Antidiabetic effects of Maclura cochinchinensis (Lour.) corner heartwood extract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Maclura cochinchinensis (MC) (Lour.) heartwood extract have been used traditionally to treat diabetes in Thailand, but their mechanism of action has not been elucidated. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: This study investigated the effects of an aqueous heartwood extract of MC on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. Moreover, its antidiabetic effect was evaluated using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and a 28-day administration to streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NA)-induced type 2 diabetic mice. RESULTS: In both OGTT and the daily oral administration for 28 days in STZ-NA-induced type 2 diabetic mice models, the extract (1,000 mg/kg) significantly decreased fasting blood glucose. This hypoglycemic effect was explained by increased insulin levels and α-glucosidase inhibition (IC(50):1.53 ± 0.03 μg/mL). CONCLUSION: This first study on the hypoglycemic activity of MC heartwood extract indicates that it could be a potential natural remedy for type 2 diabetes.