Abstract
Morus nigra L. has been widely used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. We evaluate the chemical composition and antidiabetic properties of the hexane (Hex-Mn) and chloroform (Chlo-Mn) fractions obtained by partition of the crude ethanolic extract from the leaves in rats. Chemical composition analysis of Hex-Mn and Chlor-Mn was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (CG-MS). In vivo and in vitro studies were carried out to compare the antidiabetic activities of the Hex-Mn and Chlor-Mn fractions. Most of the compounds identified in Hex-Mn were α-linolenic acid, stigmast-5-en-3-ol and linolenic acid ethyl ester, while in Chlor-Mn, stigmast-5-en-3-ol, palmitic acid and α-linolenic acid were mainly identified. Only Hex-Mn treatment reduced both fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia. Additionally, Hex-Mn preserved body weight gain, preserved the hepatic glycogen content, and also reduced the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and nitrite levels, as well as restored the superoxide dismutase. Furthermore, digestion of complex carbohydrates and intestinal glucose absorption was prevented by Hex-Mn treatment. Our results suggest that the antidiabetic activity of Hex-Mn may be explained, at least in part, by the insulin sensitivity increase, antioxidant properties and reduction in carbohydrate absorption in the small intestine.
Highlights
Diabetes mellitus (DM) conditions are recognized for persistent hyperglycemia, which is due to compromised insulin synthesis by beta cells of the pancreatic islet and/or loss of insulin action in the target tissue (Júnior et al 2017, Barbosa et al 2018)
There is evidence showing that postprandial hyperglycemia (PPH) may be an independent risk factor for the development of diabetes comorbidities, such as micro and macrovascular diseases (Rizza 2010, Gerich 2013)
The gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC-MS) chromatogram of hexane fraction (Hex-Mn) revealed the presence of 71 peaks, of which 15 were identified, corresponding to 77.81% of its total chemical composition. α-linolenic acid (16.04%), stigmast-5-en-3-ol (10.45%) and linolenic acid ethyl ester (9.31%) were the majority of compounds
Summary
Diabetes mellitus (DM) conditions are recognized for persistent hyperglycemia, which is due to compromised insulin synthesis by beta cells of the pancreatic islet and/or loss of insulin action in the target tissue (Júnior et al 2017, Barbosa et al 2018). Despite the pharmacology therapy efficacy in glycemic control, its use has been limited by side effects of medicines. The use of plants as functional food or alternative medicines has been widely accepted to prevent and treat DM (Thaipitakwong et al 2018). It is noteworthy that postprandial glucose control deteriorates before fasting blood glucose (FBG) (Rizza 2010). There is evidence showing that postprandial hyperglycemia (PPH) may be an independent risk factor for the development of diabetes comorbidities, such as micro and macrovascular diseases (Rizza 2010, Gerich 2013). A growing body of evidence indicates that PPH induces severe oxidative stress, which is caused by the generation of
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
