Long valued for their therapeutic qualities, shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are a staple of traditional Asian medicine and cuisine. They are high in bio-actives such as polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, sterols, and phenolic compounds, which exhibit immunomodulatory, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties. Despite these advantages, the limited bioavailability and stability of shiitake's bio-active components often restrict their therapeutic use. Recent advances in nanotechnology have led to the development of nanoemulsions to encapsulate bioactives, which enhanced their bioavailability, stability, and therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we developed a biopolymeric blend of zein and chitosan as a nanoemulsion for the encapsulation of crude shiitake extract. Focusing on the synthesis and refinement of bio-compatible nanoemulsion formulations, this study investigates the medicinal potential of shiitake mushrooms and their nanoemulsions using several in vitro assays: the DPPH assay for anti-oxidant activity; the BSA denaturation assay for anti-inflammatory activity; the MIC test for antimicrobial activity; and the MTT assay for anticancer activity. This study aimed to attain three main goals: synthesis of nanoemulsions, biochemical analysis of shiitake extracts, and in vitro characterization of the therapeutic efficacy of the resulting formulations. This study found that shiitake nanoemulsions showed significantly improved bio-availability and therapeutic efficacy, suggesting promising applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, medicine, and the food industry.

This study sought to evaluate the antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant effects of the methanolic leaf extract (MLE) of Gentiana quadrifaria. In vitro analysis of free-radical scavenging activity revealed that G. quadrifaria MLE exhibited an effective free-radical scavenging potential and contained a high phenolic and flavonoid content. Antihyperglycemic study revealed a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose (FBG) compared to the untreated group, with an optimal dose of 250 mg/kg body weight being confirmed and selected for further investigation. Additionally, reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were noted, along with an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The results also demonstrated an increase in the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase, alongside a reduction in the levels of serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and protein carbonyl in all treated diabetic groups. Histological examination showed a reduction in hepatic damage following treatment with G. quadrifaria MLE. Additionally, the GC-MS analysis of the G. quadrifaria MLE confirmed the presence of several bioactive compounds in the MLE, and all the compounds were found to pass the Lipinski’s rule of five, except myo-inositol, 4-C-methyl, indicating their potential suitability as drug candidates. The ability of G. quadrifaria MLE to scavenge free radicals and reduce FBG revealed its antioxidative and antihyperglycemic potential in this study. Furthermore, based on the results from Gas Chromatography-Mass Spoectrometry (GC-MS) and SwissADME, this study suggests that it could be effective in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Aim: The research aimed to access the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties of the methanolic extract of Curcuma caesia (MECC) in mitigating oxidative stress and tissue damage in mice with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Objective: The objective aims to examine the effects of MECC on fasting blood glucose (FBG), glucose tolerance, antioxidant enzyme activity, lipid peroxidation, and histopathological alterations in the liver and kidneys of diabetic mice. Method: Male Swiss albino mice were categorized into normal untreated control, diabetic untreated control, and diabetic + ascorbic acid–treated, diabetic + MECC treated (350 mg/kg body weight [b.w.]). Diabetes was induced using STZ, and the effects of MECC were assessed through FBG, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests, and measurement of oxidative stress markers such as thiobarbituric acid reactive Substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Histopathological analysis of kidney and liver tissues was performed to evaluate tissue damage and recovery. Results: MECC treatment at 350 mg/kg b.w. significantly decreased the FBG levels in diabetic control mice, with effects comparable to standard antihyperglycemic drugs like metformin and glibenclamide. Glucose tolerance was notably improved, and oxidative stress markers, including TBARS, were normalized in treated groups. Antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD and CAT) was restored in the liver and kidneys. Histopathological analysis revealed substantial recovery of tissue architecture, with nearly normal glomeruli and hepatocytes in diabetic-MECC-treated mice, indicating protection against diabetes-induced damage. Conclusion: MECC demonstrated potent antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, and tissue-protective effects in diabetic mice, suggesting its capability as a treatment option for diabetes management. Further evaluation is needed to investigate its potential clinical uses.