Sclerocarya birrea (Marula) Extract Inhibits Hepatic Steatosis in db/db Mice

Mabasa, Lawrence; Kotze, Anri; Shabalala, Samukelisiwe; Kimani, Clare; Gabuza, Kwazi B.; Johnson, Rabia; Sangweni, Nonhlakanipho F.; Maharaj, Vinesh; Muller, Christo J. F.

doi:10.3390/ijerph19073782

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 37 publications

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“…The harvesting of leaves is a more sustainable approach than harvesting the stem bark since the latter can have a detrimental effect on the plant, thus making research on the leaf material for its antidiabetic properties more attractive [19]. Although S. birrea leaf extract was reported to inhibit hepatic steatosis in db/db mice [20] which is associated with T2DM, bioactive compounds have not been reported from this plant for treatment of diabetes. The present study primarily examines the antidiabetic activity of the S. birrea leaf extract and targeted the isolation and identification of chemical compounds responsible for the biological activity through bioassay-guided fractionation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identification of Antidiabetic Compounds from the Aqueous Extract of Sclerocarya birrea Leaves

et al. 2022

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Diabetes, a prevalent metabolic condition with a wide range of complications, is fast becoming a global health crisis. Herbal medicine and enhanced extracts are some of the therapeutic options used in the management of diabetes mellitus. The plant-derived molecules and their suitable structure modification have given many leads or drugs to the world such as metformin used as an antidiabetic drug. The stem extract of Sclerocarya birrea has been reported as a potent antidiabetic (glucose uptake) agent. However, the bioactive compounds have not been reported from S. birrea for treatment of diabetes. In this study, the spray-dried aqueous leaf extracts of S. birrea were investigated as an antidiabetic agent using a 2-deoxy-glucose (2DG) technique showing good stimulatory effect on glucose uptake in differentiated C2C12 myocytes with % 2DG uptake ranging from 110–180% that was comparable to the positive control insulin. Three compounds were isolated and identified using bioassay-guided fractionation of the spray-dried aqueous extract of S. birrea leaves: myricetin (1), myricetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide (2) and quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide (3). Their chemical structures were determined using NMR and mass spectrometric analyses, as well as a comparison of experimentally obtained data to those reported in the literature. The isolated compounds (1–3) were studied for their stimulatory actions on glucose uptake in differentiated C2C12 myocytes. The three compounds (1, 2 and 3) showed stimulatory effects on the uptake of 2DG in C2C12 myocytes with % 2DG uptake ranging from 43.9–109.1% that was better compared to the positive control insulin. Additionally, this is the first report of the flavonoid glycosides (myricetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide) for antidiabetic activity and they are the main bioactive compound in the extract responsible for the antidiabetic activity. This result suggests that the S. birrea leaves have the potential to be developed for treatment of diabetes.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identification of Antidiabetic Compounds from the Aqueous Extract of Sclerocarya birrea Leaves

et al. 2022

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Effect of Herbal Medicine on Insulin Signaling Pathways and Insulin Resistance in Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Review

Karunaratna,

Ekanayake

2025

NPJ

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Introduction:: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease progressing towards a substantial global health concern. A multitude of therapeutic agents are being used to treat MAFLD. The high prevalence and adverse effects of drugs have increased the global popularity of herbal medicines (HMs) as effective therapeutic agents to treat MAFLD. Among the causes of pathogenesis, insulin resistance (IR) plays a crucial role in MAFLD. Hence, the amelioration of IR has emerged as a promising target for potential therapeutic approaches in MAFLD. Aim:: This study aimed to explore in vitro and in vivo mechanisms that unveil recent advances in HMs that target the amelioration of IR in MAFLD. Materials and Methods: Electronic databases, including PubMed and MEDLINE, were used to search literature for HMs in the management or treatment of NAFLD published up to March, 2023. The three primary search terms were “MAFLD” “NAFLD” and “HM”. MeSH of NAFLD, such as (Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis) and HM (Medicinal plants, Plant extracts), and keywords were used to optimize the search strategy Results:: HMs act on a multitude of molecular pathways that increase insulin sensitization including upregulation of the secretion and activation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins, upregulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT (also known as PKB or protein kinase B) signaling pathway, activation of the 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway and modulation of enzymes of glucose homeostasis, regeneration of the pancreatic β-cell mass, modulation of secretion of adipokines, enhancement of the uptake of glucose into tissues via increased expression of GLUT in tissues, and upregulation of FGF1/FGF1R signaling pathway. Conclusion:: HMs possess a multitude of potential actions that reduce the IR and improve glucose homeostasis. Hence, HMs are a promising resource as effective medications for the treatment of MAFLD.

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Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Sclerocarya birrea on Metabolic Disorders: Evidence from Preclinical Studies

Victoria-Montesinos,

Ballester,

Barcina-Pérez

et al. 2024

Metabolites

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Background/Objectives: Metabolic disorders, including diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, are significant global health issues. Nutraceuticals, such as Sclerocarya birrea (SB), known for its high polyphenol content, are increasingly explored for managing these conditions. This study aims to evaluate the antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antihypertensive effects of SB in animal models to understand its potential as a natural intervention for metabolic diseases. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Searches across databases like PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus identified studies using SB in animal models of metabolic disorders. Inclusion criteria were studies with SB intervention, control groups, and quantitative measures of metabolic parameters. The study was registered with INPLASY (INPLASY2024100031). Results: The meta-analysis revealed that SB significantly reduces blood glucose levels in diabetic animal models. Acute administration of SB showed a pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) of −7.13 (95% CI: −11.44 to −2.83) at 1 h and −9.75 (95% CI: −15.92 to −3.59) at 2–4 h post-administration. Chronic administration indicated a non-significant reduction in glucose levels (SMD: −5.69, 95% CI: −16.38 to 5.01). Conclusions: SB appears to have the potential for reducing blood glucose levels and may offer benefits for other cardiometabolic risk factors, including lipid profiles and oxidative stress. However, variability in the results underscores the need for further research, including standardized animal studies and clinical trials, to confirm these effects and clarify the mechanisms by which SB may impact metabolic disorders.

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Sclerocarya birrea (Marula) Extract Inhibits Hepatic Steatosis in db/db Mice

Cited by 3 publications

References 37 publications

Identification of Antidiabetic Compounds from the Aqueous Extract of Sclerocarya birrea Leaves

Identification of Antidiabetic Compounds from the Aqueous Extract of Sclerocarya birrea Leaves

Effect of Herbal Medicine on Insulin Signaling Pathways and Insulin Resistance in Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Review

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Sclerocarya birrea on Metabolic Disorders: Evidence from Preclinical Studies

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