Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Guishe Extract from Agave lechuguilla, a Mexican Plant with Biotechnological Potential, on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats

Abstract

In the present study, we used a by-product from Agave lechuguilla (guishe) to test its antidiabetic effect, hypolipidemic activity, and capacity to mitigate the oxidative stress in kidney mitochondria from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Orally, a crude aqueous extract from lyophilized guishe was administered over 5 weeks at different doses. Blood glucose and body weight were monitored. Also, blood chemistry, bilirubin, and alanine aminotransferase were assayed. Furthermore, the activity of catalase, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, mitochondrial superoxide dismutase, glutathione and glutathione peroxidase were determined in isolated kidney mitochondria. Our results show that guishe extracts have no antidiabetic properties at any dose. Nevertheless, it was able to diminish serum triglyceride levels and regulate the oxidative stress observed in isolated kidney mitochondria. These observations indicate that the aqueous extract from guishe can be used to treat abnormalities in serum lipids, as a hypolipidemic, and mitigate the oxidative stress, as an antioxidant, occurring during diabetes.

Rosinidin Flavonoid Ameliorates Hyperglycemia, Lipid Pathways and Proinflammatory Cytokines in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

“…These findings are consistent with prior research that found flavonoids to have hepatorenal protective properties [ 29 ]. Rosinidin molecules significantly suppress amylase enzymes, signifying anti-diabetic effects; this is consistent with prior studies on other flavonoids [ 30 , 31 , 32 ]. Furthermore, rosinidin protects vital tissues including the pancreas, thereby lowering risks of diabetes-related complications.…”

Nephroprotective Plants: A Review on the Use in Pre-Renal and Post-Renal Diseases

“…The results revealed that 20 mg/kg BW of the purified extract significantly reduced oxidative damages in both the kidneys and the liver, and such effect has been related to the high antioxidant capacity of the characterized phytochemicals [ 60 ]. In addition to polyphenols, antioxidative effects, and mitigation of serum lipid abnormalities observed in diabetic Wistar rats treated with Agave lechuguilla by-product extracts were attributed to the saponins (triterpenoid glycosides), and the effective concentration was established at 300 mg/kg BW [ 83 ].…”