Hypoglycemic effects of black glutinous corn polysaccharides on alloxan-induced diabetic mice

Abstract

To investigate substances from corn with the potential to affect blood sugar levels, black glutinous corn polysaccharides (BGCP) were isolated and evaluated for hypoglycemic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Mice were administered daily doses of 800, 500 or 200 mg/kg BGCP for 4 weeks. Blood glucose, serum insulin levels, body weight and the organ weight of liver, kidney, spleen and thymus were measured. All three BGCP-treated groups showed reduced blood glucose levels, and treatment with 800 mg/kg resulted in greater hypoglycemic effects than treatment with lower doses. At week 4 of the trial, mice receiving 800 or 500 mg/kg BGCP showed blood glucose levels that were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than untreated diabetic control mice. Administration of alloxan led to significant loss of body weight after 2, 3 and 4 weeks. BGCP treatment did not affect the weight of the thymus and spleen compared to untreated diabetic control mice. The weight of the liver decreased and the weight of kidney increased in alloxan-treated diabetic mice, but kidney weight did not increase in diabetic mice treated with 800 mg/kg BGCP.