Evaluation of the Anti-inflammatory Properties of Traditional Herbal Medicines in Macrophage Cells Stimulated with High Glucose Levels

الملخص

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) causes inflammation and organ dysfunction as well as oxidative stress. Chronic inflammation is strongly linked to diabetes complications. Medications to treat T2DM are available but have limitations and harmful side effects. Traditional herbal therapies (THT) offer a promising solution due to their safety, affordability, and wide acceptance. Objective: The study aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory properties of Artemisia afra, Cinnamon verum, and Trigonella foenum-graecum, commonly used in African countries for treating diabetes and its progression. Method: In stock extracts of plant extracts (Artemisia afra leaves, Cinnamon verum bark, and Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds) were prepared in ethanol solutions 70%. A macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) was exposed to high-glucose levels, followed by exposure to plant extracts. Results: The results were compared with those of pharmaceutical-grade metformin. The present study revealed that Artemisia afra, Cinnamon verum, and Trigonella foenum-graecum extracts significantly inhibited the expression of several mediators of inflammation by the cell, including TNF-α, IL-6, G-CSF, RANTES and NO. Metformin had no effect on RANTES or NO levels. Results indicated that different herbs inhibited inflammatory mediators at different concentrations. Artemisia afra and metformin had the lowest cytotoxicity compared to Cinnamon verum and Trigonella foenum-graecum. Conclusion: Artemisia afra was found to exhibit a higher anti-inflammatory effect than the other herbs tested. These findings suggest that Artemisia afra