Mangiferin May Prevent Diabetic Nephropathy

NANJING, ChinaMangiferin could significantly prevent progression of diabetic nephropathy and improve renal function, according to new research (Phytother Res. 2010;24(6):893-99). Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most severe diabetic microangiopathies and accounting for approximately one-third of all cases of end-stage renal disease. Chinese researchers investigated the effect of mangiferin, a polyphenol from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. or Mangifera indica L., on diabetic nephropathy, and the possible mechanisms by using a developed diabetic nephropathy rat model and cultured rat mesangial cells.

Serum-advanced glycation end-products level, malonaldehyde level, sorbitol concentration of red blood cell, and 24-hour albuminuria excretion were significantly decreased, whereas activity of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase and creatinine clearance rate were increased by mangiferin. Blood glucose levels remained unaffected. Mangiferin significantly inhibited glomerular extracellular matrix expansion and accumulation and transforming growth factor-beta 1 overexpression in glomeruli of diabetic nephropathy rats. Moreover, mangiferin was observed to inhibit proliferation of mesangial cells induced by high glucose and the overexpression of collagen type IV of mesangial cells induced by advanced glycation end products.