The Effect of Phytochemicals and Food Bioactive Compounds on the Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes including Ethnopharmacological Aspects

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors driving the global prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D), which is increasing, as reported in the Diabetes Atlas, 10th edition. In 2021, the global diabetes prevalence in 20–79-year-olds was estimated to be 10.5% (536.6 million people), rising to 12.2% (783.2 million) in 2045. Global diabetes-related health expenditures were estimated at USD 966 billion in 2021 and are projected to reach USD 1,054 billion by 2045. Natural products from terrestrial and aquatic organisms still constitute huge sources of biologically active factors for the development of drugs, cosmetics or nutraceuticals, as well as our daily foods. Screening for constituents that modify the MetS risks from edible natural products is an intelligent policy from the perspective of safety and diabetes prevention, including aspects of ethnopharmacology and folk medicine, because they have long histories of ingestion every day. This Special Issue expects recent studies on preventive and/or alleviating effects of various biofactors against MetS and diabetes, especially T2D, as well as those on their modes of actions at molecular, cellular, tissue and/or whole-body levels. In this issue, biofactors include both non-nutrients and nutrients such as various phytochemicals, zoochemicals such as branched-chain amino acids, peptides, lipids, minerals and vitamins.

Prof. Dr. Kazumi Yagasaki
Prof. Dr. Christo J.F. Muller
Prof. Dr. Elizabeth Joubert
Topic Editors

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Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Biomedicines biomedicines	3.9	5.2	2013	15.3 Days	CHF 2600
Current Issues in Molecular Biology cimb	2.8	2.9	1999	16.8 Days	CHF 2200
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	4.9	8.1	2000	18.1 Days	CHF 2900
Molecules molecules	4.2	7.4	1996	15.1 Days	CHF 2700
Pharmaceuticals pharmaceuticals	4.3	6.1	2004	12.8 Days	CHF 2900

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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30 pages, 1502 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Regeneration of Pancreatic Beta Cells by Modulation of Molecular Targets Using Plant-Derived Compounds: Pharmacological Mechanisms and Clinical Potential

by Clare Njoki Kimani, Helmuth Reuter, Sanet Henriët Kotzé and Christo John Fredrick Muller

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(8), 6216-6245; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45080392 - 26 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3641

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, increased cell death and loss of beta-cell mass despite chronic treatment. Consequently, there has been growing interest in developing beta cell-centered therapies. Beta-cell regeneration is mediated by augmented beta-cell proliferation, transdifferentiation of other [...] Read more.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, increased cell death and loss of beta-cell mass despite chronic treatment. Consequently, there has been growing interest in developing beta cell-centered therapies. Beta-cell regeneration is mediated by augmented beta-cell proliferation, transdifferentiation of other islet cell types to functional beta-like cells or the reprograming of beta-cell progenitors into fully differentiated beta cells. This mediation is orchestrated by beta-cell differentiation transcription factors and the regulation of the cell cycle machinery. This review investigates the beta-cell regenerative potential of antidiabetic plant extracts and phytochemicals. Various preclinical studies, including in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies, are highlighted. Further, the potential regenerative mechanisms and the intra and extracellular mediators that are of significance are discussed. Also, the potential of phytochemicals to translate into regenerative therapies for T2D patients is highlighted, and some suggestions regarding future perspectives are made. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Effect of Phytochemicals and Food Bioactive Compounds on the Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes including Ethnopharmacological Aspects)

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22 pages, 6500 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Insights on the Hypoglycemic Potential of Crocus sativus Tepal Polyphenols: An In Vitro and In Silico Study

by Luisa Bellachioma, Camilla Morresi, Alfonso Albacete, Purificación A. Martínez-Melgarejo, Gianna Ferretti, Giorgia Giorgini, Roberta Galeazzi, Elisabetta Damiani and Tiziana Bacchetti

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(11), 9213; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119213 - 24 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1805

Abstract

Post-prandial hyperglycemia typical of diabetes mellitus could be alleviated using plant-derived compounds such as polyphenols, which could influence the activities of enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion and of intestinal glucose transporters. Here, we report on the potential anti-hyperglycemic effect of Crocus sativus tepals [...] Read more.

