Syzygium sp (Myrtaceae): promising for diabetes treating?

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing problem worldwide which implies a huge financial burden and issues of medical care policy. DM is rapidly emerging as a major challenge to public health and is a progressive disease and one of the leading causes of death in recent times. The most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent). The treatment of type 2 diabetes is complicated by several factors inherent to the disease and the increase of postprandial hyperglycemia is a risk factor. Postprandial hyperglycemia is raised by the action of glycosidases a class of enzymes that aid in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates to simple sugars such as maltose and glucose. Glucosidase inhibitors, such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors play important roles in the treatment of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. These inhibitors prevent or reduce the action of the enzyme α-amylase, which leads to a reduction in starch hydrolysis, showing a beneficial effect on glycemic control in diabetics. Thus, appears as a promising field, the search for alternative therapies such as amylase inhibitors found in natural sources such as plants. In Brazil, Syzygium sp was included by the Ministry of Health, in National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to SUS (RENISUS), whose purpose is to guide studies and research that can support the development of the list of medicinal plants and herbal medicines to be made available for use population, with safety and efficacy for the treatment of most common diseases in the country. With specific regard to its hypoglycemic effect and potential use in the treatment of diabetes there are many indications suggesting such pharmacological actions.