Salvia hispanica L. and its therapeutic role in a model of insulin resistance

Abstract

Obesity and particularly visceral adiposity are accompanied by increased oxidative stress (OS) due to an unfavorable critical balance between the generation of free radicals and antioxidant defenses that in turn affect insulin signaling and contribute to insulin resistance, all of them key factors of the Metabolic Syndrome. Recent investigations show that increases in the consumption of natural dietary sources with antioxidant bioactive compounds may support the prevention of OS. Salvia hispanica L. seed is a rich botanical source of α-linolenic acid 18:3 n-3 and is a promising source of antioxidants because it contains considerable amounts of chlorogenic and caffeic acids, myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, among others. This chapter analyzes the effect of dietary Salvia hispanica L. seeds upon the improvement and/or reversion of OS and its relationship with insulin insensitivity. It focuses on the adipose tissue of an experimental model of dyslipidemia, impaired glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance and visceral adiposity.