Anti-diabetes and neuroprotection potential and primary safety studies of Isatis tinctoria L. hydroalcoholic leaf extract

Abstract Objectives Natural plant raw materials, previously underestimated in therapeutics, are becoming the subject of research for new applications in medicine. In our research, the hydroalcoholic extract of Isatis tinctoria leaf, rich in flavonoid compounds such as vicenin-2 and quercetin, was examined as a potential antidiabetic and neuroprotective agent. Methods The effect of the extract and its main flavonoid compounds on protein glycation, alpha-glucosidase activity, and acetylcholinesterase activity was tested. In vitro, in the mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line and in vivo, using a mouse model, the safety of the extract was screened for. Key findings: Our experiments demonstrated significant inhibition of protein glycation, alpha-glucosidase activity, and acetylcholinesterase activity by the extract, in a concentration dependent manner. The extract had a strong reducing effect, did not exhibit cytotoxicity up to a concentration of 25 mg/mL. Intraperitoneal administration of the extract to mice did not have negative effects on body mass, locomotor activity, coordination, and liver cell integrity. Conclusions Our research sheds a new light on this raw material and deepens knowledge of its activity. This may result in the recognition of its therapeutic effects and even in its introduction in the modern treatment of diseases characterized by pathological changes associated with hyperglycemia, oxidation, and inflammation.