Evaluation of the hypoglycemic and oxidative stress effect of watercress (Nasturtium officinale) on hyperglycemic rats

 

Watercress is a semi-aquatic plant used in traditional medicine to treat different ailments, such as flu, cough, as diuretic, in avitaminosis, anorexia and in diabetes as a hypoglycemia treatment [1]. Several scientific studies have evaluated the hypoglycemic capacity of this plant [2, 3]; however, there are no reports about the aqueous, acetone or alcohol extracts nor the effect on oxidative stress. Objective: To evaluate the hypoglycemic, antioxidant activity and the effect on oxidative stress of watercress extracts and the histopathological analysis of the pancreas, kidney and liver in hyperglycemic rats. Methodology: Preparation of watercress aqueous extract (WAQE) acetone extracts (WAE), alcoholic extracts (WOHE) for oral administration; alloxan (200 mg/kg) and streptozotocin (60 mg/kg))-hyperglycemic male Wistar rats induction. Acute evaluation of hypoglycemic capacity of extracts (fasting glucose and glucose tolerance curves) and chronic effects of WAQE (8 weeks). Quantification of polyphenols, phenols and flavonoids, antioxidant capacity and protein content of extracts as well as quantification of antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde. Blood biochemistry and histopathological evaluation of pancreas, kidney and liver. Results: With acute administration of the aqueous extract the hypoglycemic effect was 76.6% higher than insulin; with chronic administration, normalization of glucose levels were obtained from the third week up to the eighth week. The WAQE showed a high concentration of phenols, polyphenols and flavonoids, exhibited a high antioxidant activity and reduced oxidative stress. A higher number of β-cells were found in the pancreas of treated animals with watercress. Conclusion: Aqueous watercress extract administration to hyperglycemic rats decreases glucose levels and increases the number of β-cells.

Acknowledgements: CIC-UMSNH-2015, 2016 for the partial support.

Keywords: Hyperglycemia, watercress (Nasturtium officinale), oxidative stress, pancreas.

References:

[1] Life Extension Magazine. Available at http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/nov2007_sf_watercress_01.htm. 2007

[2] Hoseini HF, Gohari AR, Saeidnia S, Majd NS, Hadjiakhoond A. The effect of Nasturtium officinale on blood glucose level in diabetic rats. Pharmacologyonline 2009; 3: 866 – 871

[3] Shahrokhi N, Hadad MK, Keshavarzi Z, Shabani M. Effects of aqueous extract of water cress on glucose and lipid plasma in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Pak J Physiol 2009; 5: 6 – 10