In vivo antihyperglycemic activity of Periploca chevalieri aerial parts

Periploca chevalieri Browicz dried aerial parts are used in Cabo Verde to treat diabetes. Considering our previously obtained results regarding the antioxidant activity and in vitro inhibition of α-amylase and α- glucosidase enzymes by this medicinal plant and in continuation of our efforts to investigate its antihyperglycemic activity, the present study aims to evaluate in vivo antihyperglycemic activity of a chemically characterised hydroethanolic (70%) extract of P. chevalieri. Oral Saccharose Tolerance Test (OSTT) was performed using different doses of the extract (40, 170, 300 mg/kg body weight) to treat mice with saccharose overload. A significant reduction in glycemia (p<0.05) was observed in animals treated with the dose of 170 mg/kg after 30 minutes (≃ 28%) and 60 minutes (≃ 35%) compared to the hyperglycemic control. The results of the biochemical analysis of the blood of animals treated with the extracts showed minor relevant changes compared to the control group. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, and condensed tannins were the main classes of secondary metabolites identified in plant extract, and hyperoside was found to be the main marker compound. The obtained results suggest that while P. chevalieri possesses antihyperglycemic properties, it is not dose-dependent, as the reduction in glycemia was more pronounced at the lower dose (170 mg/kg). In conclusion, the in vivo antihyperglycemic activity may be related to the detected in vitro inhibition α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, however, further investigation on the mechanisms of action of P. chevalieri extract is needed.

 

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Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Publication History

Article published online:
16 November 2023