Artemisia herba-alba aqueous extract improves insulin sensitivity and hepatic steatosis in rodent model of fructose-induced metabolic syndrome

Context: Fructose consumption is associated with the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in human and animal models. Objective: This study investigates the ability of an aqueous extract of Artemisia herba-alba Asso (AH) to ameliorate fructose-induced MetS in Male Wistar rats. Methods: AH extract at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w./day was administered for six weeks to MetS animals. Results: Liquid fructose (10% w/v) intake did not vary total animal body weight, whereas, it produced moderate hyperglycemia associated with metabolic and histological alterations. Treating MetS rats with AH extract improved insulin sensitivity, alleviated atherogenic dyslipidaemia and decreased lipid deposition in their hepatic tissues. Additionally, AH extract was found to raise GSH level and antioxidant enzymes (GPx, GST and CAT) activities in rat livers homogenates. Conclusion: The results here reported demonstrated, for the first time, that A. herba-alba have therapeutic proprieties against fructose-induced MetS in rodent model.