioning more than twice in the 48 hours before positive culture (adjusted OR 7.3, 95% CI 3.3–16.2, p < 0.001). Exposure to frequent nasopharyngeal and/or oral suctioning (adjusted OR 20.8, 95% CI 3.5–125.3, p = 0.001) was the only significant factor associated with CoNS sepsis.

CONCLUSION

Infants requiring more than two nasopharyngeal and/or oral suctions in the previous 48 hours were found to have a higher risk of developing CoNS colonisation and sepsis.     

In vitro control of Staphylococcus aureus (NCTC 6571) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) by Ricinus communis L.

Objective

To evaluate antibacterial activity of hot and cold ethanol and methanol leaf extracts of Ricinus communis L (R. communis) against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (NCTC 6571) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) (ATCC 25922).

Methods

Leaf powder of R. communis L. was extracted with hot (in Soxhlet) and cold ethanol and methanol, separately. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was determined by agar well diffusion and macro broth dilution methods. The extracts were also subjected to phytochemical analysis.

Results

All the four test extracts showed inhibition on both S. aureus and E. coli. Hot and cold ethanol extracts revealed significantly (P<0.05) higher inhibition on S. aureus than methanol extracts, and the hot ethanol extract had the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values (5 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL, respectively). E. coli was highly inhibited by hot extracts of both ethanol and methanol with the MIC and MBC of 40 mg/mL and 80 mg/mL, respectively. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, cardiac glycosides, tannins, flavonoids and terpenoids in all test extracts.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the hot and cold methanol and ethanol extracts are potential sources for control of S. aureus and E. coli. Especially, the hot and cold extracts of ethanol are more inhibitive against S. aureus even at lower concentration. Further study is needed to identify the specific bioactive compounds, their mode of action and their nontoxic nature in vivo condition.     

Production of chitosan from endolichenic fungi isolated from mangrove environment and its antagonistic activity

Objective

To screen the chitosan producing ability of endolichenic fungi and its antibacterial activity.

Methods

Lichen collected from mangroves was screened for endophytes and the chitosan producing ability of endolichenic fungi by submerged fermentation was also determined. Antibacterial activity was carried out against different pathogens.

Results

Totally 4 different groups of fungi were isolated from the lichen Roccella montagnei. Among the four genera, Aspergillus niger (A. niger) is potential to produce chitosan (1.3 g/L) on the twelfth day of incubation. Glucose plays an important role in the productivity of chitosan and the yield was maximum at 10% (1.93 g/L). Antibacterial activity revealed that Vibrio cholerae was sensitive to chitosan followed by Escherichia coli.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our findings suggest that A. niger is a potential candidate to produce more chitosan than the other strains and glucose plays an important role in the production of chitosan which proves to have a good antibacterial activity.     

Increased serum visfatin as a risk factor for atherosclerosis in patients with ischaemic cerebrovascular disease

INTRODUCTION

The present study aimed to investigate the possible associations between serum levels of visfatin, an adipokine, and atherosclerosis in patients with ischaemic cerebrovascular disease.

METHODS

A total of 95 participants were recruited for this study. Group A comprised 35 individuals with no history of cerebrovascular disease (control group) and Group B comprised 60 patients with ischaemic cerebrovascular disease. Group B was further categorised into two subgroups based on the ultrasonographic findings of the common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) – Group B1 consisted of 21 patients with no atherosclerosis (i.e. CCA-IMT ≤ 0.9 mm) and Group B2 consisted of 39 patients with atherosclerosis (i.e. CCA-IMT > 0.9 mm). The body mass index, fasting blood total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and glucose levels of each patient were measured. Serum visfatin levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Visfatin levels were compared between groups, and stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for atherosclerosis, including visfatin levels.

