Encapsulation of Gmelina arborea Roxb. and Spondias pinnata (L. F.) Kurz Aqueous Extracts in Nanoliposomes: Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Screening of Antidiabetic Activity.

The present study aimed to synthesize, characterize, and determine the antidiabetic activity of Gmelina arborea and Spondias pinnata aqueous extract encapsulated nanoliposomes (GAE-NL and SAE-NL). GAE-NL and SAE-NL were synthesized using modified emulsification and ultrasonication. The average size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of GAE-NL and SAE-NL were 307±2 nm, 0.

Association of hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype with metabolic syndrome traits and its diagnostic potential to predict metabolic syndrome in adults with excess body weight: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Background: The hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype is a simple measure to identify individuals at increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) traits. The present study aimed to describe the HTGW prevalence, and its associations with MetS traits, and also determine the diagnostic potential of the mirror indices of HTGW phenotype to predict MetS and its components in community-dwelling adults with overweight or obesity in Southern, Sri Lanka.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 300 adults with excess body weight (body mass index >23 kg/m) were enrolled and examined for the HTGW phenotype (fasting plasma triglyceride concentration ≥1.

Gelatine nanoparticles encapsulating three edible plant extracts as potential nanonutraceutical agents against type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Aim: To optimise, and characterise gelatine nanoparticles (GNPs) encapsulating plant extracts and evaluate the glucose-lowering potential.

Methods: GNPs encapsulating plant extracts were prepared by desolvation method followed by adsorption. The GNPs were characterised by loading efficiency, loading capacity, particle size, zeta potential, SEM and FTIR.

In vitro antioxidant activity of alginate nanoparticles encapsulating the aqueous extract of .

Bioactive compounds in medicinal plants are more susceptible to preventing oxidative stress. Encapsulation of herbal extracts has empowered the properties and characteristics of bioactive compounds. Nanoencapsulation allows the enhancement of the stability of extracts and targeted drug delivery.

Multifunctional alginate/polydeoxyribonucleotide hydrogels for promoting diabetic wound healing.

A multifunctional alginate/PDRN hydrogel system by ionic crosslinking and the Schiff base reaction between oxidized alginate (OA) and PDRN was developed in the present study. Biocompatibility assessment of the PDRN-loaded OA hydrogels showed a significant enhancement in cell viability in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. In addition, hydrogels showed migratory, anti-inflammatory, intracellular reactive oxygen species scavenging, and anti-apoptotic activities.

Synthesis and bioactivity assessment of L. extract encapsulated alginate nanoparticles as an antidiabetic drug lead.

Aim: This study aimed to prepare, characterise, and evaluate the antidiabetic activity of (L.) extracts encapsulated alginate nanoparticles.

Methods: Alginate nanoparticles were prepared using the ionic gelation method and characterised by encapsulation efficiency %w/w, loading capacity %w/w, particle size analysis, zeta potential, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Bael (Aegle marmelos L. Correa) fruit extracts encapsulated alginate nanoparticles as a potential dietary supplement with improved bioactivities.

Nanoencapsulated bael fruit (Aegle marmelos L. Correa (Family: Rutaceae)) extracts reveal novel prospects in the development of dietary supplements with improved biological activities in the field of the food industry. The main objectives of this study were to prepare and characterize aqueous, ethanol, 50% ethanol, and 50% acetone extracts of bael fruit encapsulated alginate nanoparticles and investigate the effect of encapsulation on in vitro release of polyphenols, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, and their stability.

L. extracts ameliorate doxorubicin-induced acute kidney injury via modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Background And Aim: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic drug with potential nephrotoxic effects on patients who are on cancer chemotherapy. An interest has been observed in using natural products to ameliorate the potential side effects of DOX. The present study is to investigate the cellular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of L.

Development and characterization of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) loaded chitosan polyplex: In vitro and in vivo evaluation of wound healing activity.

Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is an accelerated diabetic wound healing therapy with promising abilities to promote cell growth, angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and reduce inflammation where its sustainable delivery and release behavior is critical to ensure effective wound healing properties. Therefore, a nanopolyplex was developed here, by encapsulating PDRN with chitosan to affirm its delivery systematically. The physicochemical characterization revealed its successful encapsulation which facilitates the gradual release of PDRN.

Herbal Extracts Encapsulated Nanoliposomes as Potential Glucose-lowering Agents: An in Vitro and in Vivo Approach Using Three Herbal Extracts.

Encapsulation of polyphenol-rich herbal extracts into nanoliposomes is a promising strategy for the development of novel therapeutic agents against type 2 diabetes mellitus. An attempt was made to encapsulate aqueous, ethanol, and aqueous ethanol (70% v/v) extracts of Senna auriculata (L.) Roxb.

Association of dietary intake with body mass index and glycemic profile among newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Introduction: Dietary intake plays an important role in determining body mass index (BMI) and glycemic profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our aim was to describe habitual dietary intake and its associations with BMI and glycemic profile in a cohort of patients with newly diagnosed T2DM in Sri Lanka.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 158 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM in Galle, Sri Lanka.

L. (Asparagaceae) leaf extracts attenuate doxorubicin-induced renal toxicity via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic pathways.

The search for therapeutic agents that improve kidney function against doxorubicin-induced renal toxicity is important. Herein, the potential nephroprotective activity by L. (AF, Asparagaceae) leaf extracts against doxorubicin-induced renal toxicity (5 mg/kg, ip) in Wistar rats ( = 6/group) after oral administration of hexane (55 mg/kg), ethyl acetate (35 mg/kg), butanol (75 mg/kg), and aqueous (200 mg/kg) extracts of AF for 28 consecutive days was investigated.

Nanoformulation of Plant-Based Natural Products for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: From Formulation Design to Therapeutic Applications.

Background: Herbal remedies are used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) as the sole treatment or as a complementary therapy. Limitations of herbal remedies, such as poor stability and limited absorption, impede their development as therapeutic agents, which could be overcome by nanoformulations.

Objectives: This review attempts to summarize the studies reported between 2009 and 2020 in the development of medicinal plant-based nanoformulations for the management of type 2 DM, discuss formulation methods, mechanisms of action, and identify gaps in the literature to conduct future research on nanoparticle-based herbal treatment options targeting type 2 DM.

Nephroprotective mechanisms of Ambrette (Abelmoschus moschatus Medik.) leaf extracts in adriamycin mediated acute kidney injury model of Wistar rats.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Ambrette (Abelmoschus moschatus Medik., Family: Malvaceae) is a common Ayurvedic herbal medicine used in the treatment of kidney-related diseases, in the forms of tea, medicated oil, medicated wine, etc., however, its nephroprotective mechanisms remain unexploited.

Biochemical characterization of high fat diet fed and low dose streptozotocin induced diabetic Wistar rat model.

The development of a stable disease model with an adequate biochemical profile is crucial for the preclinical investigation of new antidiabetic agents. This study aimed at optimization and characterization of high fat diet (HFD) fed streptozotocin (STZ) induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) Wistar rat model. Wistar rats fed with HFD for four weeks received STZ (30, 40, and 50 mg/kg, intraperitoneal).

Nephroprotective activity of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash supplement in doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity model of Wistar rats.

The nephroprotective effect of standardized aqueous root extract of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash (Family: Poaceae) was investigated in doxorubicin-induced (20 mg/kg, ip) experimental nephrotoxicity model of Wistar rats. The freeze-dried aqueous refluxed (4 hr) root extract of V.

Herbal Medicines Targeting the Improved -Cell Functions and -Cell Regeneration for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus.

There is an increasing trend of investigating natural bioactive compounds targeting pancreatic -cells for the prevention/treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). With the exploration of multiple mechanisms by which -cells involve in the pathogenesis of DM, herbal medicines are gaining attention due to their multitasking ability as evidenced by traditional medicine practices. This review attempts to summarize herbal medicines with the potential for improvement of -cell functions and regeneration as scientifically proven by investigations.

