Spinosum Extract Research Articles

Effectiveness of iodine derived from Eucheuma spinosum against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella sp.

Seaweed is the primary source of carrageenan, but it also contains iodine, which can inhibit bacterial activity and growth. The iodine contained in seaweed results from interaction with the marine environment rich in iodine. The research was conducted from June to November 2022 and used iodine from seaweed extraction to test antibacterial activity (Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella sp). The antibacterial activity test was carried out for 48 hours. The iodine concentration was determined using titration, while the antibacterial activity test used the Disc Diffusion Test. The research showed that Eucheuma spinosum extract contained iodine, 0.38% - 1.22%. The antibacterial activity of seaweed iodine test results revealed an average inhibition zone diameter of 11.5 mm for Staphylococcus aureus and 12 mm for Salmonella sp. This research shows that the iodine in Eucheuma spinosum extract has an inhibitory solid impact on the activity and growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella sp.

The Prophylactic Effect of Eucheuma spinosum on Total Blood Cholesterol Levels in Rattus norvegicus Dexamethasone-Induced

Hyperlipidemia is one of the main risk factors for heart disease caused by the formation of atherosclerosis. Eucheuma spinosum contains a natural antioxidant flavonoid, which has an antiatherogenic effect that can inhibit the formation of cholesterol in the liver so that it can prevent the development of atherosclerosis. This study aims to determine the effect of prophylactic administration of Eucheuma spinosum on the total cholesterol levels of Rattus novergicus induced by dexamethasone. This study was an experimental design with a post-test-only control group design. This study would use 24 white male Rattus norvegicus divided into three groups; a negative control group (K-) without treatment, a positive control group (K+) induced dexamethasone 8 mg/Kg BW on day 14 until day 20, treatment group (KP) given Eucheuma spinosum extract 200 mg/Kg BW on day 8 until day 20 as Prophylactic and on day 14 until day 20 induced dexamethasone 8 mg/Kg BW. After completing the treatment period, all groups were terminated and taken total calculation of cholesterol levels through the aorta of rats. Data was analyzed statistically computerized. The results of the study of total cholesterol levels that used Kruskal-Wallis test showed differences between groups (p<0.001). There was a decrease in total cholesterol levels in the treatment group (p<0.024) compared with the positive control group. The administration of Eucheuma spinosum extract as a prophylactic dose of 200 mg/Kg BW for 14 days could reduce the total cholesterol level of Rattus norvegicus induced by dexamethasone compared to those not given Eucheuma spinosum extract.

The phenolic constituents and antimicrobial activity of Xanthium spinosum (asteraceae) extracts

Xanthium spinosum is a cosmopolitan annual herb used in traditional medicine worldwide. Although known from ethnobotanical studies, the species is scarcely investigated from the aspects of phytochemistry and biological activity. Therefore, the phenolic composition and biological activity of X. spinosum were examined. Plant specialised metabolites (phenolics) extracted from the roots, leaves and fruits with dichloromethane:methanol (1:1) were analysed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). In total 10 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified. Six compounds were common to all the extracts. Chlorogenic acid was the most abundant constituent in all the extracts (4.262 mg/g in the fruit extract, 0.820 mg/g in the leaf extract, and 0.540 mg/g in the root extract). The biological activity (antimicrobial and antibiofilm) of the extracts was tested against 12 microfungi and 12 bacterial strains by the microdilution method. All the extracts exhibited moderate antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity and inhibited the growth of most of the examined microorganisms. The obtained results indicate the potential role of the tested extracts in pharmacy and medicine.

Xanthium spinosum L. Extracts Inhibit Breast Cancer in Mice by Apoptosis Induction and Immune System Modulation.

