Kudzu Polyphenols Improve Glucose Regulation in OB/OB Mice

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Our previous studies demonstrated that Radix puerariae, the primary polyphenol in kudzu root, can decrease arterial pressure and improve glucose regulation in spontaneously hypertensive rats and CD‐1 mice. This study tested the hypothesis that dietary kudzu root extract supplementation could also improve blood pressure, glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in ob/ob mice, an animal model that mimics some components of type 2 diabetes. Two‐month‐old male ob/ob and lean control mice were placed on a polyphenol‐free diet with or without 0.2% kudzu root extract added (23% puerarin). After 3 months on the diet, oral glucose tolerance was tested. In the ob/ob mice, kudzu root extract supplementation significantly improved glucose tolerance. Total and peak responses were significantly lower in ob/ob (but not lean control) mice receiving the supplement (peak response in ob/ob 281 mg/dl [kuzu], 401 mg/dl [control]). Following 4 additional months on the diets glucose and insulin tolerance were tested. In ob/ob (but not lean control mice), dietary kudzu root extract supplementation improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. The supplementation consistently decreased arterial pressure by 6‐10 mm Hg in both ob/ob and lean control mice. These results suggest that kudzu polyphenols improve glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in ob/ob mice and thus may provide similar protection in type 2 diabetics.