Vaccinium corymbosum: Phenolic Compound Content and Effect of Fruit Extract on Blood Glucose in Healthy Mice

Abstract

Introduction: In the context of the increasing prevalence of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, the search for natural compounds with potential impact on glycemic regulation has become a crucial area of research. Among the numerous options available, Vaccinium corymbosum extract, commonly known as "blueberry", has emerged as a promising candidate due to its rich composition of phytochemicals with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic properties. The aim of this study was to determine the total phenolic content (TPC) and the activity of Vaccinium corymbosum ("blueberry") fruit extract on glycemia in healthy mice. Methods: The Folin-Ciocalteau method was applied in order to quantify the phenolic compounds and the BE was administered to 25 mice distributed in six groups: control, negative control, experimental-D1- D2-D3, which were administered the BE in doses of 40, 80 and 120 mg/kg b.w. respectively; and insulin group; which were subjected to the glucose tolerance test (GTT) taking blood samples after 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes. Results: The total phenolic content (TPC) amount found in the berries was 3.79±0.06 GAE/dry weight (mg/g) and 18.96±0.28 GAE/solution (mg/L). Statistically significant differences were observed between the three doses of BE and the negative control during GTT as well as induced a significant reduction in area under the curve (AUC) compared to the negative control. Conclusions: the three doses of the BE decreased glucose levels being the dose of 40 mg/kg b.w. the one that produced a statistically significant decrease with respect to the doses of 80 and 120 mg/kg b.w. during GTT. Keywords: Animal studies, Phenols, Blueberry, Hypoglycemic Effect, Insulin, Type 2 Diabetes.