Plants have been considered for many years as an important source of medicine to treat different diseases. Xanthium spinosum L. (Asteraceae, Compositae) is known for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative effects. It is also used in the treatment of several ailments, such as cancer. In order to evaluate the anticancer and immunomodulatory activities, crude ethanol extract was prepared from the aerial part of X. spinosum and then fractionated using solvents with different polarities. As well, the chemical composition of X. spinosum extract and fractions were identified using LC-MS analysis. The antitumor effect of X. spinosum was assessed in both in vitro and in vivo models. Apoptosis induction was measured in vitro using a caspase-3 activity kit. Lymphocyte proliferation and phagocytosis and pinocytosis induction were used to quantify the effect of the plant extract and fractions on acquired and innate immunity, respectively. The effect of X. spinosum extract, and fractions on the levels of cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10) in murine lymphocytes was determined using a mouse-uncoated TH1/TH2 ELISA kit. Results showed that ethanol extract had the highest antiproliferative activity (IC₅₀ = 2.5 mg mL-1) against EMT6/P cell lines, while the aqueous and chloroform fractions had the highest apoptotic activity with 2.2 and 1.7 folds, respectively. On the other hand, the n-hexane fraction was the most effective in stimulating lymphocyte proliferation, whereas ethanol extract, aq. Methanol and aqueous fractions exhibited the highest phagocytic activity. As well, X. spinosum extract and fractions were able to modulate the expression of IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ. A remarkable decrease in tumor size was accomplished following the treatment of tumor-bearing mice with X. spinosum extract and fractions. Both aq. Methanol and chloroform fractions showed the highest percentage change in tumor size with -58 and -55%, respectively. As well, tumor-bearing mice treated with chloroform fraction demonstrated a high curable percentage with a value of 57.1%. Anyway, X. spinosum extract and fractions exhibited no toxic impact on the liver or kidney functions of the mice-treated groups. These findings may confirm that X. spinosum has favorable anticancer and immunomodulatory effects. However, additional studies are required to fully understand the mechanisms of action of this plant and the signaling pathways involved in its effects. Moreover, more testing is needed to have better insight into the apoptotic pathway and to know the exact concentration of active compounds.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of plants grown in the Mediterranean region

AbstractBackgroundThe main objective of this research was to identify plant species with possible bioactivities based on their total phenol content, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Therefore, different parts of 42 plant species grown in the Mediterranean region were extracted with aqueous ethanol solutions to prepare extracts with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, mainly resulting from their total phenol contents. No detailed laboratory data on the flora of this area exists regarding their total phenol contents and total antioxidant activities.ResultsYields of extraction for each plant material were determined. Extracts were characterized based on their total phenol contents, total antioxidant (both hydrophilic and lipophilic), and antimicrobial activities using Folin–Ciocalteu, Photochemiluminescence, disc diffusion, and microdilution methods, respectively. The extract of Hypericum empetrifolium had the relatively highest total water‐soluble and lipid‐soluble antioxidant activities. Sarcopoterium spinosum extract had relatively high total phenol content. Preliminary screening study was conducted with the disc diffusion method to evaluate the extracts' antimicrobial activities. 26 out of 42 plant species showed significant antimicrobial activities against the growth of microorganisms. Microdilution assays were performed to evaluate the most active plant species with their minimum inhibition concentrations. H. empetrifolium, Pistacia terebinthus, Arbutus unedo, and Cistus parviflorus were the most antimicrobial plant species among those investigated.CONCLUSIONThe new potential sources for the isolation of bioactive natural compounds from specific plant species could be possible with the help of this present screening study. Isolated bioactive natural compounds can be utilized as raw materials in cosmetics, nutraceuticals, food supplements, and pharmaceutical industries.

Antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of Eucheuma spinosum extracted using a microwave

Eucheuma spinosum is a widely cultivated red seaweed. The phenolic compounds contained in E. spinosum, especially flavonoids, can be used as a source of natural antioxidants. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of E. spinosum extracted using a microwave with different extraction times (6, 8 and 10 minutes). The parameters measured included yield, phytochemical test, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activityt, namely 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrihydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The results showed that the E. spinosum extract with an extraction time of 10 minutes had the highest yield with a total phenolic content of 59.42 ± 27.36 mg GAE/g and a total flavonoid content of 65.48 ± 25.34 mg QE/g. The results of phytochemical screening showed that the extract contain triterpenoid compounds. The antioxidant activity of the E. spinosum extract showed the highest IC50 value of 46.52 ± 5.53 ppm using the DPPH method and the FRAP method was 58.92 ± 1.76 μM/g.

