A Cecropia peltata ethanolic extract reduces insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in rats fed a high-fat diet

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Cecropia peltata L. (CP) leaves have been used in Latin American traditional medicine by its purported hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolic effects of an ethanolic extract of CP leaves in rats fed a high-fat diet and 10% of sugar in water (HFD).

Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: group 1 was fed a control diet; groups 2, 3 and 4 were fed a HFD. In addition, group 3 was co-administered with 10 mg/kg/day of CP extract (HFD + CP) and group 4 with a solution of 5 mg/kg/day metformin (HFD + M) for 90 days.

Results: Body weight gain and serum triglycerides were significantly decreased in the HFD + CP group compared with the HFD and HFD + M groups. Glucose tolerance increased in the HFD + CP compared with the HFD group. Administration with CP extract reduced adipose tissue lipolysis and lipid accumulation in liver of HFD + CP rats with respect to HFD and HFD + M groups. Histological examinations showed that the area of the adipocytes in WAT and the area of lipid vesicles in BAT were significantly smaller in the HFD + CP group than in the HFD and HFD + M groups.

Conclusion: Administration of a CP extract prevented glucose intolerance and hepatic lipid accumulation in rats fed a HFD in association with reduced adipocyte hypertrophy, demonstrating potential antidiabetic properties.

Keywords: Adipose tissue; Cecropia peltata; Glucose tolerance; Hepatic steatosis; Obesity.