Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Solidago chilensis in rats

Solidago chilensis Meyen, Asteraceae, is traditionally used to treat inflammation. However, phytochemical and pharmacology investigations are lacking. This study evaluated the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of hydroalcoholic extract from S. chilensis aerial parts in rats. In oral glucose tolerance tests the rats received saline (0.5ml/100g) in control group (C), hydroalcoholic extract (125, 250 or 500mg/kg p.o.; n=6) or glibenclamide (10mg/kg p.o.; n=6). After 30min, glucose (4g/kg) was administered. Rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract 500 demonstrated decreased glucose levels at 180min (−22.1%), when compared with group C, similar to glibenclamide. Moreover, treatment with hydroalcoholic extract 500 significantly increased the glycogen content in the liver and soleus muscle, and hydroalcoholic extract 250 specifically inhibited the enzyme maltase when compared with group C. Furthermore, all hyperglycemic rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract (125, 250 and 500) exhibited an accentuated decrease in total cholesterol levels (−36.8%, −36.7% and −41.3%, respectively). Our results suggest that hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of hydroalcoholic extract could be associated with increased production and release of insulin as well as with insulinotropic and antioxidant effects.