Identification of hypoglycaemic compounds from berries of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus through bioactivity guided isolation technique.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Decoction of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae) berries is used internally as tea and pounded fruits are consumed to lower blood glucose levels in Turkey.

Aim Of The Study: To evaluate hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activity of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus berries and to identify active compounds through bioactivity guided isolation technique.

Material And Methods: Hypoglycaemic effect of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus (Joso) berry extracts on oral administration was studied using in vivo models in normal, glucose-hyperglycaemic rats. Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats were used to examine antidiabetic activity of Joso extracts, subextracts, fractions, subfractions and shikimic acid (SA).

Results: Through in vivo bioactivity-guided fractionation processes, shikimic acid, 4-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ferulic acid and oleuropeic acid-8-O-β-d-glucopyranoside were isolated from the n-butanol subextract by silica gel and reverse phase column chromatography as the main active ingredient of the active subfraction. After 8 days administration of the major compound shikimic acid, blood glucose levels (24%), malondialdehyde levels in kidney tissues (63-64%) and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) of diabetic rats were decreased.

Conclusion: Results indicated that Joso berry extract and its active constituents might be beneficial for diabetes and its complications.