Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chrysophyllum cainito L., a tropical fruit tree, has been used as an alternative medicine for the treatment of diabetic patients in many countries. However, there is very limited scientific rationale for this medical use. The present study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of the extract from C. cainito stem bark and the possible mechanisms underlying this activity. METHODS: Phytochemistry and in vitro antioxidant capacity of the extract were studied. Hypoglycemic activity of the extract was examined in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The effect of C. cainito extract on glucose absorption and glucose uptake were conducted using mouse isolated jejunum and abdominal muscle, respectively. Finally, an in vitro effect of C. cainito extract on α-glucosidase activity was evaluated. RESULTS: C. cainito extract possessed a strong antioxidant activity comparable to the ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene. The extract at 500 mg/kg significantly reduced the area under curve of blood glucose level in oral glucose tolerance test in normal mice. In alloxan-induced diabetic model, similar to glibenclamide, a single dose of the extract significantly decreased fasting blood glucose level from 387.17 ± 29.84 mg/dl to 125.67 ± 62.09 mg/dl after 6 h of administration. From the isolated jejunum experiment, the extract at any doses used did not inhibit glucose absorption. However, the extract at 50 μg/ml significantly increased the amount of glucose uptake by abdominal muscles in the presence of insulin (P < 0.05). Lastly, it was found that the extract produced stronger inhibition of α-glucosidase activity (IC(50) = 1.20 ± 0.09 μg/ml) than acarbose (IC(50) = 198.17 ± 4.74 μg/ml). CONCLUSION: Direct evidence of antidiabetic activity of C. cainito stem bark with possible modes of action, glucose uptake stimulation and α-glucosidase inhibitory effect, was reported for the first time herein. These data support the potential use of this plant for the treatment of diabetic patients.