Chronic hypoglycemic effect of Malmea depressa root on n5-streptozotocin diabetic rats

The root of the "Elemuy" tree (Malmea depressa) is highly used in south east Mexico by the Mayan communities to treat type 2 diabetes. The long-term hypoglycemic effect (HbA1c) and the stimulation of insulin secretion resulting from the treatment with butanolic extract was studied using (n5-stz)-induced diabetic rats. We show that after 30 days of daily administration of 10 mg/kg of the butanolic extract, the glucose levels as well as the (HbA1c) levels were lower compared to the control group. This effect was also observed after 45 days of treatment, leading to the conclusion that the effects of chronic butanolic extract treatment are comparable to treatment with the standard drug Bieuglucon (R). In an acute experiment, we found that a single administration of the extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg stimulates insulin release, which is similar to the result seen with Tolbutamide administration. The new compound, 3-(3-hydroxy-2,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl) propane-1,2 diol, was isolated from the active fraction of the butanolic extract. The results presented here support the utility of the traditional use of the root and suggest that the active fraction of the plant extract could be developed as a phytomedicine. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.