This study investigated the effects of "mais vida", a commercial natural mix, on macrophages functional activity as evaluated by the superoxide release in diabetic rats. The animals were divided into two groups, control (N = 20) and diabetic (N = 20). This was achieved by determining blood glucose weight and the superoxide released by spleen macrophages. The "mais vida" mix was obtained by the combination of extracts from seven medicinal species, which were: Orbignia martiana Rodr., Tabebuia avellanedae L.G., Arctium lappa L., Rosa centifolia L., Maytenus ilicifolia Mart., Vernonia condensata Baker and Thuja occidentalis L. Blood glucose levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the diabetic group, as compared to blood glucose levels in the control group. Superoxide levels in macrophages isolated from normoglycemic rats were higher than those obtained from diabetic animals. The "mais vida" mix, independently of glycemic status, increased significantly the superoxide release in the macrophages. Each extract by itself also increased the superoxide release by phagocytes in the macrophages in both groups. The largest superoxide release occurred when the phagocytes were stimulated by Thuja occidentalis L., Rosa centifolia L., Tabebuia avellanedae L.G. and Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. In addition, the activation of macrophages by the "mais vida" mix may represent an additional protection mechanism for diabetic individuals against infections.
phytotherapy; phagocytes; diabetes; alloxan; superoxide anion
