The ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological aspects of the family Boraginaceae has
been widely studied [1]. Cordia morelosana is a medicinal plant, commonly known in Morelos, Mexico as Anacahuite or Palo Prieto.
This species was used in folklore medicine for the treatment of respiratory diseases,
diarrhea, inflammatory kidney disease, diabetes, lung pain, asthma, cough and fever
[2]. In vitro inhibitory activity against α-glucosidases was assayed with organic extracts of C. morelosana to establish its potential therapeutic value as an antidiabetic agent. Hexane, dichloromethane
and ethanol extracts were prepared eliminating the solvent until dryness under reduced
pressure. Extracts were dissolved in DMSO and evaluated for activity at a concentration
of 1 mg/mL. Briefly, cornstarch (125 mg/mL) was digested by crude enzyme (homogenate
from Sprague Dawley rats' intestinal mucosa) in presence of the extract at 37 °C for
10 minutes, and then released glucose was quantified by a glucose oxidase-based clinical
reagent (SPINREACT). Acarbose was used as positive control [3]. The ethanol extract
(EECm) showed the highest inhibition (55.6%). EECm was subjected to a bio-guide phytochemical
study. Therefore five primary fractions (D3, D7, D17, D25, and D30) were evaluated
to determine their effects on the α-glucosidase enzymes. These fractions displayed
4.9%, 68.3%, 21.9%, 48.5% and 50% of inhibition, respectively. Phytochemical study
led us the isolation of a flavonoid nicotiflorin and one additional phenolic compound
in most active fraction. Compounds were isolated by open column chromatography. Chemical
structure of compounds was established by analysis of 1H, 13C and 2D NMR experiments. In conclusion, the ethanol extract (EECm) showed significant
inhibitory activity against α-glucosidases, indicating the possibility of controlling
postprandial blood glucose levels. This result confirms traditional use for diabetes
treatment.
Keywords: Cordia morelosana, α-glucosidases, diabetes.
References:
[1] Ferreira ME, Ferreira AE, Do Nascimiento SM, De Alencar CV, Melo CH, Martins DCJ.
The genus Cordia: botanists, ethno, chemical and pharmacological aspects. Braz J Pharmacog
2015; 25: 542 – 552
[2] Monroy OC, Castillo EP. Plantas medicinales utilizadas en el estado de Morelos. Cuernavaca, Mor. Universidad
Autónoma del Estado de Morelos 2007; 1: 96 – 97
[3] Ramírez ÁG, Zavala M, Pérez J, Zamilpa A. In Vitro screening of medicinal plants used in Mexico as antidiabetics with glucosidase and
lipase inhibitory activities. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med 2012; 2012
