SIRT1 Activation by Equisetum Arvense L. (Horsetail) Modulates Insulin Sensitivity in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Equisetum arvense L., commonly known as field horsetail is a perennial fern of which extracts are rich sources of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Activation of SIRT1 that was shown to be involved in well-known signal pathways of diabetic cardiomyopathy has a protective effect against oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, and apoptosis that are the basis of diseases such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, or cardiovascular diseases. The aim of our study was to evaluate the antidiabetic and cardioprotective effects of horsetail extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Methods: Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 45 mg/kg streptozotocin. In the control groups (healthy and diabetic), rats were administered with vehicle, whilst in the treated groups, animals were administered with 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg horsetail extract, respectively, for six weeks. Blood glucose levels, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity were determined, and SIRT1 levels were measured from the cardiac muscle.

Results: The horsetail extract showed moderate beneficial changes in blood glucose levels and exhibited a tendency to elevate SIRT1 levels in cardiomyocytes, furthermore a 100 mg/kg dose also improved insulin sensitivity.

Conclusions: Altogether our results suggest that horsetail extract might have potential in ameliorating manifested cardiomyopathy acting on SIRT1.

Keywords: Equisetum arvense L.; SIRT1; diabetes mellitus; diabetic cardiomyopathy; insulin resistance; streptozotocin.