Effect of Citrullus colocynthis Extract on Glycated Hemoglobin
Formation (In Vitro)
Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is typically a disorder of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. It
develops due to a lack of or loss associated with insulin and/or resistance to insulin. Regarding complications
of chemical substance use, drugs with few complications and high-reliability tannins are needed. This study
aimed to determine the effect and mechanism of action of Citrullus colocynthis extract on the formation of
glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).
Materials and Methods: A solution containing hemoglobin and glucose was incubated for 1, 2, 3, 4, 30,
and 60 days by adding Citrullus colocynthis extract or glutathione. Quantitative measurement of HbA1c was
performed using ion-exchange chromatography. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and two-way repeated
measures test. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The Citrullus colocynthis extract in hyperglycemic conditions and with increasing time reduced the
formation of HbA1c and thus inhibited the production of glycated proteins. By increasing the time and after
initiation of reaction of extract concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1 g/dL), presently, there was a significant
decrease in the formation of HbA1C compared to those in the control group (p<0.05). The decrease in
glycation has been dose dependent.
Conclusion: Therefore, Citrullus colocynthis could directly reduce the formation of HbA1c.