Characterization of the chemical profile and the effects of ethanolic extracts of Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek on glucose metabolism in normal hyperglycemic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek, Celastraceae, is popularly known as espinheira-santa and used to treat pathologies related to the stomach. However, in popular culture, this species has also been used to treat other disorders such as diabetes, but without scientific evidence, requiring more phytochemical and pharmacological studies on the plant. Aim of the study: This work aims to investigate the anti-hyperglycemic potential of ethanolic extracts obtained from leaves from two different accessions of Maytenus ilicifolia (MIA and MIB) in normal hyperglycemic rats. Materials and methods: The animals were divided into different experimental groups: normal hyperglycemic (negative control); MIA (treatment of Maytenus ilicifolia extract from access 116); MIB (treatment with Maytenus ilicifolia extract from access 122; and glipizide (positive control). At 30 min after treatment, all animals received glucose overload orally. Blood collection occurred at different periods for the assessment of blood glucose (0, 60, 90 and 210 min after treatment) and at the end of the experiment blood was collected through cardiac puncture and the liver, muscle, pancreas and intestine were dissected for further analysis. Results: Chromatographic analysis identified oleic and palmitic acid as the most common constituents, and both extracts of Maytenus ilicifolia caused a reduction in blood glucose levels within 60 min after administration of glucose overload when compared to the normal hyperglycemic group. No significant changes were observed in hepatic and muscular glycogen levels, plasma insulin concentration and disaccharidases activity with none of the extracts in the model employed. However, hyperglycemic rats treated with the extracts showed a marked increase in triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels. Conclusions: Our data suggest that Maytenus ilicifolia extracts from different locations showed differences in chemical composition which did not reflect significant differences in the results of biological tests. In addition, it was possible to conclude that the treatment with Maytenus ilicifolia had a discreet anti-hyperglycemic effect; however, it was not possible to identify the responsible mechanism, being necessary, therefore, new studies using different technologies in order to determine the possible mechanisms of action of the extract.

Automated summary

The study aimed to investigate the anti-hyperglycemic potential of ethanolic extracts obtained from leaves of two different accessions of Maytenus ilicifolia (MIA and MIB) in normal hyperglycemic rats. The results showed that the extracts could reduce blood glucose levels, but had no significant impact on hepatic and muscular glycogen levels, plasma insulin concentration, and disaccharidase activity, while significantly increasing triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels in hyperglycemic rats.