A novel Gymnema sylvestre extract protects pancreatic beta-cells from cytokine-induced apoptosis.

Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β, TNF-α, and interferon-γ are known to be involved in mediating β-cells death in diabetes mellitus (DM). Thus, protecting from β-cells death in patients with DM may be a useful target in alleviating symptoms of hyperglycemia. Traditional plant-based remedies have been used to treat DM for many centuries and may play a role in protecting β-cell from death. An example of these remedies is Gymnema sylvestre (GS) extract. In this study, we investigated the effect of this plant extract on β-cells apoptosis. Om Santal Adivasi (OSA®) maintained cell membrane integrity in MIN6 cells and mouse islets. Om Santal Adivasi significantly protected MIN6 cells and mouse islets from cytokine-induced apoptosis. In the presence of cytokines, OSA® significantly reduced the expression and activity of caspase-3. The antiapoptotic effect of OSA® as shown by microarray analysis is largely mediated by activating pathways involved in cell survival (mainly casein kinase II pathway) and the free radical scavenger system (specifically superoxide dismutase and catalase). This study indicates that the GS isolate OSA® protects against cytokine-induced apoptosis of β-cells by increasing the expression of cell survival pathways and free radical scavenger system.