Short and Long-Term Effects of <em>Baccharis articulata</em> on Glucose Homeostasis

Abstract

In this study, the<em> in vivo</em> effect of the crude extract and <em>n</em>-butanol and aqueous residual fractions of <em>Baccharis articulata</em> (Lam.) Pers. on serum glucose levels, insulin secretion and liver and muscle glycogen content, as well as<em> in vitro</em> action on serum intestinal disaccharidase activity and albumin glycation were investigated. Oral administration of the extract and fractions reduced glycemia in hyperglycemic rats. Additionally, the <em>n</em>-butanol fraction, which has high flavonoids content, stimulated insulin secretion, exhibiting an insulinogenic index similar to that of glipizide. Also, the <em>n</em>-butanol fraction treatment significantly increased glycogen content in both liver and muscle tissue. <em>In vitro</em> incubation with the crude extract and <em>n</em>-butanol and aqueous residual fractions inhibited maltase activity and the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Thus, the results demonstrated that <em>B. articulata</em> exhibits a significant antihyperglycemic and insulin-secretagogue role. These effects on the regulation of glucose homeostasis observed for <em>B. articulata</em> indicate potential anti-diabetic properties.

Keywords

• &lt;em&gt;Baccharis articulata&lt;/em&gt;
• diabetes
• insulin
• disaccharidase
• glycation