Under diabetes mellitus, the administration of Galega officinalis promotes restoration of leukocyte precursors’ bone marrow pool and normalizes their proliferative activity. This plant protects the functional state of leukocytes by modulating actin cytoskeleton formation and through quantitative redistribution of leukocyte membrane glycoconjugates. Galega officinalis prevents the development of diabetes-associated oxidative stress which results in antiapoptotic activity. The normalization of leukocytes’ proliferative and functional capacity by Galega officinalis, along with its antiapoptotic and hypoglycemic effects, can improve the course of the disease and may prevent the development of complications of diabetes.
Part of the book: Metformin
Phytochemicals derived from different plants are promising therapeutic agents. Herbal compounds can be used under diseases, etiological causes of which are alterations of carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolisms, along with increased oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation. Potential sources of biologically active substances may be grape wine, rich in phenolic compounds. Well-studied examples of polyphenols are phenolic acids, catechins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, etc. Another source of biologically active compounds is yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius Poepp. & Endl.). The aboveground part of yacon is rich in phenolic compounds and terpenes. Main biologically active substances from tuberous roots of yacon are fructooligosaccharides and phenolic compounds. The section will be devoted to the analysis of hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects, and molecular targets of the complex of biologically active substances derived from red wine and yacon.
Part of the book: Alternative Medicine