Introduction:
Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC is an herbal plant popularly used in parts of Africa for the treatment of anaemia and in some parts of Asia for treatment of diabetes [1,2]. The antidiabetic effect of alcoholic leaf extract of Mucuna pruriens (MP) has been studied previously in diabetic rats [3]; however, the potential antidiabetic effect of an aqueous extract has not been evaluated.
Methods:
MP leaves were identified and stored at the herbarium in the International Centre for Ethnomedicine and Drug development, Nigeria, West Africa. The specimen identification number is: InterCEDD-16018. We investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Mucuna pruriens leaves (MPLE) on glucose uptake in rat NRK-52E renal cell line. Diethyl ether fractions from acid hydrolysis of MPLE (DE and NDE) and MPLE were also evaluated for insulin mimetic activity in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Phenolics in MPLE were detected using HPLC-UV/VIS. The peaks where identified by comparison with reference peaks obtained for known flavonoids and phenolic acids.
Results:
Identified phenolics included Epicatechin, Rutin, Gallic acid, Caffeic acid, Coumaric acid, and Ellagic acid. 1mg/ml MPLE inhibited glucose uptake in NRK-52E cell lines by 35.5%. This effect was comparable to 1mM Phloridzin (a standard sodium glucose transporter inhibitor). The extracts at 50 and 100µg/ml stimulated glucose uptake by 65.97% and 78.25% of 15ng/ml Insulin respectively.
Conclusion
MPLE could exert anti-diabetic effects via multiple mechanisms of action.
- Lampariello LR, Cortelazzo A, Guerranti R, Sticozzi C, Valachi G. The magic velvet bean of Mucuna pruriens. J. Tradit Complement Med 2012; 2: 331-339
- Akindele AJ, Busayo FL. Effects of the hydroethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC (Fabaceae) on haematological profile in normal and haloperidol treated rats. Nig Q Hosp Med 2011; 21: 93-98
- Murugan M, Reddy CUM. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of leaves of Mucuna pruriens in alloxan induced diabetic rats. J Pharm Sci Technol 2009; 1: 69-73