Sarcopoterium spinosum Inhibited the Development of Non-Alcoholic Steatosis and Steatohepatitis in Mice.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a comorbidity of obesity, which gradually develops from hepatic steatosis into steatohepatitis (NASH) and eventually even into fibrosis or hepatic carcinoma. To date, there has been no specific and effective treatment for NAFLD. Sarcopoterium spinosum extract (SSE) was found to improve insulin sensitivity. Recognizing the intimate link between insulin resistance and NAFLD, the aim of this study was to investigate the effectivity of SSE in the prevention and management of NAFLD at various severities. SSE was given to high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice (steatosis model) or to mice given a Western diet (WD) in the short or long term (NASH prevention or treatment, respectively). SSE reduced body weight accumulation, improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and prevented the development of hepatic steatosis. SSE also blocked the progression of liver disease toward NASH in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and antioxidant machinery was regulated by SSE in both models of steatosis and NASH development. However, SSE failed to reverse the hepatic damage in the advanced model of NASH. In summary, SSE might be considered as a botanical supplement for the prevention and treatment of hepatic steatosis, and for slowing the deterioration toward NASH.

Electrospraying of zein for the preparation of micro/nano-particles loaded with sarcopoterium spinosum extract

Natural compounds that are isolated from various plant species have been the focus of folk medicine due to their bioactivities. Pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries also utilize these natural compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Harsh processing and storage conditions causing loss of their bioactivities limit their applications. Therefore, biopolymeric carrier systems are required to preserve the natural bioactive compounds stability. Sarcopoterium spinosum is used in folkloric medicine for curing diabetes, gastrointestinal illnesses, cancer and pain. In this study, both solution and process parameters for electrospraying technique were investigated to encapsulate S. spinosum extract including natural bioactive compounds in zein particles. The best results were observed in 5% (w/v) of zein concentration in 70% aqueous ethanol. 0.3 ml/hour flow rate and 14 kV applied voltage were used in order to obtain narrow size distributionorbicular and smooth particle structure. The best mixture of S. spinosum extract and zein was achieved at weight ratio of 1:5. The zein microparticles with extract showed remarkable antioxidant activity.

Activation of Insulin Signaling in Adipocytes and Myotubes by Sarcopoterium Spinosum Extract.

Sarcopoterium spinosum (S. spinosum) is a medicinal plant, traditionally used as an antidiabetic remedy. Previous studies demonstrated its beneficial properties in the treatment of insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to further clarify the effect of S. spinosum extract (SSE) on insulin signaling. Phosphoproteomic analysis, performed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with SSE, revealed the activation of insulin receptor pathways. SSE increased Glut4-facilitated glucose uptake in adipocytes, with an additive effect between SSE and insulin. While the maximal effect of insulin on glucose uptake was found at days 15–16 of differentiation, SSE-induced glucose uptake was found at an earlier stage of differentiation. Inhibition of PI3K and Akt blocked SSE-dependent glucose uptake. Western blot analysis, performed on 3T3-L1 adipocytes and L6 myotubes, showed that in contrast to insulin action, Akt was only marginally phosphorylated by SSE. Furthermore, GSK3β and PRAS40 phosphorylation as well as glucose uptake were increased by the extract. SSE also induced the phosphorylation of ERK similar to insulin. In conclusion, SSE activates insulin signaling, although the upstream event mediating its effects should be further clarified. Identifying the active molecules in SSE may lead to the development of new agents for the treatment of insulin resistance.

