Hepatics alterations and genotoxic effects of Croton cajucara Benth (SACACA) in diabetic rats

Abstract

-Context -Croton cajucara Benth is a plant found in Amazonia, Brazil and the bark and leaf infusions of this plant have been popularly used to treat diabetes and hepatic disorders. Objectives -This study investigated effects hepatics alterations and genotoxic and antidiabetic effect of Croton cajucara Benth bark extracts treatment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods -Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control rats; control rats treated with Croton cajucara Benth extract during 5 and 20 days; diabetic rats, and diabetic rats treated with Croton cajucara Benth during 5 and 20 days. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (70 mg/kg). Eight weeks later we measured glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol and hepatic transaminases on blood. The bone marrow micronucleus assay was used to assess the genotoxic activity of Croton cajucara Benth.Results -Treatment with aqueous extrat of Croton cajucara was able to significantly reduce levels of triglycerides in diabetic animals, however, did not modify significantly the levels of glucose and cholesterol in these animals. There was no significant elevation in liver transaminases in the control group treated with Croton cajucara Benth, as there was no genotoxic effect of treatment in this model. Our results did not show a significant effect on glucose and cholesterol reduction, the treatment was able to significantly reduce triclycerides plasmatic level. There was no significant alterations on hepatic transferase in the animals from the control group treated with Croton cajucara Benth. It was observed no genotoxic effect of the treatment in the model studied. Conclusion -In this study Croton cajucara bark extract showed absence of hepatotoxicity in this animal model and presented a hypolipidemic activity, and could be used to reverse dyslipidemia associated with diabetes and to prevent the cardiovascular complications that are very prevalent in diabetic patients. HEADINGS -Drug-induced liver injury. Diabetes mellitus. Croton, toxicity. Rats.

Treatment with Aqueous Extract fromCroton cajucaraBenth Reduces Hepatic Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats

“…In our study, to evaluate the liver tissue of diabetic animals found significant increase in the activation of NF- κ B. In contrast, the treatment with C. cajucara prevented NF- κ B activation [49]. However, a significant increase in oxidative stress and in the expression of p65 NF- κ B was found in the group that underwent treatment for 20 days.…”

“…One mechanism by which hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress might alter cellular functions is activation of the transcription factor NF- κ B [39]. Rodrigues et al [49] showed than glucose concentration in the blood plasma of streptozotocin-treated rats was significantly higher than in the normal control group and in the animals treated with C. cajucara . In our study, to evaluate the liver tissue of diabetic animals found significant increase in the activation of NF- κ B.…”

Hypoglycemic effect of Carica papaya leaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

“…This diminution was not due to the action mediated by insulin because insulin levels were not increased in diabetic rats treated with C. papaya. It is known that in diabetes the activation of the gluconeogenic enzymes may also be due to the state of insulin deficiency given under that condition; insulin functions as a suppressor of gluconeogenic enzymes [33,35]. The inhibition of glucose intestinal absorption could have caused the significant reduction in liver glycogen.…”

“…However, a direct effect of C. papaya extract on the activities of hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes cannot be ignored and need further investigation. Additionally, the consumption of herb extracts in diabetic rats reduced blood glucose levels and increased glucose tolerance not only by promoting insulin sensitivity, but also by reversed activity of hepatic enzymes in diabetic rats near to normal levels, through mechanisms that involve gluconeogenesis [35-37]. Several studies have revealed that increased total lipid, triglycerides and total cholesterol levels in the serum of diabetic rats are also found in liver and kidney [27,37].…”

Constituents and antiproliferative activity of extracts from leaves of Croton macrobothrys

“…Twenty-one cases corresponded to acute, three to chronic and one to fulminating hepatitis. This issue requires further investigation, because a recent study did not detect significant alterations on hepatic transferases in animals treated with C. cajucara (Rodrigues et al, 2010). Nothing is known about toxic effects of C.…”