In vivo and in vitro evaluation of the effects of Urtica dioica and swimming activity on diabetic factors and pancreatic beta cells

Abstract

BackgroundUrtica dioica (UD) has been identified as a traditional herbal medicine. This study aimed to investigate the effect of UD extract and swimming activity on diabetic parameters through in vivo and in vitro experiments.MethodsAdult WKY male rats were randomly distributed in nine groups: intact control, diabetic control, diabetic + 625 mg/kg, 1.25 g/kg UD, diabetic + 100 mg/kg Metformin, diabetic + swimming, diabetic + swimming 625 mg/kg, 1.25 g/kg UD, and diabetic +100 mg/kg Metformin + swimming. The hearts of the animals were punctured, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The entire pancreas was exposed for histologic examination. The effect of UD on insulin secretion by RIN-5F cells in 6.25 or 12.5 mM glucose dose was examined. Glucose uptake by cultured L6 myotubes was determined.ResultsThe serum glucose concentration decreased, the insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity significantly increased in treated groups. These changes were more pronounced in the group that received UD extract and swimming training. Regeneration and less beta cell damage of Langerhans islets were observed in the treated groups. UD treatment increased insulin secretion in the RIN-5F cells and glucose uptake in the L6 myotubes cells.ConclusionsSwimming exercises accompanied by consuming UD aqueous extracts effectively improved diabetic parameters, repaired pancreatic tissues in streptozotocin-induced diabetics in vivo, and increased glucose uptake or insulin in UD-treated cells in vitro.

Study of the effect of the herbal composition SR2004 on hemoglobin A1c, fasting blood glucose, and lipids in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

“…These include the inhibition of intestinal disaccharidase activity, lectin-mediated binding of intestinal carbohydrate residues, upregulation of gluconeogenesis, reduction of tissue insulin resistance and glycolysis, with additional effects on insulinomimetic activity or secretory activity of pancreatic beta cells. 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 The resultant effects are a reduction in postprandial and basal glucose levels.…”

“…Urtica (nettle) leaf extracts also show potent PPARα/γ activation 29 and protective effects on pancreatic beta cells exposed to oxidative stress. 30 , 31 , 32 Several clinical studies in humans have shown glucose reduction in diabetic patients 33 , 34 , 35 and protective effects in diabetic nephropathy. 36 …”

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) Seed Consumption And Aerobic Training Improves Biomarkers Associated with Atherosclerosis in Women with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)

“…In recent years, attention has been given to alternative medicines such as herbal remedies for treating and preventing plenty different diseases such as T2D2223. Portulaca oleracea commonly known as purslane, is an herb from the Portulacaceae family with anti-diabetic properties5 and has been used for therapeutic purposes.…”

Therapeutic Perspectives of Molecules from Urtica dioica Extracts for Cancer Treatment

“…Several studies have established that extracts of U. dioica possess various pharmacological effects [37,38,39], including anti-inflammatory [40,41,42], anti-oxidant [43,44,45,46,47], anti-microbial [46,47,48,49], anti-diabetic [39,50,51], cardiovascular [39], anti-ulcer, analgesic [36], immuno-modulatory [35,52], anti-mutagenic [44] and anti-cancer properties. Moreover, this edible plant has considerable chemopreventive capacities and disease-preventing effects on animals and humans.…”