Researchers at the Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, have discovered a potentially valuable health breakthrough about this mangrove palm. Traditionally, this tree is well-known by local practitioners who use it treat various health complaints. For their study, the research team investigated the anti-hyperglycemic and pain-relieving potential of a leaf and stem extract of Nypa fruticans Wurmb.
The palm extract was tested on glucose-loaded hyperglycemic mice. The mice were divided into five groups. The first group acted as control, the second group was administered a standard drug called glibenclamide, and the final three groups were given different doses of Nypa fruticans Wurmb extract.
The researchers found that Nypa fruticans Wurmb showed significant anti-hyperglycemic activity on glucose-loaded mice at every dose. They calculated that the maximum anti-hyperglycemic activity was observed at a dose of 500 milligram of extract per kilogram of body weight. This, the research team concluded, was more than what was obtained with the drug glibenclamide at a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight.
The researchers also determined that the mangrove palm also demonstrated significant pain-relieving activity. They found that the palm extract caused a maximum inhibition of pain at the dose of 600 milligrams/kg of body weight. This result was better than the result obtained with 200 mg of aspirin/kg of body weight. The research team concluded that Nypa fruticans Wurmb has significant anti-hyperglycemic and pain-fighting activity and has great potential as an alternative remedy.
Finding Nypa fruticans Wurmb may be a challenge, but could be well worth the effort. Look for it at your local natural pharmacy or herbal remedy store.