Planta Med 2013; 79 - PN8
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1352352

Understanding the mechanism of antidiabetic activity and efficacy of functional foods against advanced glycation end products: Nigella sativa and Moringa oleifera

S Awasthi 1
  • 1SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, India.

The current focus of diabetes research is moving away from the control of acute metabolic imbalances to the prevention of chronic complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy and micro-vascular complications. Hyperglycaemia is characterized by the large fluctuations in the blood glucose level and this can accelerate the glycation of various proteins and formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in diabetes patients. The anti-hyperglycemic activity of Nigella seeds and Moringa leaves have been proved in vivo and it was therefore considered worthwhile to investigate the underlying mechanism. Analysis of the antidiabetic activity and their role in the prevention of diabetic complications was done based on their digestive enzyme inhibitory activity and their potential in preventing the formation of early and advanced glycation end products. The antioxidant activity of the plant extracts was determined based on their reducing power and radical scavenging properties. The inhibition of enzyme activity was observed for both the starch digesting enzymes which is important for the prevention postprandial hyperglycemia. The antiglycation activity of the plant extracts was analyzed based on the formation of Amadori product (Fructosamine) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Nigella sativa was reported to be comparatively more potent inhibitor of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The amadori and AGEs inhibitory activity was found to be upto 80% in the presence of Nigella seeds extract. Moringa leaves showed about 70% inhibition and the inhibitory activity was persistent with the incubation time. This signifies the anti-hyperglycemic effect of the plant extract and suggest that, the consumption of a diet rich with functional foods could be helpful in the maintenance of blood glucose level and preventing the development of hyperglycemia associated complications.