Agrimonia eupatoria L. and Cynara cardunculus L. Water Infusions: Comparison of Anti-Diabetic Activities

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is frequently diagnosed at a time when patients already suffer from several cardiovascular complications. Our previously published data (Molecules 201520 (11): 20538-50) on the anti-oxidative properties of Agrimonia eupatoria L. (AE) and Cynara cardunculus L. (CC) prompted us to extend the available evidence on their possible protective activities on selected DM-related parameters in a streptozotocin-induced DM rat model and in a series of in vitro experiments. Male rats were divided into four groups: control group, untreated diabetic group, AE and CC treated diabetic groups. During a five-week period, changes in blood glucose and body weight were monitored. Then, rats were sacrificed and subjected to the assessment of changes in the reactivity of aortas and measurement of butyrylcholinesterase activity. To complete the panel of experiments, α-glucosidase activity was assessed in vitro. Our results demonstrate that both tested extracts exert similar anti-diabetic activities. However, better anti-oxidant activity of the A. eupatoria extract indicates its higher clinical potential in the prevention and/or adjuvant therapy of developing cardiovascular complications related to DM and diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Altilix® Supplement Containing Chlorogenic Acid and Luteolin Improved Hepatic and Cardiometabolic Parameters in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome: A 6 Month Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

“…In fact, we found in subjects from the Altilix ® supplemented vs. placebo groups, regarding MetS comorbidities, a significant improvement in glucose metabolism parameters (including HbA1c, insulin resistance, and pancreatic β-cell function), in agreement with some in vitro and in vivo literature data [34,35,36]. In particular, among these, some in vivo studies with oral daily administration of Cynara cardunculus (L.) subsp.…”

“…Other studies reported in 39 overweight subjects, that the intake of tablets containing extract of artichoke during meals, resulted in a significant reduction of the HOMA index [34]. Whereas, in vitro studies evidenced the role of chlorogenic acid on glucose regulation—antagonist in glucose transport, inhibitor of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and therefore in the post-prandial glucose blood concentration [34,35,36]. We also found, after Altilix ® supplementation, an improvement in both HOMA-IR (marker of insulin resistance), a marker useful in identifying individuals with metabolic NAFLD [37] and HOMA-β (marker of pancreatic β-cell function).…”

Phenolome of Asian Agrimony Tea (Agrimonia asiatica Juz., Rosaceae): LC-MS Profile, α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Potential and Stability

“…Based on the data obtained we decided to choose A. asiatica as the herb for further investigation. In addition, there is information about the antidiabetic activity of the genus Agrimonia in the literature [ 30 , 31 ]. The chemical composition of this plant species is insufficiently studied.…”

Biological effect of Cynara cardunculus on kidney status of hypercholesterolemic rats

“…This is consistent with the previous studies showing that C. cardunculus L. or C. scolymus L. have antidiabetic properties. [ 36 37 ] Furthermore, a recent study by Heidarian and Soofiniya showed that the ALE administration in doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt to the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats led to a significant reduction in their blood glucose levels. [ 38 ]…”