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Article
Identification of Plant Extracts that Inhibit the Formation of Diabetes-Linked IAPP Amyloid
Journal of Herbal Medicine
  • Ana Lucia Fuentes, Loyola Marymount University
  • Kathleen Hennessy, Loyola Marymount University
  • Jacob Pascual, Loyola Marymount University
  • Nicole Pepe, Loyola Marymount University
  • In Wang, Loyola Marymount University
  • Cynthia Chaggan, Mount Saint Mary College
  • Jessica Martinez, Mount Saint Mary College
  • Evelyn Rivera, Mount Saint Mary College
  • Paola Cota, Loyola Marymount University
  • Christina Cunha, Loyola Marymount University
  • Luiza A. Nogaj, Mount Saint Mary College
  • David A. Moffet, Loyola Marymount University
Document Type
Article - pre-print
Publication Date
3-1-2016
Disciplines
Abstract

The extracts of 27 vegetables, spices and herbs were screened for their functional ability to inhibit the aggregation of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP, amylin) into toxic amyloid aggregates. The aggregation of IAPP has been directly linked to the death of pancreatic β-islet cells in type 2 diabetes. Inhibiting the aggregation of IAPP is believed to have the potential to slow, if not prevent entirely, the progression of this disease. As vegetables, spices and herbs are known to possess many different positive health effects, the extracts of 27 plants (abundant within the United States and spanning several plant families) were screened for their ability to inhibit the formation of toxic IAPP aggregates. Their anti-amyloid activities were assessed through (1) thioflavin T binding assays, (2) visualization of amyloid fibers using atomic force microscopy and (3) cell rescue studies. From this research, mint, peppermint, red bell pepper and thyme emerged as possessing the greatest anti-amyloid activity.

Publisher Statement

This is an author-manuscript of an article accepted for publication in Journal of Herbal Medicine. The published version of this record is available online at doi: 10.1016/j.hermed.2015.11.001.

Citation Information
Fuentes AL, Hennessy K, Pascual J, et al. Identification of Plant Extracts that Inhibit the Formation of Diabetes-Linked IAPP Amyloid. Journal of herbal medicine. 2016;6(1):37-41. doi:10.1016/j.hermed.2015.11.001.