Antibacterial Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Edible Seaweed Eucheuma spinosum Against Staphyloccocus aureus

The current work aims to determine antibacterial activities of ethanol extracts of Eucheuma spinosum against Staphylococcus aureus . These were showed through inhibition zones formation, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values. The MIC was determined using dilution test tube method, and the MBC was calculated using streaking method. Qualitative test was applied to determine phytochemical compounds in ethanol extract of E. spinosum . Results showed that ethanol extracts of E. spinosum at concentrations of 1%; 2%; 5%, and 10% (v/v) resulted in inhibition zones of 1.98; 4.14; 7.42; and 10.27 mm, respectively. In addition, concentration of 10% (v/v) was the MIC, and 15% (v/v) was the MBC values of E. spinosum extracts against S. aureus . The phytochemical analysis showed that alkaloids and saponins were the main components detected. Alkaloids positive tests were observed by the formation of brown sediment with Wagner’s reagent, yellow sediment with Mayer’s reagent, and orange sediment with Dragendorff’s reagent. Saponins positive results were detected by the formation of stable foam when the extracts reacted with water and HCl. Overall, these results suggested that E. spinosum extracts have antibacterial properties against Gram-positive bacteria, i.e. S. aureus .

Beneficial Effects of Sideritis scardica and Cichorium spinosum against Amyloidogenic Pathway and Tau Misprocessing in Alzheimer's Disease Neuronal Cell Culture Models.

Natural products are a significantly underutilized source of potential treatments against human disease. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prime example of conditions that could be amenable to such treatments as suggested by recent findings. Aiming to identify novel potentially therapeutic approaches against AD, we assessed the effects of Cichorium spinosum and Sideritis scardica extracts, both distinct components of the Mediterranean diet. After the detailed characterization of the extracts' composition using LC-HRMS methods, they were evaluated on two AD neuronal cell culture models, namely the AβPP overexpressing SH-SY5Y-AβPP and the hyperphosphorylated tau expressing PC12-htau. Initially their effect on cell viability of SH-SY5Y and PC12 cells was examined, and subsequently their downstream effects on AβPP and tau processing pathways were investigated in the SH-SY5Y-AβPP and PC12-htau cells. We found that the S. scardica and C. spinosum extracts have similar effects on tau, as they both significantly decrease total tau, the activation of the GSK3β, ERK1 and/or ERK2 kinases of tau, as well as tau hyperphosphorylation. Furthermore, both extracts appear to promote AβPP processing through the alpha, non-amyloidogenic pathway, albeit through partly different mechanisms. These findings suggest that C. spinosum and S. scardica could have a notable potential in the prevention and/or treatment of AD, and merit further investigations at the in vivo level.

Sarcopoterium spinosum extract improved insulin sensitivity in mice models of glucose intolerance and diabetes.

BackgroundThe glucose lowering properties of Sarcopoterium spinosum, a traditional medicinal plant, were previously validated by us using KK-Ay mice as a genetic model for type 2 diabetes (T2D).ObjectiveTo clarify the effects of Sarcopoterium spinosum extract (SSE) on diet-induced glucose intolerance and to investigate SSE effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in target tissues of both high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed and KK-Ay mice.ResultsMice were given SSE (70 mg/day) for 6 weeks. SSE improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in HFD-fed mice as was demonstrated previously in KK-Ay mice. Higher insulin sensitivity was validated by lower serum insulin and activation of the insulin signaling cascade in skeletal muscle and liver of SSE-treated mice in both models. H&E staining of the livers demonstrated lower severity of steatosis in SSE-treated mice. Several model-specific effects of SSE were observed–mRNA expression of proinflammatory genes and CD36 was reduced in SSE-treated KK-Ay mice. Hepatic mRNA expression of PEPCK was also reduced in SSE-treated KK-Ay mice, while other genes involved in carbohydrates and lipid metabolism were not affected. HFD-fed mice treated by SSE had elevated hepatic glycogen stores. Gluconeogenic gene expression was not affected, while GCK expression was increased. HFD-induced hepatic steatosis was not affected by SSE. However, while genes involved in lipid metabolism were downregulated by HFD, this was not found in HFD-fed mice given SSE, demonstrating an expression profile which is similar to that of standard diet-fed mice.ConclusionOur study supports the insulin sensitizing activity of SSE and suggests that this extract might improve other manifestations of the metabolic syndrome.

Extracts from the Mediterranean Food Plants Carthamus lanatus, Cichorium intybus, and Cichorium spinosum Enhanced GSH Levels and Increased Nrf2 Expression in Human Endothelial Cells.

