Researchers from the University of Sfax in Tunisia have found that the extract derived from artichoke leaves (Cynara scolymus) has anti-hyperglycemic properties. The study, published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, looked at the protective effects of an ethanol extract from the plant's leaves in an alloxan-induced rat model for stress and organ dysfunction in the kidney, liver, and pancreas.
- For the study, 40 male Wistar rats were given a single-dose injection of alloxan to induce diabetes. These were then treated either with C. scolymus extract (200 to 400 milligrams per kilogram of body weight) or acarbose for one month.
- The physicochemical composition of the ethanol extract was determined using biochemical analysis, antioxidant activity, and histological study.
- From the results, rats that have been treated with C. scolymus extract exhibited notable reductions in their alpha-amylase levels and blood glucose rate, compared to diabetic groups. In addition, these have significantly lower plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels than those in the diabetic group.
- Moreover, C. scolymus extract possessed antioxidant activity based on increases in the CAT, SOD and GSH levels in the liver, kidney, and pancreas of diabetic rats.
The findings revealed that the anti-hyperglycemic properties of artichoke leaves are, in part, due to its antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects.
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Journal Reference:
Salem MB, Kolsi RBA, Dhouibi R, Ksouda K, Charfi S, Yaich M, Hammami S, Sahnoun Z, Zeghal KM, Jamoussi K, et al. PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF CYNARA SCOLYMUS LEAVES EXTRACT ON METABOLIC DISORDERS AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN ALLOXAN-DIABETIC RATS. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 19 June 2017;17(328). DOI:
10.1186/s12906-017-1835-8