Antihyperglycemic and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Lippia citriodora in Rats.

AIM: The study was conducted to assess the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Lippia citriodora. BACKGROUND: Lippia citriodora Kunth (Verbenaceae) is a medicinal plant with many traditional uses. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of Lippia citriodora and its capacity to improve the lipid profile in diabetic rats. METHODS: Normal and diabetic rats were treated orally for 15 days by the leaves aqueous extract of Lippia citriodora (LCLAE) (100 mg/kg). The whole glucose utilization and liver architecture were also evaluated. The in vitro antioxidant activity of LCLAE was also assessed. RESULTS: LCLAE lowered blood glucose and lipid levels in all groups. Moreover, LCLAE ameliorated the liver structure and exhibited antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study demonstrates the hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of LCLAE in rats.

Preclinical Study of the Antidiabetic Effect of Traganum nudatum in Diabetic Rats.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to study the antidiabetic effect of Traganum nudatum in an animal model of diabetes. BACKGROUND: Traganum nudatum (T. nudatum) is a medicinal plant widely used in folk medicine by the Moroccan population to treat various diseases including diabetes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic of the aqueous Traganum nudatum extract in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated orally by the extract of Traganum nudatum (T. nudatum) at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The blood glucose levels were determined for 6 hours and 15 days during this treatment. The oral glucose tolerance and phytochemical tests and the analysis of histopathological changes of the liver were performed. The antioxidant activity of aqueous T. nudatum extract was also assessed using the method of trapping of free radical 2,2- diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). RESULTS: T. nudatum Aerial Part Aqueous Extract (TNAPAE) reduced the blood glucose levels in both normal and diabetic rats. The results demonstrated that TNAPAE treatment exhibited a significant hypoglycemic effect without altering the body weight. In addition, a noticeable influence on glucose tolerance was also observed after TNAPAE treatment. Moreover, TNAPAE was able to exhibit a beneficial effect on the histological structure of the liver. Finally, a potential antioxidant effect has been shown in vitro. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study demonstrates the antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic effects of T. nudatum in rats supporting its traditional use for the management of diabetes.

Ruta Montana Evokes Antihypertensive Activity Through an Increase of Prostaglandins Release in L-NAME-Induced Hypertensive Rats.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to experimentally investigate the antihypertensive effect of Ruta Montana. BACKGROUND: Ruta montana L. is traditionally used in Moroccan herbal medicine to treat hypertension. This study aimed to experimentally evaluate the hypotensive and vasoactive properties of this plant. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract of Ruta Montana on blood pressure parameters in LNAME-induced hypertensive rats and to determine the vasorelaxant activity of this aqueous extract. METHODS: The antihypertensive effect of the aqueous extract obtained from Ruta montana aerial parts (RMAPAE) (200 mg/kg) was evaluated in normal and anesthetized hypertensive rats. Blood pressure parameters (systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean blood pressure (MBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)) and heart rate were measured using a tail-cuff and a computer-assisted monitoring device. The acute and chronic effect of RMAPAE was recorded for 6 hours for the acute experiment and for 7 days for the sub-chronic test. In the other set, the vasorelaxant effect of RMAPAE on the contractile response was observed in the isolated thoracic aorta. RESULTS: The results indicated that the RMAPAE extract significantly decreased SBP, MBP, DBP and heart rate in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Furthermore, RMAPAE was demonstrated to induce a dose-dependent relaxation in the aorta precontracted with Epinephrine or KCl. More interestingly, this vasorelaxant activity of RMAPAE seems to be probably mediated through the prostaglandins pathway. CONCLUSION: The present study illustrates the beneficial action of Ruta montana on hypertension and supports its use as an antihypertensive agent.

Flavonoids Extracted from Asteriscus graveolens Improve Glucose Metabolism and Lipid Profile in Diabetic Rats.

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Asteriscus graveolens. BACKGROUND: Asteriscus graveolens (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant widely used by the Moroccan population to treat various diseases, including diabetes. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to assess the capacity of flavonoids extracted from Asteriscus graveolens (FEE) to improve diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Flavonoids were extracted from A. graveolens using the Soxhlet apparatus and using different organic solvents. Normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated orally by the extract of A. graveolens at a dose of 10 mg/kg. The oral treatment during 15 days was used to evaluate the effect of the flavonoids extracted from A. graveolens on blood glucose level and lipid profile in normal and diabetic rats. The oral glucose tolerance test, as well as the analysis of the histopathological examination of the liver, was performed. The antioxidant activity of FEE was also assessed by the method of trapping of free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), in order to estimate the mechanisms of action involved by FEE to improve hyperglycemia and lipid profile in normal and diabetic rats. RESULTS: FEE reduced serum glucose concentrations in both normal and diabetic rats and exhibited lowering total cholesterol and triglycerides effects as well as improvement of the HDL-cholesterol serum level in the last group. In addition, a remarkable influence on glucose tolerance was also noticed after FEE treatment. Moreover, FEE was able to improve the histopathological status of the liver and was found to possess a potent antioxidant effect in vitro. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study demonstrates the hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of FEE in rats and supports its traditional use for the management of diabetes.

