Effects of Baccharis dracunculifolia DC on an Innovative Animal Model of Cardiometabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Background/Objective: Cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) is a complex clinical condition that encompasses metabolic dysregulation, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes risk factors. Worldwide, CMS is underdiagnosed, and its occurrence significantly increases cardiovascular morbimortality. Despite available pharmacological treatments, the approach is fragmented, and the associated clinical conditions are treated independently. This approach may be partially due to limited preclinical models to mimic the clinical conditions of CMS. Therefore, our study aims to present an innovative animal model of cardiometabolic syndrome and evaluate the effects of Baccharis dracunculifolia on the set of clinical alterations associated with the condition. Methods: Female Wistar rats were induced to develop diabetes, fed a cholesterol-enriched diet, and exposed to the smoke of 9 cigarettes/day for 6 weeks. During the last 2 weeks, the rats were treated with vehicle, B. dracunculifolia (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), or a combination of simvastatin and insulin. At the end of the treatment, plasma lipid levels were measured, and the liver was analyzed histologically for hepatic lipid quantification and oxidative stress assessment. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed seven phenolic acids and six flavonoids in the extract. B. dracunculifolia showed significant hepatoprotective effects, reducing AST and ALT levels and lowering both plasma and hepatic lipid levels. The extract also reversed hepatic steatosis and demonstrated antioxidant properties. Conclusions: These findings suggest that B. dracunculifolia may be a therapeutic option for the metabolic dysregulation present in CMS.