Prevention of type 2 diabetes in the Nile rat by palm fruit juice

Abstract

Diet‐related metabolic disorders are on the rise globally, and plant‐derived antioxidants may moderate these conditions. Palm fruit juice (PFJ) contains unique polyphenols with biological impact against various chronic diseases (Brit J Nutr 106:1664, 2011), including type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome in the Nile rat (NR). To examine these relationships, 84 male Wildtype NR were fed diabetogenic diets, as lab chow (#5020) or semipurified diets (CHO:fat:protein %En=70:10:20 or 40:43:17), in 4 experiments, with PFJ provided as a drink or mixed into the diet up to 1800ppm (GAE equiv). Body wt as well as random and fasting glucose were assessed for up to 6mo along with terminal organ weights, insulin, and plasma lipids to quantify T2DM. PFJ decreased blood glucose in all 4 experiments, and the anti‐diabetogenic effect correlated with polyphenol intake. PFJ was effective both as a drink and mixed into the diet, exerting positive effects on circulating insulin and liver, kidney and pancreas weight, without any observed negative effects. Data suggest mechanisms of preventing hyperglycemia may include reduced intestinal glucose absorption and/or stimulation of insulin secretion by protecting against ROS to preserve mitochondrial function (see related abstracts).Funding source: Foster Biomed Res Lab and the Malaysian Palm Oil Board