The Mediterranean diet is considered to prevent several diseases. In the present study, the antioxidant properties of six extracts from Mediterranean plant foods were assessed. The extracts' chemical composition analysis showed that the total polyphenolic content ranged from 56 to 408 GAE mg/g dw of extract. The major polyphenols identified in the extracts were quercetin, luteolin, caftaric acid, caffeoylquinic acid isomers, and cichoric acid. The extracts showed in vitro high scavenging potency against ABTS•+ and O2 •− radicals and reducing power activity. Also, the extracts inhibited peroxyl radical-induced cleavage of DNA plasmids. The three most potent extracts, Cichorium intybus, Carthamus lanatus, and Cichorium spinosum, inhibited OH•-induced mutations in Salmonella typhimurium TA102 cells. Moreover, C. intybus, C. lanatus, and C. spinosum extracts increased the antioxidant molecule glutathione (GSH) by 33.4, 21.5, and 10.5% at 50 μg/ml, respectively, in human endothelial EA.hy926 cells. C. intybus extract was also shown to induce in endothelial cells the transcriptional expression of Nrf2 (the major transcription factor of antioxidant genes), as well as of antioxidant genes GCLC, GSR, NQO1, and HMOX1. In conclusion, the results suggested that extracts from edible plants may prevent diseases associated especially with endothelium damage.

Optimization of Extraction Parameters of Phenolic Compounds from Sarcopoterium spinosum Leaves by Response Surface Methodology

The shrublands are very common in Urla-Çeşme-Karaburun peninsula located in the western point of Turkey. Prickly shrubby burnet (Sarcopoterium spinosum L.) is one of the common weed which has intensive thorns making its consumption for the local domestic animals. However, Sarcopoterium spinosum is a valuable and common medicinal plant in the Mediterranean region. Crude extract of S. spinosum leaves exhibited higher antioxidant activity, as 3143.5± 238.5 µM TEAC (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity)/g dry weight (DW), when compared to other medicinal plants found in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of extraction parameters on the content and biological activity of the extract by response surface methodology (RSM) as well as to identify its major compounds. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was employed to investigate the phenolic content of S. spinosum extract. The composition of the phenolic contents including hyperoside and isoquercetin, the latter being the major component, in S. spinosum extract has been shown for the first time by HPLC. Antimicrobial activity of S. spinosum extract, identified by minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) assay, indicated that the crude extract had antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

Anti-diabetic activity of aerial parts of Sarcopoterium spinosum

BackgroundSarcopoterium spinosum (S. spinosum) is used by Bedouin medicinal practitioners for the treatment of diabetes. While the anti-diabetic activity of S. spinosum root extract was validated in previous studies, the activity of aerial parts of the same plants has not been elucidated yet. The aim of this study was to clarify the glucose lowering properties of the aerial parts of the shrub.MethodsAnti-diabetic properties were evaluated by measuring the activity of carbohydrate digesting enzymes, glucose uptake into 3 T3-L1 adipocytes, and insulin secretion. Insulin signaling cascade was followed in L6 myotubes using Western blot and PathScan analysis.ResultsActivity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase was inhibited by extracts of all S. spinosum organs. Basal and glucose-induced insulin secretion was measured in Min6 cells and found to be enhanced as well. Glucose uptake was induced by all S. spinosum extracts, with roots found to be the most effective and fruits the least.The effect of S. spinosum on Akt phosphorylation was minor compared to insulin effect. However, GSK3β and PRAS40, which are downstream elements of the insulin cascade, were found to be highly phosphorylated by S. spinosum extracts. Inhibition of PI3K and Akt, but not AMPK and ERK, abrogated the induction of glucose uptake by the aerial parts of the shrub.ConclusionThe aerial organs of S. spinosum have anti-diabetic properties and may be used as a basis for the development of dietary supplements or to identify new agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Insulin-sensitizing and insulin-mimetic activities of Sarcopoterium spinosum extract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSarcopoterium spinosum is an abundant plant in Israel, used by Bedouin medicinal practitioners for the treatment of diabetes. In our previous study we validated the anti-diabetic activity of Sarcopoterium spinosum. The aim of this study was to further clarify its mechanism of action. Materials and methodsIn-vivo studies were performed on KK-a/y mice given the extract for 6 weeks. Insulin tolerance test was performed, and relative pancreatic islets area was measured. Mechanisms of action were investigated in L6 myotubes using protein array, Western blot analysis and confocal microscopy. Glucose uptake assays were performed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. ResultsSarcopoterium spinosum extract reduced fasting blood glucose and improved insulin sensitivity in treated mice. Hypertrophic islets were detected in diabetic, but not in Sarcopoterium spinosum-treated mice. Sarcopoterium spinosum phosphorylated PTEN on ser380 and thr382/383, which are known inhibitory sites. PKB was not phosphorylated by Sarcopoterium spinosum, however, translocation of PKB from cytoplasm to the membrane and nucleus was detected. Target proteins of PKB were regulated by Sarcopoterium spinosum; GSK3β was phosphorylated and cytosolic localization of FoxO was increased. Glucose uptake was increased in a PI3K and AMPK-independent mechanism. ConclusionsWe suggest that Sarcopoterium spinosum inhibited PTEN and activated PKB by a mechanism which is independent of ser473 and thr308 phosphorylation. Other post translation modifications might be involved and should be analyzed further in order to understand this unique PKB activation. Identifying the active molecules in the extract, may lead to the development of new agents for the treatment of insulin resistance.

