Evaluation of antidiabetic activities of scorzonera species on alloxan-induced diabetic mice

Objective: In Turkish folk medicine, different species of Scorzonera (Asteraceae) have been used in the treatment of various disorders. The study aimed to investigate antidiabetic activity of Scorzonera species and if rutin is the primary component responsible of this activity. Methods: The extracts of aerial parts of Scorzonera tomentosa, S. mollis ssp. szowitsii, S. suberosa ssp. suberosa, S. eriophora, S. acuminata, S. sublanata and S. cana var. jacquiniana were used in the experiment. Additionally, rutin, which has been analysed and detected by using HPLC qualitatively and quantitatively in some Scorzonera species, was also tested for its antidiabetic activity in the same conditions. An alloxan-induced diabetic mice test model was used in order to verify antidiabetic activity. Antidiabetic activities of the 9 groups (n=5; each) were measured at four different times: before Scorzonera extracts and rutin treatment and after 1, 2 and 4 hours of treatments. Results: S. sublanata extract exhibited the highest antidiabetic activity and at 100 mg/kg dose, it significantly reduced blood glucose levels measured after 1, 2 and 4 hours of treatments when compared to isotonic saline solution group (diabetic control group). S. cana var. jacquiniana extract also displayed notable decrease after 4 hours of treatment. Significant lowering effect on blood glucose level was also observed by treatment with rutin in all tested times at 100 mg/kg i.p. injection. According to the HPLC analyses the highest rutin content was determined in the S. acuminata aerial parts. Conclusion: Rutin content and the antidiabetic activity of the plant extracts were not correlated as displayed in this present study. Further studies should be performed to reveal responsible compunds for antidiabetic activity

Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activities of Scorzonera Species on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice

Objective: In Turkish folk medicine, different species of Scorzonera (Asteraceae) have been used in the treatment of various disorders. The study aimed to investigate antidiabetic activity of Scorzonera species and if rutin is the primary component responsible of this activity. Methods: The extracts of aerial parts of Scorzonera tomentosa, S. mollis ssp. szowitsii, S. suberosa ssp. suberosa, S. eriophora, S. acuminata, S. sublanata and S. cana var. jacquiniana were used in the experiment. Additionally, rutin, which has been analysed and detected by using HPLC qualitatively and quantitatively in some Scorzonera species, was also tested for its antidiabetic activity in the same conditions. An alloxan-induced diabetic mice test model was used in order to verify antidiabetic activity. Antidiabetic activities of the 9 groups (n=5; each) were measured at four different times: before Scorzonera extracts and rutin treatment and after 1, 2 and 4 hours of treatments. Results: S. sublanata extract exhibited the highest antidiabetic activity and at 100 mg/kg dose, it significantly reduced blood glucose levels measured after 1, 2 and 4 hours of treatments when compared to isotonic saline solution group (diabetic control group). S. cana var. jacquiniana extract also displayed notable decrease after 4 hours of treatment. Significant lowering effect on blood glucose level was also observed by treatment with rutin in all tested times at 100 mg/kg i.p. injection. According to the HPLC analyses the highest rutin content was determined in the S. acuminata aerial parts. Conclusion: Rutin content and the antidiabetic activity of the plant extracts were not correlated as displayed in this present study. Further studies should be performed to reveal responsible compunds for antidiabetic activity

HPTLC quantification, assessment of antioxidant potential and in vivo hypoglycemic activity of Scorzonera latifolia (Fisch. & Mey.) DC and its major compounds

Scorzonera L. (Asteraceae) species have long been the topic of many phytochemical, analytical, and biological studies since various species of the Scorzonera genus have been widely used as food and medicinal purposes. Apart from its traditional use to relieve pain, promote wound healing, treat helminth infections or women infertility, Scorzonera latifolia (Fisch. & Mey.) DC is also used for its antidiabetic activity. We aimed to investigate antidiabetic activity of the aerial parts of the title plant and its major secondary metabolites (hyperoside, isoquercitrin, 7-O-methylisoorientin, isoorientin, swertisin, chlorogenic acid, 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid and hydrangenol-8-O-β-glucoside) isolated from aerial parts in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Blood glucose levels were measured four times: before the treatment, after 1st, 2nd, and 4th hours of sample treatments (100 mg/kg i.p.). S. latifolia extract displayed notable decline after 4 hours of administration. Among the metabolites; swertisin, 7-O-methyl-isoorientin, and hydrangenol-8-O-β-glucoside were associated with significant reduction on blood glucose level of alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Due to the strong relationship between oxidative stress and diabetes, antioxidant activity of S. latifolia was additionally tested. Furthermore, 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, and swertisin contents as major components of the extract were quantified by HPTLC-densitometry, as their biological effects can be attributed to their phenolic contents