Antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic activity of Mayan plant foods in rodent models

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Postprandial hyperglycemia and decreased insulin secretion are relevant to risk factors in the development of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Plant foods with antidiabetic properties could be an affordable alternative in the prevention and treatment of this disease. In the present study, the antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic activity of Bixa orellana, Psidium guajava L., Cucurbita moschata, Raphanus sativus L. and Brassica oleracea var. capitata -Mayan plant foodswere evaluated at doses of 5 and 10 mg kg −1 . Antihyperglycemic activity was measured in healthy Wistar rats and those with obesity induced by high-sucrose diet (group HSD) (20%). The hypoglycemic activity was measure in healthy CD1 mice. RESULTS: Fasting glucose, Lee index and the body weight of HSD rats increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) after 12 weeks of induction compared to healthy rats. In healthy rats, P. guajava and Bixa orellana (10 mg kg −1 ) demonstrated higher and statistically different (P ≤ 0.05) antihyperglycemic activity compared to control acarbose (0.5 mg kg −1 ). In the HSD rat group, all Mayan plant foods (10 mg kg −1 ) demonstrated antihyperglycemic activity statistically equal (P ≤ 0.05) to control acarbose. However, Brassica oleracea and R. sativus registered the highest antihyperglycemic activity. Bixa orellana and P. guajava (5 mg kg −1 ) showed similar hypoglycemic activity (P ≤ 0.05) to glibenclamide (0.5 mg kg −1 ) but was not significant (P ≤ 0.05) compared to insulin (5 UI kg −1 ). CONCLUSION:The present study provides valuable evidence on the possible health benefits of Mayan plant foods. These foods could contribute to the development of therapeutic diet strategies for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata): A food with functional properties aimed to type 2 diabetes prevention and management

“…CGB aqueous extract (10 mg/kg) decreased glucose by 16.29% at 30 min, after a starch load (1 g/kg) in Wistar obese rats induced by a high‐sucrose diet. This effect was statistically equal ( p < 0.05) to acarbose (0.5 mg/kg) (Uuh‐Narvaez, Negrete‐León, et al., 2021). A GCB ethanolic extract after a 60‐day treatment with 300 mg/kg in alloxan‐induced diabetic male albino rats significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased fasting plasma glucose and MDA levels.…”

Review on phytochemical composition and pharmacological activities of Bixa orellana

“…It is well known that this complex oligosaccharide inhibits the enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase, so reducing and delaying the intestinal absorption of glucose and, as a result, preventing the postprandial rise in blood glucose levels. 31…”