Newbouldia’s Laevis biological effects against metabolic syndrome components: A review

Abstract

This study focused on a review of existing data on Newbouldia laevis and its potential effects on metabolic syndrome. Progressive changes in lifestyle that promote sedentary lifestyle, nutritional imbalances associated with excessive levels of refined sugars and fat that promote excess calories, and genetic factors have contributed significantly to the increase in cardiovascular disease, diabetes and the emergence of the concept of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome refers to an aggregation of factors that intervene, most often together, it is defined as a set of biological and clinical disorders whose metabolic aberrations are mainly: Insulin resistance and dysglycemia, obesity (general and abdominal), atherogenic dyslipidaemia, high blood pressure pro-inflammatory and prothrombotic states. The management of metabolic syndrome is very complex, because the components are associated differently in each patient due to the genetic susceptibility of each to develop one component over another, and the many environmental factors influencing the development of the pathology. The African continent is full of a great diversity of plant species, most of which are used by people as medicines to solve their health problems, because they are readily available. The African hyssop or Newbouldia laevis is a plant in the family Bignoniaceae. The qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenes, flavonoids, and cardiac glycosides anthraquinones in Newbouldia laevis leaf extract. Several therapeutic properties have been attributed to the plant Newbouldia laevis including anti-hyperglycemic, cardio-protective and hypotensive activity, body weight reduction, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, hepato-protective, antiparasitic, antibiotic. Herbal medicine is an alternative way to treat metabolic syndrome, and its importance is growing.