Antidiabetic Effect of theChrysobalanus icacoL. Aqueous Extract in Rats

Abstract

Chrysobalanus icaco L. is a medicinal plant popularly known in Brazil as "Grageru" or "Abageru." It is used in African and American continents as medicinal food in the treatment of several diseases, including diabetes. This study used phytochemical screening to determine the antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitor activities of the aqueous extract (AECI) of C. icaco, and evaluated its antidiabetic potential in rodents. Phytochemical screening was performed using colorimetric tests with specific reagents. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by the scavenging activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picril-hydrazyl. The lethality test and behavioral screening was performed using an oral administration of 5 g/kg of AECI. The antidiabetic potential of AECI was evaluated through the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and chronic hypoglycemic test at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg (orally). Metformin was used as a reference drug in all tests. Diabetes was induced by injection of alloxan (40 mg/kg; intravenously). Phytochemical screening showed the presence of various compounds, including tannins, flavones, triterpenoids, steroids, saponins, and alkaloids. The in vitro antioxidant test demonstrated that AECI presented potent antioxidant activity. The lethality test and behavioral screening did not show lethality signs. In the OGTT test, AECI administration was not able to inhibit the elevation of glycemia. However, chronically administrated, it was able to cause a significant (P<.05) reduction of glycemia from 335±27 up to 197±15 mg/dL. These results demonstrate that the AECI presents a potential beneficial effect for diabetes.

Phytochemical screening and analgesic profile of the lyophilized aqueous extract obtained from Chrysobalanus icaco leaves in experimental protocols

“…This effect has no relation with motor coordination or muscle relaxant action. The probable analgesic profile of AEC may play a role in the action of synthesis or release inflammatory mediators, and also might involve redox-mediated mechanisms, as previously shown by Barbosa et al (2013) and White, Ara ujo, et al (2016) and . In addition, the high presence of flavonols and terpenes compounds in AEC may help explain this analgesic profile.…”

“…The Chrysobalanaceae encompasses 17 genera and about 450 species represented by trees and shrubs growing in tropical and subtropical lowlands. In northeastern Brazil, infusion or decoction of C. icaco fruits, leaves, bark or roots cures chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, haemorrhages, inflammatory and pain disorders (abdominal pain and cramps), and leucorrhoea (Castilho & Kaplan 2011;Barbosa et al 2013). C. icaco leaf infusion is also used popularly as diuretic and hypoglycemic (Vargas et al 2010;Barbosa et al 2013).…”

“…In northeastern Brazil, infusion or decoction of C. icaco fruits, leaves, bark or roots cures chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, haemorrhages, inflammatory and pain disorders (abdominal pain and cramps), and leucorrhoea (Castilho & Kaplan 2011;Barbosa et al 2013). C. icaco leaf infusion is also used popularly as diuretic and hypoglycemic (Vargas et al 2010;Barbosa et al 2013). In addition, previous reports showed the presence of diterpenes in the roots of C. icaco (Gustafson et al 1991) and anthocyanins in its fruits (Brito et al 2007) that may contribute to a better understanding of the pharmacological effects.…”

“…Some biological activities have been attributed to the terpenoids found in the C. icaco species, such as the anti-HIV activity (Gustafson et al 1991). Recently, our group has demonstrated in vivo and in vitro protocols that the lyophilized aqueous extract (AEC) obtained from C. icaco leaves possesses a remarkable anti-diabetic effect and anti-oxidant profile; those properties may be related with the presence of phenolic compounds (Barbosa et al 2006(Barbosa et al , 2013.…”

“…Thus, we evaluated the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of AEC in experimental protocols. Barbosa et al (2013). The extract was dried in vacuo (lyophilized with 16% yield) and administered to mice immediately after suspension in distilled water.…”