Antihyperglycemic Activity of Micromeria graeca Aqueous Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Micromeria graeca on blood glucose levels and lipid parameters in an experimental model of diabetes. BACKGROUND: Micromeria graeca (L.) Benth. ex Rchb is a medicinal plant used in Morocco for the treatment of several pathologies including diabetes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of the aqueous extract of Micromeria graeca (M. graeca) aerial parts (AEMG) under physiological (normal rats) and pathological (STZ-induced diabetic rats) conditions. Additionally, we analyzed the phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity. METHODS: The effects of the acute and sub-chronic administration of AEMG (20 mg/kg) on blood glucose levels and lipid profiles were evaluated in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Moreover, the phytochemical analysis was carried with standard tests and estimation of total phenolics compounds by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The antioxidant activity was realized by the DPPH method. RESULTS: Single oral administration of M. graeca aqueous extract decreased blood glucose levels 4 and 6 hours (p<0.01) after treatment in diabetic rats. In accordance, the repeated oral administration of M. graeca showed a significant reduction in blood glucose levels in diabetic rats since the second day to the end of the period experiment (p<0.0001). In addition, two weeks of treatment with M. graeca reduced total cholesterol levels (p<0.05) with a significant increase of HDL-c level (p<0.01) in diabetic rats. Moreover, M. graeca scavenged DPPH radical in a dose-dependent manner (IC50=0.48 mg/ml), whereas IC50 was 0.55 mg/ml for BHT. Phytochemical analysis showed the richness of Micromeria graeca on polyphenols (281.94±4.61 mg GAE/1 g), flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, saponins, sterols, sesquiterpenes, and terpenoids. CONCLUSION: AEMG exhibits antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities in STZ-induced diabetic rats and a potent antioxidant capacity.

Glucose Lowering Activity of Aqueous Ammodaucus leucotrichus Extract in Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Ammodaucus leucotrichus (Apiaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used by the Moroccan population to treat various diseases including diabetes. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of the aqueous extract prepared from the fruits of this medicinal plant. Normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated orally by the extract of Ammodaucus leucotrichus (A. leucotrichus) at a dose of 10 mg/kg. METHODS: The blood glucose levels were determined during 6 hours and 15 days during this treatment. In addition the oral glucose tolerance test as well as the analysis of histopathological changes of liver was performed. The antioxidant activity of aqueous A. Leucotrichus extract was also valuated by the method of trapping of free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). RESULTS: A. Leucotrichus fruit aqueous extract (ALFAE) reduced the blood glucose levels in both normal and diabetic rats. In addition, a remarkable influence on glucose tolerance was also noticed after ALFAE treatment. Moreover, ALFAE was able to exhibit a beneficial effect on histologlogical structure of liver. Finally a potential antioxidant effect has been shown in vitro. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study demonstrates the antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic effects of A. Leucotrichus in rats supporting then its traditional use for the management of diabetes.

Asteriscus graveolens exhibits Antihypertensive Activity through Activation of Vascular KATP Channels Activation in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of Asteriscus graveolens. METHODS: L-NAME hypertensive and normotensive rats have received orally the aqueous extract of Asteriscus graveolens aerial parts (AGAPE) (100 mg/kg) during six hours for the acute experiment and during seven days for the sub-chronic treatment. Thereafter, blood pressure parameters were evaluated. Concerning the in vitro investigation, the vasorelaxant effect of AGAPE was tested in isolated thoracic aortic rings. RESULTS: AGAPE extract significantly decreased the blood pressure parameters in hypertensive rats. Moreover, the results revealed that AGAPE exhibited antihypertensive effect through its vasorelaxant properties. More interestingly, this vasorelaxant activity seems to be probably mediated through activation of K+ ATP-sensitive (KATP) channels. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates the antihypertensive activity of aqueous Asteriscus graveolens extract in hypertensive rats through activation of vascular KATP channels. This finding supports the use of this plant for the management of hypertension in Morocco.

