Guwahati: Researchers from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) have identified the therapeutic potential of the seedpods from the traditional medicinal plant Subabul in managing insulin resistance related to type II diabetes.
A team in the CBL-I at the IASST, consisting of Abhipsha Saikia, Pranamika Sarma, and Prof. Jagat C Borah, developed a marker-assisted bioactivity-guided fraction and four active compounds from the tropical plant. After screening all the fractions for their bioactivity, the most active fraction was selected. The bioactive fraction showed enhanced insulin sensitization in free fatty acid-induced skeletal muscle cells (C2C12), researchers said.
Further, isolated active compound quercetin-3-glucoside from the plant showed upregulation of mitochondrial deacetylase enzyme Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), which regulates insulin sensitivity along with the upregulated GLUT2 (a protein that helps move glucose and fructose across cell membranes) translocation.
Stable interactions of quercetin-3-glucoside with the SIRTI residue through the formation of hydrogen bonds during molecular docking studies were also observed.
The study published in the journal ACS Omega, demonstrated the therapeutic potential of this plant in enhancing glucose uptake, following the ethnobotanical claim of the plant being used for diabetes and related diseases.
Subabul or Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit is a fast-growing leguminous tree commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. The leaves and immature seeds are eaten raw or cooked in soups or salads. They provide a rich source of protein and fibre, leading to their traditional usage in human and animal food by different ethnic communities.
– global bihari bureau
