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Pathak, K., Saikia, R., Das, A. Unlocking the therapeutic potential of Garcinia cowa Rox. in diabetes management. Sciences of Phytochemistry 2023, 2(1), 38-41.
Pathak, K, Saikia, R, Das, A. Unlocking the therapeutic potential of Garcinia cowa Rox. in diabetes management. Sciences of Phytochemistry. 2023; 2(1):38-41.
Kalyani Pathak, Riya Saikia, Aparoop Das. 2023. "Unlocking the therapeutic potential of Garcinia cowa Rox. in diabetes management" Sciences of Phytochemistry 2, no. 1:38-41.
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Home / Sciences of Phytochemistry / Volume 2 Issue 1 / 10.58920/sciphy02010038
Opinion/Perspective
by Kalyani Pathak ★ , Riya Saikia, Aparoop Das
Academic editor: James H. Zothantluanga
Sciences of Phytochemistry 2(1): 38-41 (2023); https://doi.org/10.58920/sciphy02010038
This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0 International License.
Abstract: Garcinia cowa Rox. is a tropical fruit traditionally used in various parts of Asia for medicinal purposes. Recent research has indicated that it may have potential as an antidiabetic drug. Studies have shown that the extract from the fruit of G. cowa can lower blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. This effect is believed to be due to various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and xanthones, which have demonstrated antidiabetic properties. In addition, fruit extract has also been found to improve lipid metabolism, often disrupted in individuals with diabetes. The extract has been shown to reduce levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Further studies are needed to explore the full potential of G. cowa as an antidiabetic drug, including clinical trials in humans. However, these initial findings suggest that this tropical fruit is a promising natural and effective treatment option for individuals with diabetes.
Keywords: Garcinia cowa Roxantidiabetic drugbioactive compoundsflavonoidsxanthones
Garcinia
cowa Rox. is an evergreen plant with edible fruit
native to Asia, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia,
and Southwest China. In Assam, the plant is known as Kujithekera. Wild-grown
variants of fruits and leaves are gathered for consumption in the region. It is
a tropical fruit that has been used in traditional medicine for its various
health benefits (1). The fruit of G. cowa
has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. It contains compounds
like xanthones and flavonoids which can reduce inflammation. This highlights its
applicability in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases (1).
The fruit of G. cowa also has
anti-microbial properties. It contains compounds like garcinol and isogarcinol
which can effectively inhibit bacteria and viruses. This property makes it
helpful in the treatment of microbial infections. Furthermore, the fruit of G. cowa is an abundant source of
antioxidants. These compounds can help neutralize free radicals in the body,
which can cause damage to cells and tissues. This makes it helpful in
protecting against diseases like cancer, heart disease, and other chronic
conditions. Traditionally, the fruit of G.
cowa has been considered to improve digestive health. It can help control bowel
motions and alleviate symptoms such as diarrhoea and constipation (2,3). The
fruit of G. cowa contains compounds
such as hydroxy citric acid (HCA) that can help suppress appetite and reduce
fat absorption in the body, resulting in weight loss. This makes it useful for
weight loss and management (3).
Recent studies have indicated that fruit
extract of G. cowa may hold promise
as a natural and effective treatment option for individuals with diabetes (1,2).
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that affects millions of individuals
globally. Diabetes is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, which can
result in various problems, including cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and
renal damage. Current treatments for diabetes include oral medications, insulin
injections, and lifestyle modifications, but these interventions can have side
effects and are not always effective in controlling blood glucose levels (3).
G.
cowa, on the other hand, is a safe and natural
supplement that has demonstrated antidiabetic effects in animal research. Research studies reported significantly
reduce blood glucose levels in diabetic rats by the extract. The authors
attributed this effect to the presence of various bioactive compounds,
including flavonoids and xanthones, which have been shown to have antidiabetic
properties (4).
Flavonoids, such as quercetin and
kaempferol, are natural plant compounds that have been shown to improve insulin
sensitivity and glucose uptake in cells. Studies also reported that quercetin
improved glucose metabolism in diabetic rats by increasing the expression of
glucose transporters in muscle cells. Similarly, another study found that
kaempferol improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood glucose levels in
diabetic mice (5,6).
On the other hand, xanthones are a class of
natural plant compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties. A study reported that the xanthone compound
mangostin, present in G. cowa
improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats.
In G. cowa, the main xanthones are
mangostin, garcinone E, and gamma-mangostin (7,8). The mechanism of action of
these compounds in improving lipid metabolism is not completely understood.
However, studies have shown that they can improve lipid profiles by reducing
the levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and
triglycerides while increasing the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
cholesterol. One possible mechanism is activating the peroxisome
proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha, a transcription factor that plays
a key role in lipid metabolism. Flavonoids and xanthones can activate PPAR
alpha, leading to increased expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism
and reduced circulating lipid levels (6,7).
Another possible mechanism is the
inhibition of lipid absorption in the gut. Flavonoids and xanthones can inhibit
the activity of pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that is responsible for the
breakdown of dietary fats. This leads to a reduction in the absorption of fats
from the diet, which can lower circulating lipid levels (7,8). While more
research is needed to determine the specific mechanism of action of xanthones
in diabetes, these studies suggest that the compound may have therapeutic
potential for treating the disease (7).
In addition to its antidiabetic properties,
G. cowa fruit extract has also been
found to improve lipid metabolism, which is often disrupted in individuals with
diabetes. Research studies reported that the fruit extract reduced
triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels while increasing
HDL cholesterol levels in diabetic rats. This effect is believed to be due to
various bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and xanthones, which have been
shown to have lipid-lowering properties (8,9). Flavonoids such as amentoflavone,
morelloflavone, volkensiflavone, kaempferol, and quercetin were isolated from G. cowa, and garccowasides A, B, and C
were reported for the first time in G.
cowa. Only morelloflavone and morello-flavone-7-O-glucoside exhibited high
antioxidant activity, which may contribute to their antidiabetic effects (8).
In conclusion, the available evidence suggests
that G. cowa may be a promising natural
and effective treatment option for individuals with diabetes. The fruit extract
has been shown to have antidiabetic and lipid-lowering properties, which are
mediated by various bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and xanthones.
While more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of the
extract in humans, these initial findings suggest that G. cowa may be a valuable addition to the current armamentarium of
antidiabetic drugs. Owing to the increasing prevalence of diabetes and the
limits of existing treatments, it is crucial to evaluate the therapeutic
potential of natural substances, such as G.
cowa, in the management of the ailment.
Not applicable.
The authors declare no conflicting interest.
Conceptualization : Kalyani
Pathak
Investigation : Kalyani
Pathak
Supervision : Aparoop
Das
Administration : Kalyani
Pathak
Writing and Editing : Riya Saikia;
Kalyani Pathak
Pathak, K., Saikia, R., Das, A. Unlocking the therapeutic potential of Garcinia cowa Rox. in diabetes management. Sciences of Phytochemistry 2023, 2(1), 38-41.
Pathak, K, Saikia, R, Das, A. Unlocking the therapeutic potential of Garcinia cowa Rox. in diabetes management. Sciences of Phytochemistry. 2023; 2(1):38-41.
Kalyani Pathak, Riya Saikia, Aparoop Das. 2023. "Unlocking the therapeutic potential of Garcinia cowa Rox. in diabetes management" Sciences of Phytochemistry 2, no. 1:38-41.
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