Antidiabetic and Renal Protective Properties of Berrycactus Fruit (Myrtillocactus geometrizans)

Native plants are exceedingly valuable because they are sources of natural products with applications for the treatment of various diseases. Berrycactus fruit (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) has been consumed in Mexico since ancient times due to its sweetness. The hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of this fruit were evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by replacing the drinking water with berrycactus juice (2 or 4 g/kg). After 4 weeks of treatment, the diabetic animals showed an improvement in their conditions, as reflected by diminished circulating glucose levels (up to 50%), diminished triglycerides (up to 67%), and diminished total cholesterol (up to 35%) compared with diabetic nontreated controls, and these effects were dose dependent. The dose of 4 g/kg produced the best results. The administration of the juice improved renal function and helped to restore normal levels of glutathione and glutathione S-transferase in the kidney. The expressions of two transcription factors that are relevant to normal functioning of the kidney changed due to the administration of the juice; compared to the diabetic nontreated controls, the level of nuclear factor kappa of B-cells diminished, and the total level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma increased. The results of this study highlight the importance of the compounds that are present in berrycactus fruit as adjuvants in the treatment of diabetes and its renal complications.