Antihyperglycemic and Antidyslipidemic Effects of Artemisia arborescens Aqueous Extract on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic activity of Artemisia arborescens. BACKGROUND: Artemisia arborescens is an aromatic, medicinal, and endemic plant mostly found in the Mediterranean region. This plant is widely used as alternative medicine. OBJECTIVE: The study was designed to examine the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of Artemisia arborescens aqueous extract (AEAA) in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetic rats. METHODS: The effect of AEAA (40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg) on plasma glucose levels and plasma lipid profile was investigated in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats. The plasma glucose levels were determined after a single (6 hours) and subchronic oral administration (7 days), and plasma lipid profiles were evaluated after both acute and subchronic oral administration. Additionally, the glycogen content in the liver, extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and soleus muscles was measured using a standard method. Moreover, the aqueous extract was tested for its 1.1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity. RESULTS: In diabetic rats, AEAA oral administration (40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease in blood glucose levels after 7 days of oral administration (P<0.0001). Moreover, a significant decrease in plasma triglyceride levels was reported on the last day of treatment by AEAA (80 mg/kg) (P<0.05). Furthermore, a significant decrease in total cholesterol levels was observed after 7 days of AEAA oral administration in diabetic rats (P<0.01). Moreover, a significant increase in HDL-c concentration was noted after one week of AEAA (80 mg/kg) oral administration (P<0.001). In addition, AEAA oral administration (80 mg/kg) significantly increased the glycogen content in the liver and extensor digitorum longus (P<0.05). On the other hand, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screenings revealed the presence of various compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. CONCLUSION: In summary, the study demonstrates that Artemisia arborescens oral administration exhibited a significant antihyperglycemic effect on diabetic rats and revealed a significant amelioration in lipid profile and glycogen content.

Salvia aucheri Exhibits Antihypertensive Activity in Hypertensive Rats.

AIMS: The present work aimed to assess the antihypertensive activity of Salvia aucheri. BACKGROUND: Salvia aucheri (S. aucheri) is an aromatic and medicinal herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family. In Morocco, this plant is locally used for used to treat stomach, digestive disorders, rheumatism, and hypertension. Nevertheless, the effect of Salvia aucheri on hypertension has not yet been studied. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the beneficial effect of the aqueous extract of S. aucheri leaves on arterial blood pressure, systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean blood pressure (MBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) in normotensive and hypertensive rats. In addition, the effect of the aqueous extract of S. aucheri leaves on vasodilatation was assessed in isolated rat aortic rings with functional endothelium precontracted with epinephrine EP or KCl. METHODS: The aqueous extract of the aerial parts of S. aucheri (AESA) was obtained, and its antihypertensive ability was pharmacologically investigated in L-NAME hypertensive and normotensive rats. The rats received AESA orally at two selected doses of 100 and 140 mg/kg for six hours (acute experiment) and seven days (sub-chronic). Thereafter, systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were evaluated. Moreover, the vasorelaxant activity of AESA was performed in thoracic aortic ring rats. In addition, the mechanisms of action involved in the vasorelaxant effect were studied. RESULTS: The results indicated that AESA significantly reduced the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure in hypertensive rats over both single and repeated oral administration. However, AESA did not change the blood pressure parameters in normotensive rats. Concerning the results of vasorelaxant activity, the results showed that AESA was able to provoke potent vasorelaxant ability, which seems to be mediated through direct nitric oxide (NO) and NO-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathways. CONCLUSION: The study elucidates the beneficial action of AESA as an antihypertensive and vasorelaxant agent.

Antihyperglycemic, Antihyperlipidemic, and Antioxidant Effects of Salvia tingitana in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

AIMS: The study aimed to assess the antidiabetic effect of Salvia tingitana (S. tingitana). BACKGROUND: S. tingitana is an aromatic plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Phytochemical analysis of the aerial parts of S. tingitana revealed the existence of terpenoids and flavonoids. In addition, S. tingitana possesses antimicrobial activity. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the study was to obtain information about the antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant abilities of S. tingitana aqueous extract. METHODS: The effect of an acute and sub-chronic administration of S. tingitana aqueous extract (AEST) at the doses of 60 and 80 mg/kg on glucose, lipid profile, and lipoprotein profile was examined in normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats. Additionally, a preliminary phytochemical screening and the antioxidant activity using DPPH assay were carried out. RESULTS: Rats treated with AEST at a dose of 60 mg/kg showed a significant decrease in the serum glucose levels during the single oral administration at the 4th and 6th hour of treatment in both normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced hyperglycemic rats. Interestingly, a dose of 80 mg/kg AEST produced a significant lowering effect on blood glucose levels at the 2nd, 4th, and 6th hour of treatment after a single oral administration in both diabetic and normal rats. Both doses of AEST (60 and 80 mg/kg) revealed a significant amelioration of lipid and lipoprotein profile. In addition, the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis proved the presence of polyphenols compounds, flavonoids, and tannins. Results suggest that S. tingitana contains some secondary metabolites like alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, and saponins. Importantly, the study revealed that the aqueous extract of S. tingitana has a very interesting antioxidant activity (IC50 = 553.21 µg/ml). CONCLUSION: The study illustrates the beneficial action of the aqueous extract of S. tingitana as an antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic agent.

Antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic Effect of Moricandia suffruticosa in Normal and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: The present work aimed to assess the antihyperglycemic and antohyperlipidemic effects ofMoricandia suffruticosa. BACKGROUND: Moricandia suffruticosa (M. suffruticosa) is used in traditional medicine. OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic effects of M. suffruticosa and its effect on glycogen content in normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats. METHODS: The effect of the aqueous extract of M. suffruticosa (AEMS) at a two doses of 100 and 140 mg/kg on blood glucose levels, lipid, lipoprotein profile, and glycogen content was examined in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. On the other hand, a preliminary phytochemical screening and quantification of phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents were carried out. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that AEMS exhibits antihyperglycemic activity in diabetic rats during both acute and subchronic essays. Furthermore, AEMS revealed an antidyslipidemic effect concerning the level of triglycerides, total cholesterol, very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL), and non-high density lipoproteins (Non-HDL). In contrast, AEMS has not affected the value of glycemia, lipids, and lipoproteins in normal rats. In addition, AEMS is rich in several phytochemical compounds. Furthermore, AEMS revealed an important in vitro antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the study demonstrates that M. suffruticosa exhibits an important antihyperglycemic effect in diabetic rats.

Effect of Pulicaria mauritanica on Glucose Metabolism and Glycogen Content in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

AIMS: The study aimed to assess the antihyperglycemic activity of Pulicaria mauritanica. BACKGROUND: Pulicaria mauritanica is a medicinal and aromatic plant used for the treatment of many diseases such as inflammation, diabetes, and intestinal disorders. OBJECTIVE: The main goals of this present paper were to confirm the antihyperglycemic capacity of aqueous extract from Pulicaria mauritanica in normoglycemic and diabetic rats over a period of time (7 days of treatment). METHODS: The effect of the aqueous extract of Pulicaria mauritanica from aerial parts (AEPM) on glucose and lipid metabolism was tested using an acute test (single dose during 6 hours) and subchronic assay (repeated oral administration for seven days) at a dose of 60 mg/kg and the serum glucose levels were measured in normoglycemic and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. In addition, the glycogen content in the liver, extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and soleus was evaluated. The antioxidant activity, phytochemical screening, and quantification of some secondary metabolites of this extract were also performed. RESULTS: AEPM at a dose of 60 mg/kg reduced the plasma glucose concentrations significantly in STZ-induced diabetic rats after a single oral administration (p<0.05). This lowering effect became more significant during the repeated oral administration in hyperglycemic rats (p<0.0001). Also, the findings showed that this plant exhibited a significant increase in liver and skeletal soleus muscle glycogen content in diabetic rats. AEPM revealed a remarkable antioxidant activity in addition to the presence of polyphenol compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, sterols, glucides, terpenoids, quinones, anthraquinones, and mucilage. CONCLUSION: The study shows that AEPM exhibits antihyperglycemic activity in diabetic rats, and it increases liver and muscle glycogen content.

Effect of Calamintha officinalis on Vascular Contractility and Angiotensinconverting Enzyme-2.

AIMS: The study aimed to assess the antihypertensive activity of Calamintha officinalis. BACKGROUND: Calamintha officinalis (CO) is a medicinal and aromatic herb as well as an antihypertensive plant that is widely used for its medicinal properties in several regions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract of Calamintha officinalis (AECO) on vasorelaxant activity and arterial blood pressure under normal and hypertensive states in rats. Additionally, the effect of AECO on vascular angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) was assessed. METHODS: In the current study, AECO (100 mg/Kg) was prepared, and its antihypertensive ability was assessed in L-NG-Nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded for 6 h for the acute experiment and during seven days for the subchronic treatment. RESULTS: The results indicated that AECO reduced the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure in hypertensive rats. In addition, the study showed that AECO exerts a vasorelaxant ability through the sGC-cGMP induction pathway, vascular cyclooxygenase pathway, and the opening of K+ channels. However, AECO had no inhibitory effect on aortic ACE-2. CONCLUSION: The study illustrates the beneficial action of AECO as an antihypertensive and vasorelaxant agent.

Chenopodium quinoa Exhibits Antihyperglycemic Activity in Streptozotocin- induced Diabetic Rats.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effect of Chenopodium quinoa. BACKGROUND: Chenopodium quinoa is a pseudocereal plant with several medicinal properties. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this investigation was to determine the antihyperglycemic activity of Chenopodium quinoa in both normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: In this study, the effect of the aqueous extract of Chenopodium quinoa seeds (AECQS) (60 mg/kg) on blood glucose levels was evaluated in both normal and diabetic rats after a single (6 hours) and repeated oral administration (7 days of treatment). The effect of this herb on glucose tolerance and lipid profile was also studied. Additionally, histopathological examination of the liver was carried out using the Hematoxylin-Eosin method. Furthermore, the in vitro antioxidant activity as well as, preliminary phytochemical screening and quantification of some secondary metabolites (phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannins) were performed according to standard methods. RESULTS: AECQS produced a significant lowering effect on plasma glucose levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats. In addition, this extract exhibited a remarkable amelioration on hepatic histopathology in diabetic rats. In addition, the extract exerted a remarkable antioxidant activity which could be due to the presence of some compounds found in this herb. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the aqueous extract of Chenopodium quinoa seeds has a favorable effect in controlling diabetes mellitus.

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.