Effects of Baccharin Isolated from Brazilian Green Propolis on Adipocyte Differentiation and Hyperglycemia in ob/ob Diabetic Mice

Propolis is a honeybee product with various biological activities, including antidiabetic effects. We previously reported that artepillin C, a prenylated cinnamic acid derivative isolated from Brazilian green propolis, acts as a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) ligand and promotes adipocyte differentiation. In this study, we examined the effect of baccharin, another major component of Brazilian green propolis, on adipocyte differentiation. The treatment of mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with baccharin resulted in increased lipid accumulation, cellular triglyceride levels, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, and glucose uptake. The mRNA expression levels of PPAR gamma and its target genes were also increased by baccharin treatment. Furthermore, baccharin enhanced PPAR gamma-dependent luciferase activity, suggesting that baccharin promotes adipocyte differentiation via PPAR gamma activation. In diabetic ob/ob mice, intraperitoneal administration of 50 mg/kg baccharin significantly improved blood glucose levels. Our results suggest that baccharin has a hypoglycemic effect on glucose metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Automated summary

Baccharin, a major component of Brazilian green propolis, promotes adipocyte differentiation by increasing lipid accumulation and glucose uptake through activation of PPAR gamma. In diabetic ob/ob mice, intraperitoneal administration of baccharin significantly improved blood glucose levels. These results suggest that baccharin has a hypoglycemic effect on glucose metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus.