Investigation of the in vitro antidiabetic and neuroprotective effects of selected Helichrysum species against high monosaccharide-induced toxicity

Abstract

Chronic hyperglycaemia (glucotoxicity), a common complication in diabetes mellitus (DM), is known to cause cognitive decline in some of these patients, often affecting their overall quality of life. Some medicinal plants used in folk medicine for DM have also been reported effective in treating some of its co-morbidities, including cognitive decline. Plants of the Helichrysum genus (Asteraceae family) are well known in South African traditional medicine for their diverse health benefits, which make them potential sources of biologically active compounds.