Effect of Terebinthus atlanticus on Glucose Metabolism in Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Terebinthus atlanticus (Anacardiaceae) is an important source of essential oil and phenolic compounds justifying its use in traditional medicine. OBJECTIVE: The present work aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and the antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Terebinthus atlanticus (T. atlanticus). METHODS: The current study evaluated the effect of a single and repeated (15 days of treatment) oral administration of the aqueous extract of the leaves of T. atlanticus (PALAE) on blood glucose levels in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, the effect of PALAE on glucose tolerance and histopathological examination of the liver was carried out. RESULTS: A single oral administration of PALAE reduced blood glucose levels in normal (p<0.05), and STZ diabetic rats (p<0.0001), 6 and 4 hours after administration, respectively. Furthermore, this extract had an optimal effect (p<0.0001) in both normal and STZ diabetic rats at the 15th and 7th day of treatment. This extract was also shown to prevent significantly the increase on blood glucose levels 120 min after glucose administration, in both normal (p<0.05), and diabetic (p<0.01) treated rats when compared to the control group. In addition, the histopathological analysis highlighted the positive effect of T. atlanticus on pancreas and liver. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates the antihyperglycemic effect of the aqueous T. atlanticus extracts in diabetic rats which should be mediated through the amelioration of the oxidative stress as well as an improvement in liver histology.

Antihyperglycemic Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Foeniculum vulgare in Normal and Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is associated with high blood glucose levels due to insulin shortcoming (insulinopenia) or defective insulin action. The objective of the study was to investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of Foeniculum vulgare in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. METHODS: The effects of the leaves aqueous extract (LAE) of Foeniculum vulgare (F. vulgare) at a dose of 10 mg/kg on blood glucose levels were evaluated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetic rats. Histopathological changes were also evaluated in liver in STZ-induced rats. RESULTS: Single oral administration of F. vulgare LAE reduced blood glucose levels 6 h after administration in STZ diabetic rats (p<0.0001). Furthermore, blood glucose levels were decreased in both normal (p<0.05) and STZ diabetic rats (p<0.0001) after the fifteenth day of treatment. During this test, both groups did not show any significant change in their body weight. Moreover, this aqueous extract improved oral glucose tolerance in diabetic rats and revealed a positive effect on liver histology. On the other hand, the extract used in this experiment showed an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 50% of free radicals with a concentration of 43±1.19 µg/ml. While the synthetic antioxidant (BHT) had an IC50 equal to 22.67±2.17µg /ml. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the antihyperglycemic, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of the leaves of F. vulgare in normal and diabetic rats.

Warionia saharae induces antihypertensive and vasorelaxant activities through nitric oxide and KATP channels pathways in rats.

Background Warionia saharae Bentham & Cosson. is used in traditional medicine to treat many diseases including hypertension. Method The present study was designed to investigate the antihypertensive activity of aqueous extract of Warionia saharae (WSLAE) in anesthetized L-NAME (Nω-L-arginine methyl ester)-induced rats. The acute and sub-chronic effects of WSLAE on systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were investigated after oral administration of the extract (100 mg/kg body weight of WSLAE) during 6 h for the acute experiment and during 7 days for the sub-chronic test. In addition the effect of WSLAE on the contractile response of isolated rat aortic rings was tested and the role of the vascular receptors was evaluated using several drugs. Results The results showed that WSLAE induced a significant decrease in the systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure and HR in both normotensive and hypertensive rats. Furthermore, this extract induced relaxation in rings pre-contracted with Epinephrine (10 µM) or with KCl (100 mM). This vasorelaxant capacity seems to be mediated through inhibition of KATP channels and nitric oxide (NO) synthase pathways. Conclusion This study supports the use of Warionia saharae in the management of hypertension in Moroccan traditional medicine.

Study of Antihyperglycemic, Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Activities of Tannins Extracted from Warionia saharae Benth. & Coss.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Warionia saharae Benth & Coss, a plant belonging to Asteraceae family, is used for its anti-diabetic properties in Morocco. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of tannins extracted from Warionia saharae (W. saharae) on blood glucose levels and lipid profile in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Tannins (TE) were extracted from W. saharae using Soxhlet apparatus and different organic solvents. Single and once daily repeated oral administration of TE (10 mg/kg) for 15 days were used to evaluate the glucose and lipid-lowering activity in normal and diabetic rats. Furthermore, glucose test tolerance, liver histopathological examination and in vitro antioxidant activity of TE were carried out in this study. RESULTS: The results showed that TE was able to exert antihyperglycemic and lowering total cholesterol effects as well as improvement of the high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol serum level after 15 days of treatment. Furthermore, TE improved glucose tolerance, histopathological status of liver in diabetic rats and demonstrated interesting antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present investigation revealed that TE possesses potent antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities as claimed in different ethnopharmacological practices.