PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of Bauhinia forficata in model of glucocorticoid–induced insulin resistance.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into groups according to the treatment they received, for ten consecutive days, dexamethasone (D), n=10; dexamethasone–Bauhinia (DB), n=15; dexamethasone–Metformin (DM), n=15; and dexamethasone–Bauhinia–Metformin (DBM), n=11. Blood samples for laboratory analysis were obtained and liver fragments were taken for analyzing glycogen and fatty.  This study has been approved by Universidade Vale do Sapucaí Ethics Committee on Animal Usage.

RESULTS: Insulinemia (mU/l): D=0.2±0.1 vs DB=1.19±0.6 p=0,01; and DM=1.32±0.6; p=0.01); Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA)–b: D=0.2±0.1 vs DB=2.52±0.9 p=0,04; and DM=2.51±1.5; p=0.001); HOMA–IR: D=0.2±0.1 vs DB=1.12±0.5 p=0,001and DM=1.11±0.5 p=0,001. Histological examination of the liver showed that 100% of group D and 66% of group DB had moderate fatty (p=0.02).

CONCLUSION: Animals with glucocorticoid–induced insulin resistance and treated with Bauhinia forficata decoction did not present decreased insulinemia and increased peripherical sensitivity to insulin action.