The role of certain traditional plants (Trigonella foenum-graecum L. and Equisetum arvense L.), in the prophylaxis and management of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and diabetic cardiomyopathy

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According to the WHO, obesity is positioned among the most widespread diseases in the whole world. The development of diabetes and CVD, as a result of uncontrollable weight gain, with repercussions on the increase in mortality, determined medical researches to find effective treatment in the prevention and treatment of obesity and implicitly its complications. Our study aimed to delve into novel mechanisms of action and assess the therapeutic impact on insulin sensitivity in induced obesity and diabetes mellitus. We focused on two plant extracts renowned for their antidiabetic, adiposity-reducing, and cardioprotective properties: Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) and Horsetail extract (Equisetum arvense L.). We used diet induced obese rats to investigate the effects of chronic oral treatment with fenugreek seeds and diosgenin on insulin sensitivity and weight gain. The obesity was induced by feeding the rats with HFD and 5% sucrose solution, for six weeks. For evaluate the effects on insulin sensitivity and weight gain, the rats were also treated with different doses of diosgenin or fenugreek seeds, 1, 10 and 50 mg/kg of Diosgenin or 0.6 g/kg Fenugreek seeds, mixed into the chow. After six weeks, we measured the following metabolic parameters: body weight, food and water intake, WAT weight, and insulin sensitivity. Chronic administration of fenugreek resulted in increased body weight gain induced by a diet rich in fats and sugars. Additionally, abdominal adiposity and calorie intake were elevated in the fenugreek-treated group compared to both control and diet-induced obesity control animals. Despite its adverse effects on body weight, abdominal fat, and energy intake, fenugreek treatment did not adversely affect insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. Our results revealed that in high-calorie diet model, a lower dose of diosgenin, in conjunction with fenugreek, may heighten the risk of obesity. These findings warrant consideration, particularly for patients utilizing fenugreek as a dietary supplement to regulate blood glucose levels, either alone or combined with specific antidiabetic therapies. Although existing scientific reports suggest the fenugreek possesses insulin-sensitizing properties, our study failed to replicate this effect, possibly due to the relatively low dose utilized. We conclude that diosgenin in isolation does not lead to notable increases in body weight or fat accumulation. However, it likely interacts synergistically with other compounds present in fenugreek seeds. Further investigation is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms and roles of the active constituents involved. In our continued investigation into the effects of bioactive compounds from plant extracts on metabolic parameters such as body weight gain, WAT, and insulin sensitivity, we observed promising outcomes with Equisetum arvense L. extract. Our study involved five groups of male Wistar rats: a healthy control group, a diabetic control group, and three groups treated with varying doses of Equisetum arvense L. extract (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) over a six-week period. Throughout the experiment, we assessed blood glucose levels, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, SIRT1 levels, and other parameters relevant to diabetes and cardiomyopathy. Our findings revealed that Equisetum arvense L. extract induced moderate beneficial changes in blood glucose levels and elevated SIRT1 levels in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, administration of the 100 mg/kg dose notably improved insulin sensitivity. Interestingly, the extract did not significantly affect body weight, adiposity, or heart weight index. Based on our study findings, we conclude that Equisetum arvense L. extract shows promise as a supportive therapy, given its favourable impact on IR and blood glucose levels. Furthermore, its potential in averting diabetic cardiomyopathy could contribute to reduced morbidity in diabetes. However, further investigations are warranted to unravel the exact mechanisms of action of Equisetum extract and its effects across various organs.

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fenugreek, diosgenin, Equisetum arvense L, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, diabetic cardiomyopathy, streptozotocin, SIRT1, fenugreek, diosgenin, mezei zsúrló, elhízás, insulin rezisztencia, 2-es típusú diabetes mellitus, diabeteses cardiomyopathia, streptozotocin, SIRT1
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