Modulatory effect of Mengkudu fruit on the activities of key enzymes of glucose synthesis and utilization pathways of diabetic induced rats

Abstract

ObjectiveThe present study was aimed to screen the secondary metabolites and evaluate the ameliorative potential of ethanolic extract of Morinda citrifolia (Mengkudu) Fruit Extract (MFE) on the glucose synthesis and utilization reactions. MethodsThe phytochemicals present in the Mengkudu fruit extract were qualitatively investigated. The blood glucose, glycogen content, and plasma insulin profiles and the activities of the key enzymes of glucose oxidation, and gluconeogenic pathways and glycogen metabolism in liver and kidney tissues in streptozotocin (STZ) induced experimental diabetic albino rats were assessed. ResultsThe diabetic rats orally treated with MFE (300 mg/kg b.w./day) for 30 days resulted in significant plunge in blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin levels and upswing in glycogen content and a significant progress in plasma insulin and C-peptide level. The distorted activities of key enzymes of glycolysis, TCA cycle, HMP shunt, gluconeogenesis, and glycogen metabolism such as glycogenesis and glycogenolysis pathways observed in liver and kidney tissues of diabetic rats were significantly reverted to near normalcy by the oral administration of MFE. Further, the results were compared with gliclazide, an oral standard drug. ConclusionThe results of the current study indicate that this fruit plays an indispensable character in regulating key enzymes of glucose synthesis and utilization reactions to sustain normoglycemia. Moreover consumption of Mengkudu fruit is nontoxic to the system and is hepatoprotective. Presence of biologically active ingredients such as alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, minerals, and vitamins presumed to account for the antihyperglycemic properties of M. citrifolia fruits.