Antidiabetic Potential and Chronic Toxicity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Echeveria subrigida Leaves

Background: Echeveria subrigida extracts have biological activities of human health importance. However, the in vivo effects on glucose levels and chronic toxicity are unknown. Objectives: To analyse the in vivo hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effects (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg b.w.) and chronic toxicity (1000 mg/kg b.w. for 270 days) of the hydroalcoholic extract of E. subrigida (HE-Es) in BALB/c mice. Materials and Methods:The HE-Es was analysed by HPLC. Glucose levels were measured to establish the effects on glycemia. Different parameters were registered in the toxicity assay: e.g., feed consumption, appearance/behaviour, biochemical and haematological parameters and liver and kidney histologies. Results: Quercetin-3-O-0-glucoside and isorhamnetin-3-O-0-glucoside were the main flavonoids in the HE-Es. Glycemia was reduced by the HE-Es (200 mg/kg b.w., 49.1%) and glibenclamide (10 mg/kg b.w., 52%) treatments. Comparing the antihyperglycemic activities, similar reductions were found between HE-Es (100 mg/kg b.w., 29.32%; 200 mg/kg, 28.99%) and acarbose (10 mg/kg b.w., 19.87%) treatments. On the other hand, the HE-Es was innocuous in mice (LD50 > 1000 mg/kg b.w.), and the results suggested that HE-Es had adaptogenic, and immunostimulant activities. The hepatic and renal histologies were normal; however, male mice showed level zero steatosis that disappeared in the HE-Es satellite after treatment withdrawal. Conclusion: This study reports for the first time the in vivo effects on blood glucose levels of HE-Es and chronic toxicity of a Crassulaceae plant, supporting the antidiabetic potential and safety of HE-Es. Future studies must corroborate the effects of HE-Es in humans, allowing its use in high-value formulations.

Automated summary

This study reports the in vivo effects on blood glucose levels of Echeveria subrigida extracts and chronic toxicity of the plant. The results show that the extract can reduce blood glucose levels and is not toxic to mice. This study supports the potential anti-diabetic effects and safety of the extract.