Blackthorn Flower Extract Impact on Glycaemic Homeostasis in Normoglycemic and Alloxan-Induced Hyperglycaemic C57BL/6 Mice

Abstract

Research background. The use of plants and their extracts in treatments of chronic diseases is widely known in traditional medicine. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of 10-day consumption of Prunus spinosa L. flower extract on blood glucose, glycaemic load, serum α-amlyase and serum insulin, in normoglycaemic and hypergycaemic (alloxan) mice model. Experimental approach. Normoglycemic and hyperglycemic (alloxan treated, 150 mg/kg body mass) C57BL/6 mice were treated daily, during 10 days, with Prunus spinosa L. flower extract by gavage. The sugar content within extract was determined by HPLC analysis. In mice, blood and serum blood glucose level and OGTT-test were determined by blood glucometer. Serum insulin was determined by ELISA assay and α-amlyase by colourimetric assay. Results and conclusions. The Prunus spinosa L. flower extract increased glucose in normoglycaemic mice by 30 % after 1st and 5th day and by 17 % after 10th day of consumption in normoglycaemic mice. It is a consequence of released sugars because sugar analysis revealed 59.8 mg/L monosaccharides, mainly fructose (55.7 mg/L) and glucose (24.3 mg/L) within the extract. On the opposite, the extract consumption, reduced serum blood glucose in alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic mice by 29 % after 10 days of treatment. Oral glucose tolerance test also confirmed that that in the hyperglycaemic group treated with Prunus spinosa L. flower extract glucose homeostasis was improved and showed decrease in blood glucose, since the blood glucose over the period of 120 min, glucose homeostasis is faster achieved after treatment with shows that in Prunus spinosa L. flower extract. Serum insulin increased by 49 % and serum alpha amylase by 46 % after 10 days of treatment with Prunus spinosa L. flower extract in hyperglycaemic group. Thus, it can be concluded that Prunus spinosa L. flower extract improved glucose tolerance, enhanced insulin secretion and lowered serum α-amylase activity. Novelty and scientific contribution. The results examined for the first time the potential of Prunus spinosa L. flower extract in hyperglycaemia management.

An Overview of the Phytochemical Composition of Different Organs of Prunus spinosa L., Their Health Benefits and Application in Food Industry

“…The study on the impact of P. spinosa L. flower extract on glycemic homeostasis [3], after 10 days of treatment with flower extract, led to the improvement of glucose homeostasis in hyperglycemic rats, an effect confirmed by the test for tolerance at the orally administered glucose. In addition, an increase of 49% in serum insulin concentration and an increase of 46% in serum α-amylase activity has been observed after the period of 10-day intake of P. spinosa L. flower extract.…”

“…In addition, an increase of 49% in serum insulin concentration and an increase of 46% in serum α-amylase activity has been observed after the period of 10-day intake of P. spinosa L. flower extract. Based on their study, the authors in [3] have claimed for the first time that P. spinosa L. flower extract has a potential in the management of hyperglycemia. This potential is based on the bioactive compounds present in P. spinosa L. flowers that can improve glucose tolerance and insulin secretion and decrease serum α-amylase activity.…”

“…The results of the study on the impact of P. spinosa L. flower extract on blood glucose, glycemic load, and glycemic parameters on serum α-amylase activity and serum insulin concentration [3] could serve as a guide for designing a nutraceutical mixture of polyphenols recommended in hyperglycemia support therapy.…”

“…These directions have been established based on recent studies that prioritize the global effort to find technological methods for food processing that minimize the loss or degradation of biologically active phytocompounds. The fruits of P. spinosa L. contain high levels of phenolic compounds, which have strong anti-oxidant properties [2][3][4][5]. These compounds have potential applications in the food and phytopharmaceutical sectors [1,4,[6][7][8][9].…”

Blackthorn—A Valuable Source of Phenolic Antioxidants with Potential Health Benefits

“…The data confirmed that short-term (in minutes) or long-term (for 10 days) oral consumption of blackthorn flower extract can slightly but significantly raise blood sugar concentration in metabolically healthy (normoglycemic) mice. Consuming blackthorn flower extract for 10 days reduced blood glucose levels, in C57BL/6 mice, it improved glucose tolerance, boosted insulin production, and reduced serum α-amylase activity, which may have hyperglycemic protective benefits [94].…”