Short and Long-Term Effects of Baccharis articulata on Glucose Homeostasis

Virginia D Kappel,Eloir P Schenkel,Fátima R M B Silva,Flávio H Reginatto,Danielle F Pereira,Carlos H Blum Da Silva,Luisa H Cazarolli,Samantha M Guesser

doi:10.3390/molecules17066754

Abstract

In this study, the in vivo effect of the crude extract and n-butanol and aqueous residual fractions of Baccharis articulata (Lam.) Pers. on serum glucose levels, insulin secretion and liver and muscle glycogen content, as well as in vitro action on serum intestinal disaccharidase activity and albumin glycation were investigated. Oral administration of the extract and fractions reduced glycemia in hyperglycemic rats. Additionally, the n-butanol fraction, which has high flavonoids content, stimulated insulin secretion, exhibiting an insulinogenic index similar to that of glipizide. Also, the n-butanol fraction treatment significantly increased glycogen content in both liver and muscle tissue. In vitro incubation with the crude extract and n-butanol and aqueous residual fractions inhibited maltase activity and the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Thus, the results demonstrated that B. articulata exhibits a significant antihyperglycemic and insulin-secretagogue role. These effects on the regulation of glucose homeostasis observed for B. articulata indicate potential anti-diabetic properties.

Highlights

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by a high blood glucose concentration which is due to insulin deficiency and/or insulin resistance
In our investigation the TLC analysis showed a predominance of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the crude extract (CE) and the n-butanol fraction (BF) of B. articulata
The results reported demonstrate that B. articulata has a significant content of flavonoids and other phenolic compounds (Table 1) and the presence of these constituents may be associated with the antihyperglycemic effect observed, since the hypoglycemic activity of phenolics compounds has been previously reported [10]

Summary

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by a high blood glucose concentration (hyperglycemia) which is due to insulin deficiency and/or insulin resistance. The chronic hyperglycemia of diabetes is associated with long-term damage to many systems of the body, in particular the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels [1]. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common metabolic disorder worldwide, and with epidemic proportions the increase in its prevalence is unprecedented, both in developed and developing countries. The primary aim in the management of T2DM is to delay, or even prevent, the complications of the disease by achieving euglycemic levels. The treatment of T2DM is complicated by several factors inherent to the disease process, such as insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, impaired insulin secretion and reduced insulin-mediated glucose uptake and utilization [2]

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