RESULTS

The mean serum visfatin level of the patients in Group B was higher than that in Group A (75.5 ± 77.80 ng/mL vs. 8.6 ± 4.69 ng/mL; p < 0.05) and the level was higher in patients from Group B2 than those from Group B1 (89.0 ± 80.68 ng/mL vs. 50.4 ± 72.44 ng/mL; p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that CCA-IMT values were not significantly associated with visfatin levels. However, logistic regression analysis showed that serum visfatin was an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis (odds ratio 37.80; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Serum visfatin may be an independent risk factor for cerebral infarction, as high serum visfatin levels are positively associated with the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of ischaemic cerebrovascular disease.     

Orbital pseudotumour as a presentation of paediatric ulcerative colitis

A 2-year-old girl presented with a one-day history of acute-onset bilateral painful, swollen eyes and a two-month history of loose stools. Physical examination revealed a right eyelid swelling with proptosis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a right orbital pseudotumour. The patient responded well to treatment with intravenous antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, three weeks later, she was readmitted with a vasculitic lesion over her left upper chest, with mucous-bloody diarrhoea. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. The patient was treated with intravenous pulse methylprednisolone and sulphasalazine. Two weeks after discharge, she was readmitted for cutaneous vasculitis and worsening diarrhoea. The patient’s bowel and extraintestinal diseases resolved upon addition of infliximab to her treatment regimen. Her inflammatory markers also normalised. Azathioprine was subsequently added. Infliximab was discontinued after four doses and prednisolone was tapered off. The patient remained well without any flare-up after 24 months of follow-up.     

In vitro clonal propagation of Achyranthes aspera L. and Achyranthes bidentata Blume using nodal explants

Objective

To develop the reproducible in vitro propagation protocols for the medicinally important plants viz., Achyranthes aspera (A. aspera) L. and Achyranthes bidentata (A. bidentata) Blume using nodal segments as explants.

Methods

Young shoots of A. aspera and A. bidentata were harvested and washed with running tap water and treated with 0.1% bavistin and rinsed twice with distilled water. Then the explants were surface sterilized with 0.1% (w/v) HgCl₂ solutions for 1 min. After rinsing with sterile distilled water for 3–4 times, nodal segments were cut into smaller segments (1 cm) and used as the explants. The explants were placed horizontally as well as vertically on solid basal Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 3% sucrose, 0.6% (w/v) agar (Hi-Media, Mumbai) and different concentration and combination of 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP), kinetin (Kin), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and indole acetic acid (IAA) for direct regeneration.

Results

Adventitious proliferation was obtained from A. aspera and A. bidentata nodal segments inoculated on MS basal medium with 3% sucrose and augmented with BAP and Kin with varied frequency. MS medium augmented with 3.0 mg/L of BAP showed the highest percentage (93.60±0.71) of shootlets formation for A. aspera and (94.70±0.53) percentages for A. bidentata. Maximum number of shoots/explants (10.60±0.36) for A. aspera and (9.50±0.56) for A. bidentata was observed in MS medium fortified with 5.0 mg/L of BAP. For A. aspera, maximum mean length (5.50±0.34) of shootlets was obtained in MS medium augmented with 3.0 mg/L of Kin and for A. bidentata (5.40±0.61) was observed in the very same concentration. The highest percentage, maximum number of rootlets/shootlet and mean length of rootlets were observed in 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L of IBA. Seventy percentages of plants were successfully established in polycups. Sixty eight percentages of plants were well established in the green house condition. Sixty five percentages of plants were established in the field.

Conclusions

The results have shown that use of nodal buds is an alternative reproducible and dependable method for clonal propagation of A. aspera and A. bidentata. The high rate of direct shoot-root multiplication and their high rate of post-hardening survival indicate that this protocol can be easily adopted for commercial large scale cultivation.     

Clinical characteristics,outcome and early induction deaths in patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia: a five-year experience at a tertiary care centre

INTRODUCTION

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) is a distinct clinical and biological subtype of acute myeloid leukaemia. APL is notorious for causing early death during induction therapy, resulting in induction failure. The aim of our study was to report the clinical characteristics, outcome and early induction deaths with regard to patients with APL seen at our hospital.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study carried out at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Patients aged > 15 years diagnosed with APL within the period September 2007–September 2012 were included in the study.