Sarcopoterium spinosum extract as an antidiabetic agent: In vitro and in vivo study

Ethnopharmacological relevance Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) sp., a common plant in the Mediterranean region, is widely used as an antidiabetic drug by Bedouin healers. However, the antidiabetic properties of Sarcopoterium spinosum had not been fully validated using scientific tools. Aim of the study To determine the effectiveness of Sarcopoterium spinosum extract as an antidiabetic agent in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methods RINm pancreatic β-cells, L6 myotubes, 3T3-L1 adipocytes and AML-12 hepatocytes were treated with an aqueous Sarcopoterium spinosum extract (0.001–10 mg/ml). The effect of the extract on specific physiological functions, including insulin secretion, pancreatic β-cell viability, GSK3β phosphorylation, lipolysis and glucose uptake was measured. In vivo studies were performed using KK-A y mice, given the extract for several weeks. IPGTT was performed, and plasma insulin, FFA, food consumption and body weight were measured. In addition, diabetic KK-A y mice were given a single dose of the extract, and IPGTT was performed. Results Sarcopoterium spinosum extract increased basal and glucose/forskolin-induced insulin secretion in RINm cells, and increased cell viability. The extract inhibited lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and induced glucose uptake in these cells as well as in AML-12 hepatocytes and L6 myotubes. GSK3β phosphorylation was also induced in L6 myotubes, suggesting increased glycogen synthesis. Sarcopoterium spinosum extract had a preventive effect on the progression of diabetes in KK-A y mice. Catechin and epicatechin were detected in Sarcopoterium spinosum extract using hyphenated LC–MS/MS. Conclusions Sarcopoterium spinosum extract has effects that mimic those of insulin and provide the basis for antidiabetic activity of the extract.

Evaluating the anti-diabetic effects of <i>Sarcopoterium spinosum</i> extracts in vitro

Natural medicine has traditionally used medicinal plants to treat diabetes. However, the efficacy of most of these folk medicine plants has rarely been tested and validated using scientific methods. Sarcopoterium spinosum, an abundant plant in Israel, was suggested to have a beneficial effect on diabetes symptoms. In this study we determined the antidiabetic effect of an S. spinosum extract in vitro. Results: Treatment of L6 myotubes with an S. spinosum extract induced GSK3β phosphorylation, suggesting that the extract increases glycogen synthesis. In pancreatic β-cells, the S. spinosum extract increased basal insulin secretion, but reduced glucose/forskolin-induced insulin secretion. The extract also inhibited isoproterenol-induced lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, as determined by measuring the free fatty acids in the supernatant. Conclusion: The study shows that S. spinosum extract affects insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells, and has insulin-like effects on metabolic pathways in classic insulin-respo...