Evidence-Based Anti-Diabetic Properties of Plant from the Occitan Valleys of the Piedmont Alps

Abstract

Data on urban and rural diabetes prevalence ratios show a significantly lower presence of diabetes in rural areas. Several bioactive compounds of plant origin are known to exert anti-diabetic properties. Interestingly, most of them naturally occur in different plants present in mountainous areas and are linked to traditions of herbal use. This review will aim to evaluate the last 10 years of evidence-based data on the potential anti-diabetic properties of 9 plants used in the Piedmont Alps (North-Western Italy) and identified through an ethnobotanical approach, based on the Occitan language minority of the Cuneo province (Sambucus nigra L., Achillea millefolium L., Cornus mas L., Vaccinium myrtillus L., Fragaria vesca L., Rosa canina L., Rubus idaeus L., Rubus fruticosus/ulmifolius L., Urtica dioica L.), where there is a long history of herbal remedies. The mechanism underlying the anti-hyperglycemic effects and the clinical evidence available are discussed. Overall, this review points to the possible use of these plants as preventive or add-on therapy in treating diabetes. However, studies of a single variety grown in the geographical area, with strict standardization and titration of all the active ingredients, are warranted before applying the WHO strategy 2014–2023.

Formulation of Phytosomes with Extracts of Ginger Rhizomes and Rosehips with Improved Bioavailability, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects In Vivo

“…Very recently, PEGylated nanophytosomes containing 6-gingerol were prepared and demonstrated accelerating effects on the wound healing process [50]. Rosehip fruits have been described as having a very complex composition, and various beneficial effects have been suggested for their formulation as powders or extracts [22,24,51]. The differences in the content of these compounds depend on many factors: genetic variation, maturity of the fruit, degree of ripening, growth stage, climate and storage conditions as well as the extraction and analytical method [41].…”

“…For many years, the powder or the aqueous extracts of rosehips have been used to prove their beneficial effects [23]. In the last decade, the hydroalcoholic extracts of rosehips have been tested for their beneficial effects exerted in beta cells and proved their antidiabetic properties [24]. No formulations of the active compounds of rosehip extracts in phytosomes have been reported until now.…”

Bioactive Compounds Formulated in Phytosomes Administered as Complementary Therapy for Metabolic Disorders

“…Some side effects have been described in these conditions, such as digestive tract irritation, bleeding or cardiac arrhythmias [106]. The rosehip fruits (Rosa canina) have been used in traditional medicine to reduce pain or as hypolipemic and hypoglycemic treatment, being characterized as having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and cardioprotective properties [107,108]. The major bioactive constituents of rosehips, flavonoids, anthocyanins and phenolic compounds are lipophilic and present low bioavailability.…”

Current Knowledge, Research Progress, and Future Prospects of Phyto-Synthesized Nanoparticles Interactions with Food Crops under Induced Drought Stress

“…The fundamental features of Au-NPs are to combat disease and increase the immunity system in plants. The growth and development of plants in contact with Au-NPs enhance the ability to penetrate plant tissues, allowing [187,188].…”