Ursolic acid and luteolin-7-glucoside improve lipid profiles and increase liver glycogen content through glycogen synthase kinase-3

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2010

Authors

Marisa F Azevedo (Author) Other; Cagri Camsari (Author) Other; Carla M Sa (Author) Other; Cristovao F Lima (Author) Other; Manuel Fernandes Ferreira (Author) FCUP; Cristina Pereira Wilson (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Phytotherapy Research

Vol. 24 No. 12

Pages: S220-S224

ISSN: 0951-418X

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 47 Citations

Scopus - 55 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Basic medicine

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-053

DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3118

Abstract (EN): In the present study, two phytochemicals - ursolic acid (UA) and luteolin-7-glucoside (L7G) - were assessed in vivo in healthy rats regarding effects on plasma glucose and lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL and LDL), as well as liver glycogen content, in view of their importance in the aetiology of diabetes and associated complications. Both UA and L7G significantly decreased plasma glucose concentration. UA also significantly increased liver glycogen levels accompanied by phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3). The increase in glycogen deposition induced by UA (mediated by GSK3) could have contributed to the lower plasma glucose levels observed. Both compounds significantly lowered total plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels, and, in addition, UA increased plasma high-density lipoprotein levels. Our results show that UA particularly may be useful in preventable strategies for people at risk of developing diabetes and associated cardiovascular complications by improving plasma glucose levels and lipid profile, as well as by promoting liver glycogen deposition. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5