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Planta Med 1994; 60(3): 197-200
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-959457
Paper

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Hypoglycemic Activity of Juniper “Berries”

F. Sánchez de Medina1 , M. J. Gámez1 , I. Jiménez1 , J. Jiménez1 , J. I. Osuna2 , A. Zarzuelo1
  • 1Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada. Campus Universitario de Cartuja s/n, E-18071 Granada, Spain
  • 2Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina. Avda. Madrid s/n, E-18071 Granada, Spain
Further Information

Publication History

1993

1993

Publication Date:
04 January 2007 (online)

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Abstract

This work studies the hypoglycemic activity of a decoction from juniper “berries” (Juniperus communis) both in normoglycemic and in streptozotocin-diabetic animals. Juniper decoction decreases glycemic levels in normoglycemic rats at a dose of 250 mg/kg. This effect can be achieved through: a) an increase of peripheral glucose consumption; b) a potentiation of glucose-induced insulin secretion. The administration of the decoction (125 mg total “berries”/kg) to streptozotocin-diabetic rats for 24 days results in a significant reduction both in blood glucose levels and in the mortality index, as well as the prevention of the loss of body weight. This effect seems to be mediated by the peripheral action of juniper.

Key words

Juniperus communis - Cupressaceae - antidiabetic - hypoglycemic - streptozotocin

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