Post-prandial hyperglycemia typical of diabetes mellitus could be alleviated using plant-derived compounds such as polyphenols, which could influence the activities of enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion and of intestinal glucose transporters. Here, we report on the potential anti-hyperglycemic effect of Crocus sativus tepals compared to stigmas, within the framework of valorizing these by-products of the saffron industry, since the anti-diabetic properties of saffron are well-known, but not those of its tepals. In vitro assays showed that tepal extracts (TE) had a greater inhibitory action than stigma extracts (SE) on α-amylase activity (IC50: TE = 0.60 ± 0.09 mg/mL; SE = 1.10 ± 0.08 mg/mL; acarbose = 0.051 ± 0.07) and on glucose absorption in Caco-2 differentiated cells (TE = 1.20 ± 0.02 mg/mL; SE = 2.30 ± 0.02 mg/mL; phlorizin = 0.23 ± 0.01). Virtual screening performed with principal compounds from stigma and tepals of C. sativus and human pancreatic α-amylase, glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) and sodium glucose co-transporter-1 (SGLT1) were validated via molecular docking, e.g., for human pancreatic α-amylase, epicatechin 3-o-gallate and catechin-3-o-gallate were the best scored ligands from tepals (−9.5 kcal/mol and −9.4 kcal/mol, respectively), while sesamin and episesamin were the best scored ones from stigmas (−10.1 kcal/mol). Overall, the results point to the potential of C. sativus tepal extracts in the prevention/management of diabetes, likely due to the rich pool of phytocompounds characterized using high-resolution mass spectrometry, some of which are capable of binding and interacting with proteins involved in starch digestion and intestinal glucose transport. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Effect of Phytochemicals and Food Bioactive Compounds on the Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes including Ethnopharmacological Aspects)

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15 pages, 2050 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Constituents from the Leaves of Ligustrum robustum and Their Bioactivities

by Shi-Hui Lu, Hao-Jiang Zuo, Jing Huang, Wei-Neng Li, Jie-Lian Huang and Xiu-Xia Li

Molecules 2023, 28(1), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010362 - 2 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2624

Abstract

The leaves of Ligustrum robustum have been consumed as Ku-Ding-Cha for clearing heat and removing toxins, and they have been used as a folk medicine for curing hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in China. The phytochemical research on the leaves of L. robustum led [...] Read more.

The leaves of Ligustrum robustum have been consumed as Ku-Ding-Cha for clearing heat and removing toxins, and they have been used as a folk medicine for curing hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in China. The phytochemical research on the leaves of L. robustum led to the isolation and identification of two new hexenol glycosides, two new butenol glycosides, and five new sugar esters, named ligurobustosides X (1a), X₁ (1b), Y (2a), and Y₁ (2b) and ligurobustates A (3a), B (3b), C (4b), D (5a), and E (5b), along with seven known compounds (4a and 6–10). Compounds 1–10 were tested for their inhibitory effects on fatty acid synthase (FAS), α-glucosidase, and α-amylase, as well as their antioxidant activities. Compound 2 showed strong FAS inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 4.10 ± 0.12 μM) close to that of the positive control orlistat (IC₅₀ 4.46 ± 0.13 μM); compounds 7 and 9 revealed moderate α-glucosidase inhibitory activities; compounds 1–10 showed moderate α-amylase inhibitory activities; and compounds 1 and 10 displayed stronger 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) ammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging effects (IC₅₀ 3.41 ± 0.08~5.65 ± 0.19 μM) than the positive control l-(+)-ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ 10.06 ± 0.19 μM). This study provides a theoretical foundation for the leaves of L. robustum as a functional tea to prevent diabetes and its complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Effect of Phytochemicals and Food Bioactive Compounds on the Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes including Ethnopharmacological Aspects)

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14 pages, 2421 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Artemisiae argyi Water Extract Alleviates Obesity-Induced Metabolic Disorder

by Youngji Han, Hae-Jin Park, Min-Kyeong Hong, Mi-Rae Shin, Seong-Soo Roh and Eun-Young Kwon

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2022, 44(12), 6158-6171; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb44120420 - 7 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2208

Abstract

Artemisiae argyi is a well-known traditional herbal medicine used in East Asia. Although the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of A. argyi have been reported, its efficacy in improving obesity has not been yet evaluated. In this study, mice were fed a normal diet [...] Read more.

Artemisiae argyi is a well-known traditional herbal medicine used in East Asia. Although the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of A. argyi have been reported, its efficacy in improving obesity has not been yet evaluated. In this study, mice were fed a normal diet (AIN-93), a high-fat diet (HFD, 60% of kcal from fat), and an HFD with 0.1% of A. argyi water extract for 16 weeks. The body weight and body fat in A. argyi-fed mice significantly decreased via upregulation of the mRNA expression of fatty acid oxidation-related genes, with a simultaneous decrease in plasma lipid content and leptin levels. A. argyi water extract also ameliorated hepatic steatosis by restricting lipogenesis via lowering the activities of fatty acid synthase and phosphatidic acid phosphatase. Consistently, hepatic histological analysis indicated that A. argyi water extract decreased hepatic lipid accumulation in accordance with the hepatic H, E and Oil Red O-stained area. Additionally, A. argyi ameliorated the impaired glucose homeostasis by increasing the mRNA expression of AMP-activated kinase and glycolysis-related genes. In conclusion, our results indicate that A. argyi can be used to treat obesity-related metabolic conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Effect of Phytochemicals and Food Bioactive Compounds on the Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes including Ethnopharmacological Aspects)

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16 pages, 538 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Insights into the Uses of Traditional Plants for Diabetes Nephropathy: A Review

by Haleema Shahin D. H., Rokeya Sultana, Juveriya Farooq, Tahreen Taj, Umaima Farheen Khaiser, Nader Sulaiman Ayyt Alanazi, Mohammed Kanan Alshammari, Mohammad Nazal Alshammari, Firas Hamdan Alsubaie, Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin Asdaq, Abdulmueen A. Alotaibi, Abdulrhman ahmed Alamir, Mohd. Imran and Shahamah Jomah

