Cannabis sativa L. Fixed Oil and its Nanoemulsion: Effect on Diabetes and Dyslipidemia Induced in Rats

Abstract

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a syndrome that interferes with energy metabolism and is caused by a decrease and dysfunction of insulin, leading to chronic hyperglycemia. DM associated with dyslipidemia is a severe health risk, increasing the chance of cardiovascular events, such as acute myocardial infarction and stroke. The Cannabis sativa L. fixed oil (CSO) is composed of unsaturated fatty acids and can be crucial in treating metabolic alterations. In addition, the nanoemulsion of C. sativa oil (NCS) has advantages in optimizing treatments. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of treatments with CSO and its nanoemulsion (NCS) on induced diabetes and dyslipidemia in Wistar rats. Materials and methods: CSO’s physical-chemical and chromatographic characterization was performed, followed by the preparation of an NE containing 6% CSO. DM was induced in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at a 55 mg/kg dose. Four days later, animals with blood glucose levels exceeding 300 mg/dL were considered diabetic. The rats were then divided into five groups ( n = 5) and treated orally. The groups included a normoglycemic control group (NOR), a diabetic control group, a group treated with metformin (100 mg/kg), a group treated with CSO (400 mg/kg), and a group treated with nanoemulsion (NCS 200 mg/kg). Subsequently, the pancreas’s clinical, biochemical, and histopathological parameters were evaluated. Results: In the chemical profile of CSO, it was observed the majority composition of palmitoleic (14.58%), oleic (12.50%), linoleic (42.40%), and linolenic (8.55%) acids. The results demonstrated that the induction of DM by STZ could reproduce the typical symptoms and clinical signs of DM. It was observed that treatments with CSO and NCS showed a significant improvement ( p < .001) in polydipsia, polyuria, and loss of body mass, as well as a significant reduction ( p < .001) of glucose levels in urine and blood and serum lipids. Histopathology of the pancreas revealed that treatment with CSO and NCS showed an increase in the number of cells in the islets of Langerhans and a decrease in regions devoid of cells, indicating possible cell regeneration. Moreover, insulin levels were significantly increased ( p < .05) in the preferred groups. With dyslipidemia induced by Triton (Tyloxapol), it was observed that the treatment with CSO and NCS significantly decreased the levels of triglycerides ( p < .05) and cholesterol ( p < .001), as well as low-density lipoproteins (LDL) ( p < .01). Conclusion: Treatment with CSO and NCS under the conditions of this study demonstrated an anti-diabetic effect and the ability to act in the reduction of triglyceride, cholesterol, and LDL levels. In this respect, treatments with CSO and NCS act in the control of DM, as well as in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.