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Subabu plant for diabetes: According to research by the Institute of Advanced Studies in Science and Technology, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, Guwahati, i.e. IASST, the traditional medicinal plant Subabul can help manage insulin resistance associated with type 2 diabetes.
What is Subabul?
Subabul or Leucena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit is a fast growing legume. Which is usually found in tropical and subtropical regions. The leaves and immature seeds of the plant are eaten raw and cooked as soups or salads. It is an excellent source of protein and fiber. It has been traditionally used in food for humans and animals.
How does this plant work?
The team investigated the therapeutic potential of subabul seeds to manage insulin resistance, a medical condition in which the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin. Insulin is a type of hormone made in the pancreas, which works to control sugar in the blood.
Its Subsequently, the team developed a fraction based on bioactivity and selected 4 active compounds, in which they chose the most active fraction. The bioactive fractions showed increased insulin sensitization in free fatty acid-induced skeletal muscle cells (C2C12).
Additionally, the team said, “The active compound quercetin-3-glucoside isolated from the plant showed upregulation of the mitochondrial deacetylase enzyme sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), which regulates insulin sensitivity, along with upregulated translocation of GLUT2. GLUT2 is a protein that helps transport glucose and fructose across the cell membrane.
The study also showed stable interactions of quercetin-3-glucoside with SIRTI-residues through the formation of hydrogen bonds. Researchers said the findings, published in the journal ACS Omega, demonstrate the plant’s therapeutic potential in increasing glucose absorption, as the plant can be used for diabetes and related diseases.