Value of simple clinical parameters to predict insulin resistance among newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes in limited resource settings.

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) has been considered as a therapeutic target in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Readily available, simple and low cost measures to identify individuals with IR is of utmost importance for clinicians to plan optimal management strategies. Research on the associations between surrogate markers of IR and routine clinical and lipid parameters have not been carried out in Sri Lanka, a developing country with rising burden of T2DM with inadequate resources.

Antidiabetic Activity of Widely Used Medicinal Plants in the Sri Lankan Traditional Healthcare System: New Insight to Medicinal Flora in Sri Lanka.

The use of medicinal plant extracts and their isolated bioactive compounds for the management of diabetes mellitus has been tremendously increased in recent decades. The present study aimed at providing in-depth information on medicinal flora that has been widely used in the Sri Lankan traditional healthcare system for the management of diabetes mellitus. The data of this review article were obtained from published articles from January 2000 to September 2020 in scientific databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.

Optimization of 25% Sulfosalicylic Acid Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio for Screening of Low-Grade Proteinuria.

Proteinuria is an important prognostic marker in the diagnosis and management of kidney diseases. Sulfosalicylic acid method (SSA) is a simple, low cost, qualitative test, widely used to assess proteinuria. The aim of this study was to optimize SSA test as a quantitative screening tool to assess proteinuria at lower excretory levels which would facilitate the screening and early diagnosis of renal impairment using protein-to-creatinine ratio (PCR).

Effect of Sample Volume Variation and Delay in Analysis on Plasma Glucose Concentration in Sri Lankan Healthy Adults.

The correct volume of sample and time of storing prior to the analysis are important considerations in the estimation of plasma glucose concentration of patients. The present study was to determine the effect of sample volume variation and time delay in the analysis of plasma glucose results in healthy adults. A total of 30 individuals aged between 20 and 30 years were selected for the study.

Efficacy and safety of a herbal drug of Coccinia grandis (Linn.) Voigt in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double blind randomized placebo controlled clinical trial.

Background: Several lines of preclinical studies have shown promising antidiabetic effects of the aqueous leaves extract of Coccinia grandis (Linn.) Voigt (Cucurbitaceae) in vivo and in vitro.

Purpose: The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a newly developed herbal formulation of C.

Dual mechanisms of a Sri Lankan traditional polyherbal mixture in the improvement of pancreatic beta cell functions and restoration of lipoprotein alterations in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Traditional polyherbal preparations have been utilized in Sri Lanka since ancient times and have gained a wide acceptance throughout the country. Although an extensive body of evidence supports the use of traditional herbal mixtures in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, only a few polyherbal mixtures have been subjected to systematic scientific investigations and their mechanisms for long-term glucose control remain unclear. In general, scientific evaluations of the effectiveness of antidiabetic formulations which are prescribed by traditional practitioners have received great attention, and therefore uncovering their mechanism of action would be beneficial.

Undergraduate education in biochemistry and molecular biology: A parallel session at the IUBMB/PSBMB 2019 "Harnessing Interdisciplinary Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" conference.

Although science education, including biochemistry and molecular biology education, starts before students commence university, for many students, undergraduate programs are their first real introduction to biochemistry and molecular biology. Students often report that biochemistry and molecular biology are relatively difficult topics hence the use of varied and well-thought-out approaches are critical to fully engage students. This session provided insights into undergraduate curriculum design.

Standardized aqueous stem bark extract of roxb. possesses nephroprotection against adriamycin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats.

Nephrotoxicity is a major limitation of adriamycin (ADR) chemotherapy. We hypothesized that administration of standardized aqueous bark extract of . (GA) (Family; Verbenaceae), a traditional therapeutic agent, may reduce the nephrotoxicity caused by ADR in Wistar rats.