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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Oxford, Mississippi » Natural Products Utilization Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #422812
Research Project: Biobased Pesticide Discovery and Product Optimization and Enhancement from Medicinal and Aromatic Crops

Location: Natural Products Utilization Research

Title: Damiana (Turnera diffusa) reduces adipocyte cell differentiation and ameliorates glucose uptake

Author
item CHAE, HEE-SUNG - University Of Mississippi
item AHMED, NESSMA - University Of Mississippi
item DALE, OLIVIA - University Of Mississippi
item AVULA, BHARATHI - University Of Mississippi
item KHAN, IKHLAS - University Of Mississippi
item KHAN, SHABANA - University Of Mississippi

Submitted to: Journal of Dietary Supplements
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/19/2025
Publication Date: 3/24/2025
Citation: Chae, H., Ahmed, N., Dale, O., Avula, B., Khan, I.A., Khan, S.I. 2025. Damiana (Turnera diffusa) reduces adipocyte cell differentiation and ameliorates glucose uptake. Journal of Dietary Supplements. 2025,22(3):401-416. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2025.2480582.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2025.2480582

Interpretive Summary: This study was carried out to explore the efficacy of Damiana (Turnera diffusa) leaves extract on metabolic pathways associated with obesity, diabetes and inflammation and to get an insight into the medicinal use of this plant. The leaves of Damiana have been used in traditional medicine for various medicinal properties. Results of this study indicated that the tested extract decreased fat accumulation in adipose tissue and increased glucose uptake into the muscle cells thereby supporting its efficacy against weight gain and diabetes. The phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of flavonoids as the main constituents which seem to contribute to the beneficial effects the extract.

Technical Abstract: Turnera diffusa leaf has been used in traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac, tonic, and in the management of diabetes. Based on the traditional use and recent evidence of antidiabetic activity, we investigated the effects of a hydroethanolic extract of T. diffusa leaf (TDE) on a series of ligand-activated transcription factors, namely PPARa, PPAR', LXR and NRF2, which are involved in the regulation of metabolic pathways associated with obesity, diabetes and inflammation. Further, the effects of TDE on a-glucosidase and lipid accumulation in adipocytes (adipogenesis) and glucose uptake in myocytes were also evaluated. Phytochemical analysis of TDE was performed by mass spectrometry. TDE demonstrated strong agonistic effect on LXR, resulting in an increase of >2-fold in its activity, while the activation of PPARa, PPAR', and NRF2, was in the range of 1.15 to 1.82-folds under similar experimental conditions. At a concentration of 100 µg/mL TDE decreased lipid accumulation in adipocytes by 55.3% and increased glucose uptake in muscle cells by 91.3%. The adipogenic effect induced by a full PPAR' agonist (rosiglitazone) was antagonized by TDE showing a decrease of 57.6% in lipid accumulation. This is the first report to reveal the agonistic action of TDE on multiple nuclear receptors along with its glucose uptake enhancing and antiadipogenic effects. The results indicate the potential utility of TDE in alleviating the symptoms of metabolic syndrome and in preventing the undesired adipogenic effects of antidiabetic drugs of glitazone class. Phytochemical analysis of TDE indicated the presence of flavonoids as major constituents. Further studies in animal models of type II diabetes and obesity are warranted to explore its utility as an anti-diabetic and anti-obesity supplement.