Ethanol Extract of Aristolochia repens Mill. Stem Inhibits the Activities of some Enzymes Targeted in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Aristolochia repens which is known as "Ako-igun" by the "Yoruba" speaking people of Nigeria and "Dumandutsee" in the Northern part of Nigeria, is a climbing bushy plant originally native to tropical America but now cultivated in most countries in West Africa. 8 The plant is used in the management of various ailments in many regions of the world. 9 The root is used in Southwestern Nigeria to treat asthma and diarrhea, 10 while the stem is used for the management of diabetes mellitus and complications associated with it. 11 Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of different types of aristolochic acid as the main bioactive compound in this plant. These include aristolochic acid I, aristolochic acid II, and aristolochic acid IV. 12 Despite the various reports on this plant used in treating several diseases, there is a scarcity of information on its hypoglycemic property as well as modulatory potential on relevant enzymes linked to diabetes mellitus. This study evaluated α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and sorbitol dehydrogenase inhibitory activity of A. repens stem extracts. The mode of inhibition of the targeted enzymes was also determined, to understand the probable mechanisms of action of the extracts in eliciting their antidiabetic activities. Materials and Methods Plant material The stem of A. repens was procured from the traditional medicine store in Idumota, Lagos, Nigeria. The sample was confirmed by Dr. A. B. Kadiri, a taxonomist at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and the voucher sample with reference number LUH 8376 was deposited in the herbarium. Chemicals and reagents Experimental grade A. oryzae α-amylase, S. cerevisiae α-glucosidase, D-sorbitol, NADH, sorbitol dehydrogenase, Tris buffer, Acarbose, maltose, and soluble starch (extra pure) were purchased from Sigma

Effects of ethanolic extract of <i>Aristolochia repens</i> on biochemical and histological changes in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced rats

“…Aristolochia repens, known as "Akogun" among the "Yoruba" people of Nigeria and as "Dumandutsee" in the northern party of Nigeria, is a perennial plant of the family Aristolochiaceae and a climbing shrub native to tropical America but is now grown in most West African countries (Bankole et al, 2021). In many parts of the world, the plant is used in the management of several diseases.…”