Hypoglycemic effect and histopathological changes of the ethanolic extract of witheringia solanaceae l'hér fruits

Abstract

Introduction: The Witheringia solanaceae is a short weak shrub belonging to the Solanaceae family and widely used in folk medicine of Central American countries. In Costa Rican traditional medicine it is employed as an antidiabetic agent. However, there is no scientific evidence demonstrating the biological effects of the fruits of this plant. The aim of this work was to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect and histopathological changes in the target organs of mice exposed to the ethanolic extract of W. solanaceae fruits. Material and Methods: A ethanolic extract of W. solanaceae fruits was prepared with ethanol (95%). To evaluate the hypoglycemic activity, a single oral dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract was administered in an oral glucose tolerance test in normal mice. The blood glucose level was determined at different times by the glucose oxidase method. Then, it was evaluated the histopathological changes in liver, kidneys, heart and lungs. Results: The administration of the ethanolic extract of W. solanaceae fruits at 200 and 400 mg/kg was not able to reduce the blood glucose levels of mice. In addition, this extract led to some histological changes, such as microsteatosis and congestion in liver. The treated groups showed slight changes in the glomeruli and in the proximal convoluted tubules. No relevant changes were found in the lungs and the heart. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Witheringia solanaceae fruits showed no hypoglycemic activity in mice at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Besides, it was able to cause some histopathological changes, especially in liver.