Gotu Kola Lessens Harmful Impact of BPA on Pancreas

Jenn Hoskins
8th April, 2024

Gotu Kola Lessens Harmful Impact of BPA on Pancreas

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • In a study at Serampore College, Centella asiatica helped reduce BPA's harmful effects on mice
  • The plant extract lowered oxidative stress and inflammation in the mice's pancreatic cells
  • It also protected cells that regulate blood sugar, offering potential diabetes management benefits
In recent years, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been on the rise, causing concern for public health worldwide. One factor contributing to this trend is the exposure to Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical commonly found in food packaging and various household products. BPA has been identified as an endocrine-disrupting chemical with the potential to interfere with the body's hormonal systems and exacerbate the risk of developing metabolic diseases like T2DM[2]. Researchers from Serampore College have taken a significant step forward in addressing this health concern by exploring the protective effects of Centella asiatica, a plant with a long history of medicinal use, particularly in Ayurvedic therapy[1]. The study focused on the potential of Centella asiatica to counteract the harmful effects of BPA on pancreatic islet cells, which play a critical role in maintaining blood sugar levels by producing insulin. The study involved treating male Swiss albino mice with two different doses of BPA for 21 days, which led to disturbances in glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, and islet dysfunction. These are all hallmarks of T2DM development. The mice also exhibited increased oxidative stress, higher levels of inflammatory markers, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), abnormalities in the cell cycle, and a rise in cell death (apoptosis) within the pancreatic islet cells. Centella asiatica was administered alongside BPA, and the results were promising. The herbal extract, rich in pentacyclic triterpenoids known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, was able to partially mitigate the effects of BPA. Specifically, it reduced oxidative stress, decreased inflammation, preserved the integrity of the mitochondria (MMP), and helped regulate the cell cycle. Most importantly, it significantly reduced the number of islet cells undergoing apoptosis. This study builds upon previous findings that have indicated a link between BPA exposure and the development of diabetes, highlighting the need to consider environmental factors as part of diabetes risk management[3]. The research also echoes earlier studies that have shown an increased risk of ischemic stroke and associated in-hospital mortality in diabetic patients[4]. By identifying a potential intervention to reduce BPA-induced islet cell toxicity, this study contributes to the broader effort to manage and mitigate diabetes-related complications. The research adds to the growing body of evidence that environmental toxicants like BPA can have detrimental effects on metabolic health. It also underscores the importance of integrating knowledge of such environmental risk factors into clinical practice guidelines, which currently do not adequately address this aspect of diabetes risk[3]. In conclusion, the study conducted by Serampore College offers a glimpse of hope that natural substances like Centella asiatica could play a role in protecting against chemical-induced metabolic disorders. While further research is necessary to confirm these findings in humans and to understand the full potential of Centella asiatica as a therapeutic agent, this study represents a significant step in the right direction for addressing the environmental components of diabetes risk and progression.

HerbsMedicineHealth

References

Main Study

1) Centella asiatica mitigates the detrimental effects of Bisphenol-A (BPA) on pancreatic islets.

Published 5th April, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-58545-2

Related Studies

2) Molecular dissection of cellular response of pancreatic islet cells to Bisphenol-A (BPA): A comprehensive review.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115068

3) Environmental neglect: endocrine disruptors as underappreciated but potentially modifiable diabetes risk factors.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-019-4940-z

4) Effect of diabetes on hospitalization for ischemic stroke and related in-hospital mortality: a study in Tuscany, Italy, over years 2004-2011.

https://doi.org/10.1002/dmrr.2607


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