Baccharis trimera Infusion Reduces Macrophages Activation and High-Fat Diet-Induced Metabolic Disorders in Mice

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Baccharis trimera infusion on high-fat diet-induced metabolic disorders in mice and macrophages activation. This study evaluated obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis induced by a high-fat diet in Swiss mice. Cellular parameters in macrophages, such as cell viability (MTT), the production and release of nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), cell spreading, cell adhesion and phagocytosis were determined. Our results showed that treatment with B. trimera prevented the mentioned conditions, except for the production of hydrogen peroxide. B. trimera prevented the development of obesity and associated comorbidities, as well as activation of macrophages. In conclusion, B. trimera is able to prevent obesity and metabolic disorders and macrophages activation, minimizing inflammation and validating the popular use of this plant tea.

Strong inhibition of xanthine oxidase and elastase of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC stem extract and analysis of biologically active constituents

“…Ximenes et al have investigated active ingredients of BT and reported quinic acid and quinic acid derivatives. In addition, Ximenes et al (2022) have applied BT hot water extract to a high fat diet animal model at a dose of 15 mg/kg considering daily intake of adults and derived a significant antidiabetic effect. BT 70% ethanol extract has been reported to inhibit alcoholic liver damage.…”

“…A medicinal plant used in popular culture is BT that is widely distributed in South America In Brazil, this plant is popularly known as carqueja and used to treat diseases such as diabetes, inflammatory processes, and liver diseases ( Abad and Bermejo, 2007 ). This plant possesses various biological effects such as hypoglycemic ( Ximenes et al, 2022 ), hepatoprotective ( Rabelo et al, 2018 ), antioxidant ( Cruz Padua et al, 2013 ), and anti-inflammatory ( De Oliveira et al, 2012 ).…”

Special Issue “Ethnopharmacology in Latin America”

“…This Special Issue, “Ethnopharmacology in Latin America”, enriches scientific knowledge of the medicinal plants of Latin America. The scientific studies herein investigate traditional medicine for sources of compounds for treating the chronic diseases that affect Latin America, such as wounds in diabetic patients [ 8 ], anxiety and depression [ 9 ], gynecological disorders, such as vulvovaginitis and endometriosis [ 10 , 11 ], and metabolic syndrome [ 12 ]. The scientific works in this Special Issue focus on providing solutions for current chronic diseases in this region.…”

“…All these formulations, plant extracts, and compounds increased the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and nitric oxide. Most studies used in vivo models [ 9 , 10 , 12 ] and two studies assessed the pharmacological actions using in vitro models [ 11 , 14 ]. Preventing chronic inflammation is a key pharmacological avenue for avoiding the development of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders [ 15 ].…”

“…In some studies [ 8 , 9 , 12 , 13 ], the extraction of medicinal plants was carried out through the use of solvents, like ethanol and water, used in traditional medicine, whereas other studies used organic solvents like acetone and dichloromethane [ 10 , 14 ]. This type of decision affects the type of compounds that can be obtained and identified.…”