Study of cynara cardunculus (Artichoke) stem and leave aqueous extract effects on biochemical parameters in rats fed with high-fat-diet and vitamin C-supplement

Abstract

Cynara cardunculus (CC), belonging to the family of artichokes, is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. This medicinal plant has shown its preventive effects against metabolic disorders. This study aimed to assess the effects of CC stems (CCS) and CC leaves (CCL) decoctions on metabolic parameters in rats fed with High-Fat-Diet and Vitamin C-supplement. This study underwent on 30 male adult rats divided into 5 groups; Controls, HFD, HFD-VC, HFD-CCS and HFD-CCL. Body weight and biochemical parameters such as blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and hepatic transaminases (GOT & GPT) were measured by spectrophotometric analysis methods during an experimental period (30 days). Decreased body weights were observed in HFD-CCS (176.93 g) and HFD-CCL (173.2 g) compared to HFD-VC (216.63 g). Significant changes were observed regarding blood glucose, total cholesterol, cholesterol-HDL and triglycerides in HFD-CCS (0.84±0.03, 1.01±0.07, 1.21±0.05 and 0.64±0.03 g / L respectively) and HFD-CCL (0.85±0.02, 0.89±0.03, 1.42±0.05 and 0.52±0.02 g / L) compared to HFD-VC (1.32±0.02, 1.3±0.05, 0.76±0.02 and 0.86±0.08 g / L). Liver function was characterized by decreased transaminase activities of GOT and GPT in HFD-CCS (22.6 and 19.6 IU / L) and HFD-CCL (12.6 and 10.3 IU / L) compared to HFD-VC (112 and 73.6 IU / L). Cynara cardunculus showed beneficial effects against biochemical disorders induced by high-fat-diet better than vitamin C supplement. Stem and leave decoctions showed complementary activities respectively hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic.