In Vitro & In Vivo Anti-Hyperglycemic Potential of Saponins Cake and Argan Oil from Argania spinosa

Abstract

The Argan tree (Argania spinosa. L) is an evergreen tree endemic of southwestern Morocco. For centuries, various formulations have been used to treat several illnesses including diabetes. However, scientific results supporting these actions are needed. Hence, Argan fruit products (i.e., cake byproducts (saponins extract) and hand pressed Argan oil) were tested for their in-vitro anti-hyperglycemic activity, using α-glucosidase and α-amylase assays. The in-vivo anti-hyperglycemic activity was evaluated in a model of alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The diabetic animals were orally administered 100 mg/kg body weight of aqueous saponins cake extract and 3 mL/kg of Argan oil, respectively, to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic effect. The blood glucose concentration and body weight of the experimental animals were monitored for 30 days. The chemical properties and composition of the Argan oil were assessed including acidity, peroxides, K232, K270, fatty acids, sterols, tocopherols, total polyphenols, and phenolic compounds. The saponins cake extract produced a significant reduction in blood glucose concentration in diabetic mice, which was better than the Argan oil. This decrease was equivalent to that detected in mice treated with metformin after 2–4 weeks. Moreover, the saponins cake extract showed a strong inhibitory action on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which is also higher than that of Argan oil.

Interaction of narcissoside with α‐amylase from Bacillus subtilis and Porcine pancreatic by multi‐spectral analysis and molecular dynamics simulation

“…Porcine pancreatic (PPA) and Bacillus subtilis (BSA) are commonly used for studying interaction mechanism and screening of α‐amylase inhibitors because of their stability and availability [8]. Acarbose is an effective α‐amylase inhibitor that has been used clinically to lower blood sugar, however, the long‐term use can cause obvious side effects, such as renal dysfunction, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea [9].…”

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Potentials, and Calcium Oxalate Anticrystallization Activity of Polyphenol and Saponin Fractions from Argania spinosa L. Press Cake

“…Other studies have highlighted the presence of several phytochemicals, such as catechol, tyrosol, catechin, and epicatechin [ 21 ]. In addition, several pharmacological activities of Argania spinosa L. press cake have been confirmed [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. The usefulness of these two fractions against kidney stone development and the phytochemical composition of each fraction have not yet been verified by research.…”

Molecular Analysis of the Melanogenesis Inhibitory Effect of Saponins-Rich Fraction of Argania spinosa Leaves Extract

“…Triterpenes saponins, from the methanolic extract of argan fruit shells and from the aqueous extract of press cake, have been tested for their cancer chemopreventive activities and were found to be cytotoxic to cancer cells [ 25 ]. Saponins from argan press cake have been shown in vitro and in vivo to have antidiabetic activity [ 26 ]. At present, there has been no report on the effect of saponins-rich fractions of argan leaves, shell, pulp, and press cakes on skin pigmentation.…”