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The thorny beavernelle is a medicinal plant that could not only help you lose weight, but also treat diabetes.
In a recent study involving experts from the University of Genova, the antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of an ethanolic extract from the fruits of the thorny beavernelle (Sarcopoterium spinosum) were examined in vitro. The results are published in the “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”.
Reich an Polyphenolen
Plants and plant extracts often contain bioactive compounds that can be beneficial to health. An ethanolic extract from the fruits of Sarcopoterium spinosum, for example, contains particularly high amounts of the polyphenols corilagin and quercetin.
According to the new study results, these two polyphenols can significantly reduce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) associated with oxidative stress, the researchers report.
Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in inflammation and contributes to the pathophysiology of various diseases, including diabetes, degenerative diseases and cancer, the researchers explain.
Benefits of Corilagin and Quercetin
In addition to an improved ability to reduce reactive oxygen species, the treatment of the cells with corilagin and quercetin is also associated with other advantages, which relate to the impairment of nitric oxide, improved wound healing and the so-called protein denaturation.
Effect against diabetes
Further research confirms the positive effect of Sarcopoterium spinosum against diabetes. After there was already evidence of an antidiabetic effect of the plant’s root extract in previous studies, the team examined the effect of the above-ground parts of Sarcopoterium spinosum.
It was shown that extracts from the above-ground parts of the plant inhibit the activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase and at the same time increase the so-called basal and glucose-induced insulin secretion. In addition, extracts from all parts of the plant induced glucose uptake, with the effect of the roots being the strongest, the researchers report.
New active ingredients against diabetes
The results show that the ingredients of the thorny beavernelle have promising antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties, which, according to experts, makes the medicinal plant a potential candidate for the development of nutritional supplements and for the identification of new active ingredients for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. (as)