In vivo efficacy evaluation of white-spotted flower chafer (Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis) extract for improving blood circulation

Abstract

Recent studies have suggested the use of insects to enhance various bioactivities in the treatment of many diseases or as alternative sources of nutrients. White-spotted flower chafer (Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis; PBS) extract, which is used for medicinal purposes, appears to be effective in improving blood circulation. However, few studies have investigated the efficacy of PBS extract in improving blood circulation. Here, we investigated the effects of PBS extract on serum cholesterol metabolites (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and anticoagulant activities (prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT], and fibrinogen [Fib]) in very-high-fat diet (VHFD)-induced hyperlipidemic rats. The experimental groups comprised a control group that was not treated with PBS and five PBS treatment groups (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg/kg) in a randomized complete block design. In the efficacy evaluation for health functionality to reduce cholesterol levels, no beneficial effects on serum cholesterol metabolites were observed in the control and PBS treatment groups. In addition, the cholesterol data indicated that the effect of the PBS extract was not related to antioxidant activity. Moreover, the PT, aPPT, and Fib values were prolonged by increasing the PBS extract concentration, and PBS extract concentrations of 150–250 mg/kg were recommended for the VHFD model based on the anticoagulant activity. In conclusion, the PBS extract can be used in a potential therapeutic strategy for improving anticoagulant activity rather than improving the serum cholesterol profile.