Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) is defined as an elevated blood glucose level associated
with an absent or inadequate pancreatic insulin secretion. This may be expressed with
or without concurrent impairment of insulin action. DMT2 is one of the most prevalent
health problems in Mexico, and common treatment options include a wide variety of
both medicinal products and health food plants.
We developed a mathematical tool for analysing ethnopharmacological field data, Disease
Consensus Index, with the ultimate aim to select species with the most prominent impact
in a community to treat a single disease, as a result of the application of this tool
Malmea depressa R. E. Fries, (Annonaceae) (MD), and Cecropia peltata L. (CP) were selected as the prominent species traditionally used in the Mayan communities
of south-eastern Mexico to treat the disease.
The acute hypoglycemic effect of both plants was confirmed, thereafter was determined
whether CP or MD would reduce hepatic glucose production by targeting gluconeogenesis.
The effects of the plants extracts on gluconeogenesis (in vivo) and the activity of
Glucose-6-Phosphatase (in vitro) were examined. Furthermore, the phytochemical composition
of the plants was analysed.
The results suggest that administration of the plants can improve glycemic control
by blocking hepatic glucose production, especially in the fasting state. These data
support its traditional use as an infusion consumed continually throughout the day.
