Potencial anti-hiperglicêmico do extrato de Connarus suberosus planch. em modelo experimental de diabetes mellitus induzido por estreptozotocina

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases of the 21st century, currently affecting approximately 537 million adults worldwide, with projections reaching 780 million cases by 2045. In recent years, the search for therapeutic alternatives that promote glycemic control and reduce oxidative damage associated with DM has intensified. In this context, the investigation of bioactive compounds derived from plants has emerged as a promising strategy for managing and preventing complications related to this disease. Among plant species from various biomes with anti-hyperglycemic potential, the Connaraceae family stands out. Our research on this family began in 2015 with studies on Rourea cuspidata. Since then, we have conducted investigations on four other species from different Brazilian biomes, with particular emphasis on Connarus suberosus, a plant native to the cerrado, which has shown promising results. This study aimed primarily to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic activity of the aqueous extract of C. suberosus in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The results demonstrated that treatment with the extract over 28 days promoted significant antihyperglycemic activity and provided protective effects on renal parameters, maintaining urea and creatinine levels similar to those of non-diabetic control animals. Additionally, the extract showed benefits in lipid profile, oxidative stress, and hepatic complications, attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties derived from its bioactive compounds. This work also includes a comprehensive review of species in the Connaraceae family, published in 2021 in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, and a patent filed with the INPI (registration BR 102021016273-2-A2), which indicates the use of extracts from this family for DM control. These findings highlight the potential of C. suberosus as a promising therapeutic resource for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]