Evaluation of the Hypoglycemic Properties of Anacardium humile Aqueous Extract. (2nd May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Urzêda, Márcio A.; Marcussi, Silvana; Silva Pereira, Luciana L.; França, Suzelei C.; Pereira, Ana Maria S.; Pereira, Paulo S.; da Silva, Saulo L.; Guimarães, César L. S.; Calderon, Leonardo A.; Stábeli, Rodrigo G.; Soares, Andreimar M.; Couto, Lucélio B.
• Other Names: Sunmonu Taofik O. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-05-02
• Subjects: Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.505
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/191080
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-427X

Abstract

Abstract : The antihyperglycemic effects of several plant extracts and herbal formulations which are used as antidiabetic formulations have been described and confirmed to date. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of the aqueous extract of Anacardium humile . Although the treatment of diabetic animals with A. humile did not alter body weight significantly, a reduction of the other evaluated parameters was observed. Animals treated with A. humile did not show variation of insulin levels, possibly triggered by a mechanism of blood glucose reduction. Levels of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) decreased in treated animals, suggesting a protective effect on liver. Levels of cholesterol were also reduced, indicating the efficacy of the extract in reestablishing the balance of nutrients. Moreover, a kidney protection may have been achieved due to the partial reestablishment of blood glucose homeostasis, while no nephrotoxicity could be detected for A. humile . The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness of A. humile extracts in the treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Therefore, A. humile aqueous extract, popularly known and used by diabetic patients, induced an improvement in the biochemical parameters evaluated during and following treatment of diabetic rats. Thus, a better characterization of the medicinal potential of this plant will be able to provide a better understanding of its mechanisms of action in these pathological processes.