ABSTRACT Type 2 diabetes is a major health problem in Mexico, as it is in other countries, is a chronic condition that develops when the body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use it appropriately. Both insulin deficiency and insulin resistance lead to high blood glucose levels. In Mexico, people with diabetes are known to use the decoction of red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle L., Rhizophoraceae) bark to control blood glucose levels. Therefore, in this study, we sought to investigate the chronic hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of R. mangle; we also elucidate some of the major phytochemical compounds of R. mangle. To analyze the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects, we used rats with streptozotocin–nicotinamide-induced hyperglycemia; the rats were classified into four groups (six rats each), based on the treatment given, as follows: group 1, non-hyperglycemic control; group 2, hyperglycemic control; group 3, glibenclamide (5 mg/kg body weight); and group 4, Rhizophora ethanol–water extract (90 mg/kg). The extract or glibenclamide was orally administered, dissolved in 1.5 ml of physiological NaCl-solution, twice a day (in the morning and in the evening) over a period of 42 days. The methanolic extract was used to elucidate the main compounds present in R. mangle via conventional phytochemical methods, such as TLC, HLPC, UPLC–DAD–MS, and NMR. The following compounds were detected: cinchonains Ia and Ib, catechin-3-O-rhamnopyranoside, epicatechin, lyoniside, and nudiposide. The daily administration of Rhizophora ethanol–water extract, similar to the traditional usage to control type 2 diabetes, was shown to exert chronic hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. This effect may be associated whit the constituents in the extract. These findings suggest that R. mangle and its constituents could be potentially used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Cyclolignan (+)-lyoniresinol (1), veratric acid (2), vanillic acid (3), lupeol, oleanolic acid, 3β-hydroxy-urs-11-en-28,13β-lactone (4), the mixture of α- and β-amyrin, trans-polyisoprene, and β-sitosterol were isolated from the leaves of Maytenus phyllanthoides. The structures of the isolated compounds were established based on spectroscopic data, mainly ¹H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Compound 1, its acetate analog 1a, and compounds 2, 3, and 4 were tested against Trichomonas vaginalis. (+)-Lyoniresinol showed activity corresponding to IC50 17.57 µM. This is the first report on the occurrence of 3β-hydroxy-urs-11-en-28,13β-lactone (4) in the Celastraceous family and lyoniresinol in the Maytenus genus, and on the antitrichomonal activity of lyoniresinol.

Bernardino de Sahagún, Martin de la Cruz, and Francisco Hernández compiled during the XVI century the herbal understanding of the habitants of the current Mexican territory. Their extraordinary works are real a window in time to pre-Columbian medical and botanical knowledge. In this contribution we briefly review their lives and writings, as well as, the chemistry and biological properties of plant species that they recorded, mainly Montanoa tomentosa (Asteraceae) known 500 years ago as "cihuapatli" = "women's medicine". Several compounds explain whole or in part its ancient medicinal applications.

Bernardino de Sahagún, Martin de la Cruz y Francisco Hernández compilaron durante el siglo XVI los conocimientos herbolarios de los antiguos habitantes del territorio mexicano. Sus extraordinarios trabajos son verdaderas ventanas en el tiempo que permiten conocer el saber médico y botánico en la época precolombina. En este artículo presentamos una breve semblanza de las vidas y obras de estos autores, así como una breve revisión química y de las propiedades biológicas de algunas especies vegetales que ellos registraron, en especial Montanoa tomentosa (Asteraceae) conocida hace 500 años como "cihuapatli" = "medicina de mujer". Varios de estos compuestos explican racionalmente, ya sea en todo o en parte, sus antiguas aplicaciones médicas.