title: Hypoglycaemic effect of Opuntia lindheimeri Englem in a diabetic pig model.
abstract: The hypoglycaemic activity of Opuntia lindheimeri Englem. was investigated in non-diabetic (control pigs) and streptozotocin-induced diabetic pigs using an enteral (oral) route of administration. Following the administration of O. lindheimeri extract (0, 250 or 500 mg/kg body weight), blood glucose concentrations in control pigs fluctuated around initial baseline concentrations, but were not consistently affected by either the dose of O. lindheimeri or by the time following administration. In contrast, administration of O. lindheimeri extract to STZ-treated pigs resulted in both a dose- (p < 0.001) and time-dependent (p < 0.001) decrease in blood glucose concentrations. The hypoglycaemic effect of the extract was apparent within 1 h of administration, with maximal effects occurring at 4 h after administration. These results confirm the hypoglycaemic effect of O. lindheimeri extract in a diabetic pig model. In addition, given the physiological similarities of the pig to humans, this model will be of tremendous use in assessing the long-term effects of Opuntia administration on the secondary problems associated with diabetes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Texas 78363, USA.
authors.forename: Jamie C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Laurenz
authors.forename: Chad C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Collier
authors.forename: Joseph O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Kuti
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D029747:Opuntia; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013311:Streptozocin; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013311:Streptozocin