Abstract

VALENZUELA SOTO, Ramón et al. Cnidoscolus chayamansa organic hydroponic and its hypoglycemic capacity, nutraceutical quality and toxicity. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2015, vol.6, n.4, pp.815-825. ISSN 2007-0934.

Chaya is a plant nutritional quality and has high potential for public health in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most chronic degenerative diseases prevalent in Mexico. Moreover, in recent years has been increasing interest in assessing the effects of using plant extracts as safe alternative for the treatment of diabetes. Recent studies have shown that extracts of chaya (Cnidoscolus chayamansa) have antioxidant properties. However, it is unknown whether infusions (aqueous extracts) of the plant possess hypoglycemic properties. The hypoglycemic ability and toxicity of an infusion of leaves of hydroponic chaya organically produced were evaluated by in vivo models using male Wistar albino rats (evaluation of hypoglycemic capacity), and larvae of Artemia salina (determination of toxicity). The phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of infusion were also determined. The consumption of the evaluated infusion reduced glucose levels of diabetic rats, having a higher hypoglycemic effect that the application of glibenclamide. The toxicity assessment showed that infusion of organic hydroponic chaya leaf is not toxic and is safe for consumption as potential hypoglycemic agent.

Keywords : antioxidants; diabetes; hypoglycemic; plant extracts; safety.