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2022, 44(7), 2887-2902; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb44070199 - 29 Jun 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3581

Abstract

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious kidney illness characterized by proteinuria, glomerular enlargement, reduced glomerular filtration, and renal fibrosis. DN is the most common cause of end-stage kidney disease, accounting for nearly one-third of all cases of diabetes worldwide. Hyperglycemia is a major [...] Read more.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious kidney illness characterized by proteinuria, glomerular enlargement, reduced glomerular filtration, and renal fibrosis. DN is the most common cause of end-stage kidney disease, accounting for nearly one-third of all cases of diabetes worldwide. Hyperglycemia is a major factor in the onset and progression of diabetic nephropathy. Many contemporary medicines are derived from plants since they have therapeutic properties and are relatively free of adverse effects. Glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids are among the few chemical compounds found in plants that are utilized to treat diabetic nephropathy. The purpose of this review was to consolidate information on the clinical and pharmacological evidence supporting the use of a variety of medicinal plants to treat diabetic nephropathy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Effect of Phytochemicals and Food Bioactive Compounds on the Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes including Ethnopharmacological Aspects)

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26 pages, 8196 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Health Benefits of Cereal Grain- and Pulse-Derived Proteins

by Jenny Bouchard, Maneka Malalgoda, Joanne Storsley, Lovemore Malunga, Thomas Netticadan and Sijo Joseph Thandapilly

Molecules 2022, 27(12), 3746; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27123746 - 10 Jun 2022

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 6833

Abstract

Pulses and whole grains are considered staple foods that provide a significant amount of calories, fibre and protein, making them key food sources in a nutritionally balanced diet. Additionally, pulses and whole grains contain many bioactive compounds such as dietary fibre, resistant starch, [...] Read more.

Pulses and whole grains are considered staple foods that provide a significant amount of calories, fibre and protein, making them key food sources in a nutritionally balanced diet. Additionally, pulses and whole grains contain many bioactive compounds such as dietary fibre, resistant starch, phenolic compounds and mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids that are known to combat chronic disease. Notably, recent research has demonstrated that protein derived from pulse and whole grain sources contains bioactive peptides that also possess disease-fighting properties. Mechanisms of action include inhibition or alteration of enzyme activities, vasodilatation, modulation of lipid metabolism and gut microbiome and oxidative stress reduction. Consumer demand for plant-based proteins has skyrocketed primarily based on the perceived health benefits and lower carbon footprint of consuming foods from plant sources versus animal. Therefore, more research should be invested in discovering the health-promoting effects that pulse and whole grain proteins have to offer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Effect of Phytochemicals and Food Bioactive Compounds on the Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes including Ethnopharmacological Aspects)

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13 pages, 3060 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Poncirin, a Citrus Flavonoid and Its Aglycone, Isosakuranetin, on the Gut Microbial Diversity and Metabolomics in Mice

by Xuedan Cao, Xiao Guo, Xiugui Fang, Shuijiang Ru and Erhu Li

Molecules 2022, 27(11), 3641; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27113641 - 6 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3378

Abstract

Poncirin (PC) and its aglycone, isosakuranetin (IR), occur naturally in citrus fruits. This study aimed to explore the pathways behind the different health benefits of PC and IR by evaluating the effect of these two bioactive flavonoids on the gut microbial diversity and [...] Read more.

Poncirin (PC) and its aglycone, isosakuranetin (IR), occur naturally in citrus fruits. This study aimed to explore the pathways behind the different health benefits of PC and IR by evaluating the effect of these two bioactive flavonoids on the gut microbial diversity and metabolomics of mice. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the alteration of gut microbiota in mice after PC and IR intervention. The metabolic impact of PC and IR in mice were studied using a metabolomics approach based on LC-MS analysis. Results showed that, after 7 days intervention, PC and IR multiplied the abundance of Parabacteroides in mice’s intestinal tracts by 1.2 and 1.0 times, respectively. PC increased the abundance of Bacteroides by 2.4 times. IR reduced the Allobaculum abundance by 1.0 time and increased Alloprevotella abundance by 1.5 times. When mice were given PC, their fecal acetic acid level increased by 1.8 times, while their isobutyric and isovaleric acid content increased by 1.2 and 1.3 times, respectively. Supplementation with IR had no significant effect on the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the feces of mice. The potential urine biomarkers of mice in the PC group were involved in the digestion and absorption of protein and carbohydrate, as well as the metabolism of amino acids, such as glycine, serine, threonine, tryptophan, D-arginine, D-ornithine, etc. IR mainly affected the amino acid metabolic pathways in mice, including taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, histidine metabolism, D-glutamate metabolism, etc. This study provided valuable clues for future research on the health promoting mechanisms of PC and IR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Effect of Phytochemicals and Food Bioactive Compounds on the Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes including Ethnopharmacological Aspects)

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