title: Effect of (-)epicatechin in modulating calicum-atpase activity in normal and diabetic human erythrocytes.
abstract: Aqueous extract of the wood ofPterocarpus marsupium, commonly known as 'bijasar', is used in Indian Ayurveda system of medicine for treatment of diabetes. The active anti-diabetic principle in its aqueous extract has been found to be (-)epicatechin, a flavonoid. The present work was undertaken to study the effect of (-)epicatechin on erythrocyte membrane Ca(++)-ATPase from type 2 diabetic patients. The activity of erythrocyte Ca(++)-ATPase was significantly lower in type 2 diabetics.In vitro insulin treatment of erythrocyte ghosts, resulted in the increase of Ca(++)-ATPase activity in diabetic patients. Treatment with (-)epicatechin (1mM) resulted in an increase in the activity of erythrocyte Ca(++)-ATPase in both normal individuals and type 2 diabetic patients. The insulin like effect of (-)epicatechin on erythrocyte membrane Ca(++)-ATPase in type 2 diabetics is an interesting finding. Further work is needed to elucidate the mechanism of action of (-)epicatechin on modulation of erythrocyte membrane bound enzymes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, 211002 Allahabad.
authors.forename: M Abu
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Zaid
authors.forename: K K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: S I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Rizvi
keywords: (-)epicatechin; Ca++-ATPase; Erythrocyte; diabetes mellitus