Vaccinium arctostaphylos, a common herbal medicine in Iran: Molecular and biochemical study of its antidiabetic effects on alloxan-diabetic Wistar rats

Aim of the studyThe purpose of this study was to define antidiabetic effects of fruit of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. (Ericaceae) which is traditionally used in Iran for improving of health status of diabetic patients.Materials and methodsFirstly, we examined the effect of ethanolic extract of Vaccinium arctostaphylos fruit on postprandial blood glucose (PBG) after 1, 3, 5, 8, and 24 h following a single dose administration of the extract to alloxan-diabetic male Wistar rats. Also oral glucose tolerance test was carried out. Secondly, PBG was measured at the end of 1, 2 and 3 weeks following 3 weeks daily administration of the extract. At the end of treatment period the pancreatic INS and cardiac GLUT-4 mRNA expression and also the changes in the plasma lipid profiles and antioxidant enzymes activities were assessed.Finally, we examined the inhibitory activity of the extract against rat intestinal α-glucosidase.ResultsThe obtained results showed mild acute (18%) and also significant chronic (35%) decrease in the PBG, significant reduction in triglyceride (47%) and notable rising of the erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (57%), glutathione peroxidase (35%) and catalase (19%) activities due to treatment with the extract. Also we observed increased expression of GLUT-4 and INS genes in plant extract treated Wistar rats. Furthermore, in vitro studies displayed 47% and 56% inhibitory effects of the extract on activity of intestinal maltase and sucrase enzymes, respectively.ConclusionsFindings of this study allow us to establish scientifically Vaccinium arctostaphylos fruit as a potent antidiabetic agent with antihyperglycemic, antioxidant and triglyceride lowering effects.

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