Abstract:

Objective: To explore the hypoglycemic effect of total flavonoids from Potentilla kleiniana Wight et Arn. (TFP)
in vitro and in vivo. Methods: TFP was purified by cyclic ultrasonic extraction and D-101 macroporous resin adsorption.
in vitro tests were carried out to assess the inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase and α-amylase and oxygen radical absorption
capacity (ORAC) of TFP. The in vivo antihyperglycemic effect was investigated by administration of streptozotocininduced
diabetic mouse model at 100, 200 and 400 mg/(kg·d) body weight for 4 consecutive weeks. The venous blood
glucose was measured at the end of each week. After four weeks, the insulin level in orbital blood serum was measured and
all the animals were sacrificed for the determination of liver glycogen and pyruvate kinase (PK). Results: The inhibitory
activity of TFP on α-glucosidase was strong in a dose-dependent manner, while the inhibitory activity on α-amylase was
not strong. TFP had a strong ORAC activity. It exhibited a good hypoglycemic effect in diabetic mice at each dose and this effect
was particularly noticeable at 400 mg/(kg·d) body weight. The serum insulin level was significantly increased and the secretion
of pyruvate kinase was greatly enhanced, thus contributing to glycogen synthesis and increasing glycogen content after treatment.
Conclusion: Potentilla kleiniana Wight et Arn. is a natural herb with potential hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities.

Key words: Potentilla kleiniana Wight et Arn., total flavoids, antihyperglycemic effect, in vitro, in vivo