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Protective Effects of Total Extracts of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) Roots on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice.

Authors :
Xu, Xiaohui
Liang, Tao
Wen, Qingwei
Lin, Xing
Tang, Jingzhi
Zuo, Qiaoyun
Tao, Liqun
Xuan, Feifei
Huang, Renbin
Source :
Cellular Physiology & Biochemistry (Karger AG). May2014, Vol. 33 Issue 5, p1272-1282. 11p.
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

Background: In Chinese culture, the roots of Averrhoa carambola L. have long been used for medical purposes due to their potent pharmaceutical activities, such as improving digestive function and treating diabetes. Methods: Recently, we prepared extracts of Averrhoa carambola L. root (EACR), which were isolated from Averrhoa carambola L. roots using ethanol or water. This study was designed to investigate the potential effects of EACR on streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic mice and to explore the underlying mechanism of these effects. Male mice were injected with STZ through the tail vein (120 mg/kg body weight) and were identified as a diabetic mouse model when the level of blood glucose was ≥11.1 mmol/L. Subsequently, the mice were administered EACR (150, 300, 600, 1200 mg/kg body weight/d) and metformin (320 mg/kg body weight/d) via intragastric gavage for three weeks. Results: The results indicated that EACR significantly decreased the serum levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs) and free fatty acids (FFAs), whereas the content of serum insulin was elevated. In addition, the expressions of apoptosis-related regulators (including caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9) and the apoptosis-induced protein Bax were markedly down-regulated by EACR, whereas the expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein was notably increased. Furthermore, EACR could protect the diabetic mice against the STZ-induced apoptosis of pancreatic β cells. Conclusion: Taken together, these findings indicate that EACR plays an effective hyperglycemic role that is associated with ameliorating metabolic functions and with inhibiting apoptosis in pancreas tissue. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
10158987
Volume :
33
Issue :
5
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Cellular Physiology & Biochemistry (Karger AG)
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
96132614
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1159/000358695