Hypoglycemic Effect of Calea urticifolia (Mill.) DC

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Ethnobotany
• Metabolic Disease Research

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes (T2D) onset involves progressive beta-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance, affecting millions globally.
• Medicinal plants are commonly used for T2D treatment in Mexico due to socioeconomic and cultural factors.
• Calea urticifolia (CU) is traditionally used in Hidalgo, Mexico, to manage diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hypoglycemic effects of a traditional Calea urticifolia infusion in a hyperglycemic animal model.
• To determine if the observed hypoglycemic effect is linked to reduced glucose absorption or inhibited hepatic glucose output (HGO).
• To identify potential molecular targets of Calea urticifolia compounds using network pharmacology.

Main Methods:

• A hyperglycemic rat model (streptozotocin and nicotinamide-induced) was used.
• Glucose tolerance tests and blood glucose curve analyses were performed.
• In vivo and in vitro assays assessed glucose absorption inhibition and hepatic glucose output (HGO) inhibition, including alpha-glucosidase and glucose-6-phosphatase activity.
• Network pharmacology analysis and chromatography (HPLC, TLC) identified active compounds.

Main Results:

• Calea urticifolia extract demonstrated a significant hypoglycemic effect in fasting conditions.
• A weaker hypoglycemic effect was observed post-glucose or sucrose challenge, with only 20% alpha-glucosidase inhibition.
• The extract significantly reduced glucose levels in pyruvate tolerance tests and diminished glucose-6-phosphatase activity by 90% in vitro.
• Chlorogenic acid and rutin were identified in the extract, compounds known to inhibit HGO.

Conclusions:

• Calea urticifolia extract exhibits a significant hypoglycemic effect, validating its traditional use for type 2 diabetes.
• The hypoglycemic action is primarily attributed to reduced hepatic glucose synthesis (gluconeogenesis) due to its phytochemical composition.
• A secondary contribution to the effect comes from slight inhibition of intestinal glucose absorption.