RESULTS

Within the study period, 26 patients were diagnosed with APL based on morphology and the detection of t(15;17)(q24.1;q21.1) and promyelocytic leukaemia-retinoic acid receptor alpha (PML-RARA). The male to female ratio was 1:1. The median age of the patients was 41 (range 16–72) years. In all, there were 13 (50.0%) high-risk patients, and early induction death rate was 61.5%. Causes of early induction deaths (n = 16) included haemorrhage in 7 (43.8%) patients, differentiation (ATRA) syndrome in 7 (43.8%) and infection in 2 (12.5%). The survival rate among patients who survived the early period was 70% at 42 months. The relapse rate was 30%.

CONCLUSION

Early induction death rate was very high in patients with APL. The most common cause of early induction death in our study was haemorrhage. Outcome among patients with APL was found to be better among those who survived the initial period.     

Ostraceous and inverse psoriasis with psoriatic arthritis as the presenting features of advanced HIV infection

Knowledge of both the common and atypical presentations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated dermatoses may be helpful in arousing suspicion of HIV, especially in patients with no reported risk factors. Herein, we report the case of an otherwise healthy, nonpromiscuous 29-year-old man who presented to our institution with an eight-week history of plaques with oyster shell-like scales on the trunk, extremities and genital area. The plaques were associated with fever, and intermittent knee pain and swelling. Initial diagnostic tests were suggestive of drug hypersensitivity syndrome, and the patient’s condition improved with treatment using oral prednisone. However, the lesions recurred when the dose of prednisone was tapered, even after the culprit drug had long been discontinued. Repeat skin punch biopsy and arthrocentesis revealed a diagnosis of psoriasis vulgaris with psoriatic arthritis. Due to the atypical presentation of psoriasis, the patient was counselled to undergo HIV testing, which came back positive. Clinicians should be attuned to the skin signs heralding HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, in order to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.     

In vitro callus induction and plantlet regeneration of Achyranthes aspera L., a high value medicinal plant

Objective

To study callus induction from different explants (internode, leaf, root) and in vitro plantlets propagation from medicinally important plant Achyranthes aspera L.

Methods

Sterilized explants were prepared by using 0.1% HgCl₂ and 0.5% Bavistin and callus was obtained when cultured onto Murashige Skoog''s (MS) medium by using different concentrations and combination of 2,4-D, NAA, BAP, IAA, IBA with 3% sucrose and 0.8% agar. Induced callus was immediately transferred to MS medium containing at different concentrations of phytohormones for shootlets and rootlets induction respectively.

Results

Sterilization treatment of 0.1% HgCl₂ for 2-3 min and Bavistin 0.5% for 10-12 min showed the highest percentage of asepsis and survival rate. Maximum induction of callus was obtained from a combination of 2.0 mg/L 2,4-D and 0.5 mg/L NAA from leaf. Highest shootlets number (4.83±0.17) and length (3.8±0.16) cm were observed on full strength MS medium when fortified with BAP 4.0 mg/L and KIN 0.5 mg/L. Concerted efforts of BAP 2.0 mg/L and NAA 0.5 mg/L on full strength MS medium showed highest leaf number (6.77±0.94). In vitro raised shoots were allowed to root on different strengths of MS medium fortified with IAA and IBA at different concentrations. Experimentally, 3.0 mg/L IBA was enabled to induce maximum rootlets number (10.0±9.82) on full strength MS medium. Afterwards, regenerated shoots with well developed roots were successfully subjected to hardening process and were acclimatized. The survived plantlets showed 66.67% survival frequency without any morphological abnormality.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that different explants were good source of callus induction, morphology analysis as well as indirect plantlets regeneration.     

