Syzygium jambolanum and Cephalandra indica homeopathic preparations inhibit albumin glycation and protect erythrocytes: an in vitro study.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine disorder characterized by hyperglycemia eventually resulting in long-term complications. Increased glycation of proteins is implicated in the pathogenesis of complications. For treatment of diabetes, Syzygium jambolanum and Cephalandra indica are frequently prescribed in homeopathy. However their role in glycation is not well elucidated. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of these homeopathic preparations in glycation induced structural modifications and further to examine their cellular protection ability.

Methods: In human erythrocytes, in vitro mother tincture and dilutions of S. jambolanum (Sj ф, 30c, 200c), C. indica (Ci ф, 30c, 200c) and standard antiglycator (AG) were compared and their antiglycation potential assessed by the estimating different markers of glycation (frcutosamines, carbonyls, bound sugar), structural modifications (free amino and thiol group). Phytochemical characterization (total phenolic, flavonoids and glycosides contents) was performed.

Results: The homeopathic preparations have different mode of action on albumin glycation modifications. Sj ф preparation demonstrated effective inhibition of all glycation, structural modifications except amino group protection. When dilutions were compared, Sj preparations showed reduction of glycation, structural modifications. All preparations showed significant erythrocyte protection. Sj ф preparation exhibited noteworthy antiglycation and cell protection ability as compared to AG.

Conclusion: These homeopathic preparations especially Sj ф prevented glycation induced albumin modifications and subsequent toxicity in human eryrthrocytre in vitro. Further investigation of their potential as antiglycators is justified.