BrazilianMorus nigraAttenuated Hyperglycemia, Dyslipidemia, and Prooxidant Status in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Morus nigra has been used popularly for several proposes, including diabetic. In an attempt to support medicinal value, the acute hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant effects of the ethanolic extract of Morus nigra (EEMn 200 or 400 mg/kg b.w.) were evaluated in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic treated for 14 days. Serum biochemical and antioxidant analysis were performed at the end of experiment. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed at 10th and 15th days. Chromatographic analysis by HPLC-DAD of EEMn was performed. Insulin was used as positive control to glycemic metabolism as well as fenofibrate to lipid metabolism. EEMn (400 mg/kg/day) reduced fasting and postprandial glycaemia, improved oral glucose tolerance, and reduced lipolysis and proteolysis in diabetic rats. EEMn decreased the blood levels of total cholesterol and increased HDL level when compared to the diabetic control rats. At higher levels, EEMn reduced triglycerides and VLDL levels in diabetic rats. Also, EEMn reduced malondialdehyde and increased the reduced glutathione levels in liver of diabetic rats. Chromatographic analysis identified the presence of the flavonoids rutin, isoquercetin, and kaempferitrin. Acute EEMn treatment reduced hyperglycemia, improved oral glucose tolerance, and minimized dyslipidemia and oxidative stress leading to a reduction in atherogenic index in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Nutraceutical and Medicinal Potential of the Morus Species in Metabolic Dysfunctions

“…There was also an increase in the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and anti-oxidative enzymatic activities, and a reduction of arterial atherosclerotic lesions in Sprague–Dawley rats fed with a hyper-lipid diet, making it an important option for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis [42]. This factor is attributed to its nutritional properties, such as the presence of anthocyanins or the joint action of anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids (Figure 2) [42,43].…”

“…In addition, the extract reduced the marker for oxidative stress by malondialdehyde, and increased levels of the antioxidant glutathione in the liver of animals. The authors relate the results, possibly, to the identified flavonoids rutin, isoquercetin, and kaempferitrin [43].…”

Protective Effects of <b><i>Morus nigra</i></b> and Its Phytochemicals against Hepatotoxicity: A Review of Preclinical Studies

“…The hepatoprotective effect of M. nigra has also been investigated in animal models of diabetes. In streptozotocin- and alloxan-induced diabetic rats, oral administration of the leaf extract can restore the serum levels of AST, ALT, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein [58, 59]. The extract increases the glutathione level, decreases lipid peroxidation [59], restores the SOD/catalase balance [60], and improves histopathology of the liver [61].…”

Morus nigra L.: revisão sistematizada das propriedades botânicas, fitoquímicas e farmacológicas

“…Diversos estudos relatam a atividade hipolipemiante da Amora negra. Pesquisa conduzida por Silva Júnior et al 22 demonstrou que o tratamento a curto prazo com o extrato etanólico das folhas de Morus nigra, reduz a hiperglicemia, melhora a tolerância oral à glicose, minimiza a dislipidemia e o estresse oxidativo e promove a redução do índice aterogênico em ratos diabéticos.…”