In vivo toxicity study of Lantana camara

Objective

To investigate the toxicity of methanol extract of various parts (Root, Stem, Leaf, Flower and Fruit) of Lantana camara (L. Camara) in Artemia salina.

Methods

The methanol extracts of L. camara were tested for in vivo brine shrimp lethality assay.

Results

All the tested extract exhibited very low toxicity on brine shrimp larva. The results showed that the root extract was the most toxic part of L. camara and may have potential as anticancer agent.

Conclusions

Methanolic extract of L. camara is relatively safe on short-term exposure.     

Demographic profile,clinical characteristics,motivations and weight loss outcomes of patients in a nonsurgical weight management programme

INTRODUCTION

Weight management programmes (WMPs) can help overweight individuals lose weight, and thus prevent complications associated with obesity. Herein, we describe the demographic profile, clinical characteristics, motivations and expectations, and outcomes of patients enrolled in a nonsurgical WMP.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients with a body mass index (BMI) of > 23 kg/m² enrolled in the four-month WMP at the Health For Life Clinic, Alexandra Hospital, Singapore, between 1 and 31 August 2009. Demographic data, medical history and source of referral were recorded. Details on personal motivations and weight loss goals were obtained from the completed self-administered questionnaires of the WMP participants. Weight, waist circumference, fat percentage and BMI were measured at the start and end of the WMP. A weight loss of ≥ 5% was deemed as a successful outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 58 patients (mean age 37.2 years) were included in our study. Of these 58 patients, 58.6% were of Chinese ethnicity and 55.2% were male. Many patients (32.8%) attributed their weight gain to work- or study-related stress, and a minority to poor eating habits (12.1%) or a lack of exercise (10.3%). Patients’ motivations included a desire for better health (53.4%) and better fitness (15.5%). However, only 53.4% patients scored their motivation as high (i.e. a score of > 7). The mean expected weight loss was 9.9 kg at 4 months, and 14.1 kg at 12 months. Among the 40 patients (69.0%) who completed the programme, the mean percentage weight loss was 1.8 ± 4.3%. A weight loss of ≥ 5% was achieved by 8 (13.8%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Although the patients in our study cohort were young and educated, only a portion of them appeared to be highly motivated to lose weight, despite joining the WMP. There is a need for patients to be guided on how to set realistic weight loss goals.     

Wandering spleen with chronic torsion in a patient with thalassaemia

Wandering spleen or splenoptosis is an uncommon entity and often an asymptomatic finding of acute abdomen in the emergency department. A high index of suspicion for splenic torsion is required, particularly in patients with known splenomegaly, as this condition could potentially lead to splenic infarction. Recognition of this condition can help avoid potential confusion with acute abdomen of other aetiologies. Herein, we present a unique case of wandering spleen with chronic torsion, which, to the best of our knowledge, has never been described in an elderly patient with haemoglobin H thalassaemia. We also review the literature for the aetiology and pathogenesis of wandering spleen, and discuss the relevant diagnostic modalities and treatment options.     

In vitro antioxidant activities of Solanum surattense leaf extract

Objective

To evaluate the antioxidant activity of alcoholic leaf-extract of Solanum surattense (Solanaceae) (S. surattense).

Methods

Leaf extract were tested for in vitro free radical scavenging assays, such as hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide, inhibition of superoxide anion radical and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH), total antioxidant activity and reducing ability. Further, total phenolic content of S. surattense was analyzed.

Results

S. surattense extract effectively scavenged free radicals at all different concentrations and showed its potent antioxidant activity. Further, these effects were in a dose dependent manner. Results were compared to standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol.

Conclusions

S. surattense have strong antioxidant potential. Further the study validates the therapeutic benefits of the Indian system of medicine.     

