The objective of our study is to find a scientific evidence for the traditional use of Phaseolus
vulgaris L. In addition, to evaluate the effect of the combination between the plant extract and
mesenchymal cells on type I diabetes.
The social importance of diabetes mellitus is due to its significant spread in addition to its serious
complications. Medicinal plants derived from different traditional systems are now excessively
investigated for their effectiveness to facilitate the course of diabetes and its complications. One
of such plants is Phaseolus vulgaris L. This plant was used in traditional medicine, for the
treatment of diabetes and its complications.
The in vivo antihyperglycemic effect was evaluated by using the polar and non-polar fractions of
the 95% ethanol extract of the dried powder of P. vulgaris pericarps. In STZ-induced diabetic rats,
the fractions were administered daily for 28 days using the oral route in the dose of 100 and 200
mg/kg b.w. Another experiment was conducted in STZ-diabetic rats in which the non-polar
fraction was tested again at its effective dose 200 mg/kg alone and in combination with
intraperitoneal injection of bone marrow derived mesenchymal cells (1000.000 cells/rat i.p). The
secondary metabolites of both P. vulgaris pods’ fractions the polar and non-polar fractions were
analyzed using LC-MS/MS analysis to have a full picture of their composition.
The non-polar fraction at 200 mg/kg showed the highest activity as it caused maximal reduction
of serum glucose, total cholesterol, total triglycerides, and a significant increase in serum insulin
and high density lipoprotein (HDL). The antidiabetic effect of the non-polar fraction of P. vulgaris
was highly augmented when injected in combination with the mesenchymal cells.
Our work provides a scientific base for the antidiabetic effect of Phaseolus vulgaris L. pericarps
which is mainly attributed to its insulin secretagogue effect.