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Planta Med 2019; 85(06): 465-472
DOI: 10.1055/a-0835-6622
Biological and Pharmacological Activity
Original Papers
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Sideritis scardica Extract on Glucose Tolerance, Triglyceride Levels and Markers of Oxidative Stress in Ovariectomized Rats

Ivica Jeremic
1   Institute of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
2   Institute of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
,
Sasa Petricevic
2   Institute of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
,
Vanja Tadic
3   Institute for Medicinal Plant Research, Dr Josif Pančić, Belgrade, Serbia
,
Dragana Petrovic
1   Institute of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
,
Jelena Tosic
2   Institute of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
,
Zeljka Stanojevic
2   Institute of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
,
Milan Petronijevic
4   Department of Rheumatology, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
,
Sasenka Vidicevic
2   Institute of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
,
Vladimir Trajkovic
5   Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
,
Aleksandra Isakovic
2   Institute of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 01 September 2018
revised 01 January 2019

accepted 13 January 2019

Publication Date:
28 January 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Menopause is characterized by deep metabolic disturbances, including decreased insulin sensitivity, adiposity, and changes in lipid profiles. Estrogen replacement therapy can partially reverse these changes, and while it is safe in most healthy postmenopausal women, there are still existing concerns regarding an increased risk for breast and endometrial cancer as well as a risk for cardiovascular and thromboembolic disease. Therefore, certain natural compounds with positive metabolic effects may be considered as a possible alternative or adjunctive treatment in patients not willing to take estrogens or patients with contraindications for estrogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of Sideritis scardica (mountain tea) extract on metabolic disturbances induced by ovariectomy in rats. The study included 24 rats divided into three groups: ovariectomized rats treated with 200 mg/kg S. scardica extract for 24 weeks (n = 8), ovariectomized non-treated (n = 8), and Sham-operated (n = 8) rats. Food intake, weight gain, body composition, fasting glucose levels, response to oral glucose challenge, liver glycogen content, catalase activity, thiol groups, and malondialdehyde concentrations as well as AMP-activated protein kinase activity in liver cells were studied. Ovariectomized rats treated with S. scardica extract had lower blood triglycerides, reduced fasting glucose levels, as well lower glucose peaks after oral glucose challenge, increased liver glycogen content, and significantly higher catalase activity and thiol group concentration than non-treated ovariectomized rats. The ability of S. scardica extract to attenuate metabolic disturbances associated with ovariectomy was associated with the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in liver cells.

Key words

Sideritis scardica - Lamiaceae - menopause - ovariectomy - metabolic disturbance - AMPK
 

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