Polymorphism of ZBTB17 gene is associated with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: a case control study in a Han Chinese population

Background

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been extensively investigated for many years, but its pathogenesis remains uncertain. The ACTC1 gene was the first sarcomeric gene whose mutation was shown to cause DCM; recent studies have indicated that the HSPB7 and ZBTB17 genes are also associated with DCM. To assess the potential role of these three genes in DCM, we examined 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ZBTB17, HSPB7 and ACTC1 genes: namely, rs10927875 in ZBTB17; rs1739843, rs7523558, and rs6660685 in HSPB7; rs533021, rs589759, rs1370154, rs2070664, rs3759834, rs525720 and rs670957 in ACTC1.

Methods

A total of 97 DCM patients and 189 controls were included in the study. All SNPs were genotyped by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS).

Results

The genotype of SNP rs10927875 in ZBTB17 (OR=5.19, 95% CI =1.00 to 27.03, P=0.05) was associated with DCM in a Han Chinese population. There was no difference in genotype or allele frequencies in ACTC1 or HSPB7 between DCM patients and control subjects.

Conclusion

The ZBTB17 polymorphism rs10927875 appears to play a role in the susceptibility of the Han Chinese population to DCM.     

Awake tracheal intubation in a patient with a supraglottic mass with the Bonfils fibrescope after failed attempts with a flexible fibrescope

Awake intubation with a flexible fibrescope is usually done electively in patients with a known difficult airway. Herein, we describe the case of an elective awake tracheal intubation that was performed on a patient with a large, obstructive supraglottic mass. The intubation was successfully performed using the Bonfils fibrescope after several failed attempts with a flexible fibrescope. This case highlights the usefulness of the Bonfils fibrescope and the limitations of the flexible fibrescope in certain clinical situations.     

In vitro antimicrobial activity of mangrove plant Sonneratia alba

Objective

To investigate the antimicrobial property of mangrove plant Sonneratia alba (S. alba).

Methods

The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using disc diffusion and microdilution methods against six microorganisms. Soxhlet apparatus was used for extraction with a series of solvents, n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol in sequence of increasing polarity.

Results

Methanol extract appeared to be the most effective extract while n-hexane extract showed no activity. The antimicrobial activities were observed against the gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), the gram negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and the yeast Cryptococcus neoformans. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans appeared to be not sensitive to the concentrations tested since no inhibition zone was observed. E. coli (17.5 mm) appeared to be the most sensitive strain followed by S. aureus (12.5 mm) and B. cereus (12.5 mm).

Conclusions

From this study, it can be concluded that S. alba exhibits antimicrobial activities against certain microorganisms.     

In vitro hypoglycemic effects of Albizzia lebbeck and Mucuna pruriens

Objective

To verify the antidiabetic potential of stem bark of Albizzia lebbeck (A. lebbeck) and seeds of Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens) using various in vitro techniques.

Methods

The plant extracts were studied for their effects on glucose adsorption, diffusion amylolysis kinetics and glucose transport across yeast cells.

Results

Both the plant extracts adsorbed glucose and the adsorption of glucose increased remarkably with an increase in glucose concentration. No significant (P≤0.05) differences were observed between the adsorption capacities of A. lebbeck and M. pruriens. In amylolysis kinetic experimental model the rate of glucose diffusion was found to increase with time from 30 to 180 min, and both the plant extracts demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on movement of glucose into external solution across dialysis membrane as compared to control. The retardation of glucose diffusion by A. lebbeck extract was significantly higher (P≤0.05) than M. pruriens. These effects were reflected with higher glucose dialysis retardation index values for A. lebbeck than M. pruriens. The plant extracts also promoted glucose uptake by yeast cells. The rate of uptake of glucose into yeast cells was linear in all the 5 glucose concentrations used in the study. M. pruriens extract exhibited significantly higher (P≤0.05) activity than the extract of A. lebbeck at all concentrations.

Conclusions

The results verified the antidiabetic potential of A. lebbeck and M. pruriens. The hypoglycemic effect exhibited by the extracts is mediated by increasing glucose adsorption, decreasing glucose diffusion rate and at the cellular level by promoting glucose transport across the cell membrane as revealed by simple in vitro model of yeast cells.