The Tibetan herbal medicines Padma 28 and Padma Circosan inhibit the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in vitro

BACKGROUND: Advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) play a pivotal role in the development of diabetes associated diseases. The herbal medicines Padma 28 and Padma Circosan have shown effectiveness in symptoms of diabetes associated diseases and have antioxidant effects. It is not known whether inhibition of AGE and AOPP formation is a mechanism of their action. METHOD: BSA was subjected to glycation or oxidation with or without 70% ethanolic extracts of Padma 28, Padma Circosan or with an active control. AGE and AOPP concentrations were analyzed fluorimetrically or spectrophotometrically respectively and by ELISA. RESULTS: Compared to the positive control Padma 28, Padma Circosan and the active control significantly reduced AGE levels by 58.6%, 56.7%, and 8.14% (fluorimetry) and by 35.48, 34.19, and 19.68% (ELISA). AOPP were reduced by 57.28/66.78% (30’/60’ incubation), by 67.08/71.99%, and by 81.68/86.54% (spectrophotometry) or by 79.98/86.97%, 79.3/84.3% and 77.07/90.31% (ELISA). All results are significantly different (p < 0.001). No difference was found between the effects of the two preparations. CONCLUSION: Both formulas significantly inhibited the formation of AGE and AOPP to a similar extent as the active controls. This suggests a possible role for both Padma preparations in the treatment and prevention of diabetes associated diseases.