Antidiabetic Benefits Research Articles

An Overview of Natural and Synthetic Coumarin Derivatives as Potential Antidiabetic Agents

The common term for cis-o-hydroxy cinnamic acid lactones, which all possess the fundamental structure of the benzo a-pyranone mother nucleus, iscoumarins. Especially in Umbelliferae, Rutaceae, Daphne, and Oleaceae, coumarins are extensively dispersed in the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits,and seeds of higher plants. A few coumarins are also detected in certain microbes and mammals. Certain coumarin molecules may also be synthesizedartificially. We have discussed the probable mechanisms behind coumarins' anti-diabetic benefits. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies show thatcoumarins may treat diabetes by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, enhancing pancreatic function, and reversing aberrant insulin signaling.As a result, they are useful and need further study and development. In conclusion, it is clear that coumarins have a range of biochemical andpharmacological characteristics, some of which have potential therapeutic value that may be useful against diabetes and its consequences. To sum up,improvements in the area have allowed for the isolation or chemical design of novel advantageous compounds with coumarin cores as candidates againstdiabetes and its consequences; nevertheless, additional study is necessary before safe and effective coumarin medications are employed in the clinic.

Differential effects of RYGB surgery and best medical treatment for obesity-diabetes on intestinal and islet adaptations in obese-diabetic ZDSD rats.

Modification of gut-islet secretions after Roux-En-Y gastric bypass (RYBG) surgery contributes to its metabolic and anti-diabetic benefits. However, there is limited knowledge on tissue-specific hormone distribution post-RYGB surgery and how this compares with best medical treatment (BMT). In the present study, pancreatic and ileal tissues were excised from male Zucker-Diabetic Sprague Dawley (ZDSD) rats 8-weeks after RYGB, BMT (daily oral dosing with metformin 300mg/kg, fenofibrate 100mg/kg, ramipril 1mg/kg, rosuvastatin 10mg/kg and subcutaneous liraglutide 0.2mg/kg) or sham operation (laparotomy). Insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, PYY, GLP-1 and GIP expression patterns were assessed using immunocytochemistry and analyzed using ImageJ. After RYGB and BMT, body weight and plasma glucose were decreased. Intestinal morphometry was unaltered by RYGB, but crypt depth was decreased by BMT. Intestinal PYY cells were increased by both interventions. GLP-1- and GIP-cell counts were unchanged by RYGB but BMT increased ileal GLP-1-cells and decreased those expressing GIP. The intestinal contents of PYY and GLP-1 were significantly enhanced by RYGB, whereas BMT decreased ileal GLP-1. No changes of islet and beta-cell area or proliferation were observed, but the extent of beta-cell apoptosis and islet integrity calculated using circularity index were improved by both treatments. Significantly decreased islet alpha-cell areas were observed in both groups, while beta- and PYY-cell areas were unchanged. RYGB also induced a decrease in islet delta-cell area. PYY and GLP-1 colocalization with glucagon in islets was significantly decreased in both groups, while co-staining of PYY with glucagon was decreased and that with somatostatin increased. These data characterize significant cellular islet and intestinal adaptations following RYGB and BMT associated with amelioration of obesity-diabetes in ZDSD rats. The differential responses observed and particularly those within islets, may provide important clues to the unique ability of RYGB to cause diabetes remission.

Updated Information of the Effects of (Poly)phenols against Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus in Humans: Reinforcing the Recommendations for Future Research

(Poly)phenols have anti-diabetic properties that are mediated through the regulation of the main biomarkers associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin resistance (IR)), as well as the modulation of other metabolic, inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. A wide range of human and pre-clinical studies supports these effects for different plant products containing mixed (poly)phenols (e.g., berries, cocoa, tea) and for some single compounds (e.g., resveratrol). We went through some of the latest human intervention trials and pre-clinical studies looking at (poly)phenols against T2DM to update the current evidence and to examine the progress in this field to achieve consistent proof of the anti-diabetic benefits of these compounds. Overall, the reported effects remain small and highly variable, and the accumulated data are still limited and contradictory, as shown by recent meta-analyses. We found newly published studies with better experimental strategies, but there were also examples of studies that still need to be improved. Herein, we highlight some of the main aspects that still need to be considered in future studies and reinforce the messages that need to be taken on board to achieve consistent evidence of the anti-diabetic effects of (poly)phenols.

The Ameliorative Role of Hibiscetin against High-Fat Diets and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rodents via Inhibiting Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukin-1β, and Malondialdehyde Level

Hibiscetin, as one of the main bioactive constituents of Hibiscus sabdariffa, has many pharmacological activities, but its antihyperglycemic activity has not been fully interpreted yet. The current research was developed from this perspective. The study intended to appraise the antidiabetic capability of hibiscetin in a high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ; 50 mg/kg, intraperitoneally)-induced diabetes in an experimental animal. The efficiency of hibiscetin at 10 mg/kg in an “HFD/STZ model” remedy in rats with experimentally caused diabetes was explored for 42 days. The efficacy of hibiscetin was observed on several diabetes parameters. The average body weight and an array of biochemical markers were determined, including blood glucose, insulin, total protein (TP), lipid profile, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), IL-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), adiponectin, leptin, resistin, malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The antidiabetic benefits of hibiscetin were proven by a substantial reduction in blood glucose, lipid profile (TC and TG), total protein, IL-6, IL-1β, MDA, TNF-α, leptin, adiponectin, ALT, and AST in the therapy group compared to the diabetic disease standard. Furthermore, hibiscetin therapy also reversed the lowered levels of insulin, resistin, GSH, SOD, and CAT in diabetic rats. It was determined that hibiscetin may be beneficial in terms of reducing diabetes problems due to its effects on both oxidative stress and inflammation and that more research for this design should be conducted.

Preliminary Antidiabetic Potential of Ugandan- Matooke (Musa paradisiaca) Peels

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycaemia over a prolonged period. In Uganda, unripe Musa paradisiaca (banana) is a staple food which is deskinned before cooking. In West Africa, however, the unpeeled banana is cooked for diabetics.
 Aim: The objective of the study was to assess the hypoglycemic and body weight changes in experimental diabetic Wistar rats treated with green banana peel extracts.
 Methodology: Out of the thirty-nine male rats used for the study, nine were used for the evaluation of possible oral acute toxicity. The remaining thirty were divided into six groups of 5 rats each. Experimental diabetes mellitus was induced by intravenous injection of alloxan (65 mg/kg body weight) the alloxan and treated with insulin, distilled water and graded doses of the extract (1000 mg/kg, 2000 mg/kg and 4000 mg/kg body weight) for two weeks.
 The weight and blood glucose levels were measured before and after induction and prior to administration of treatment dosages. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 20. ANOVA and spearman’s rank correlation tests determined significant changes in values at 95% confidence interval.
 Results: The rats showed no signs of toxicity nor death even at a dose of 10,000 mg/kg body weight. Phytochemical screening revealed saponins, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, cardiac glycoside, alkaloids, steroids and terpenoids. This study demonstrates that Musa paradisiaca peels significantly attenuated blood glucose levels (P < 0.005) and regulated body weights at doses (≥ 2000 mg/kg) which are essential parameters in the management of diabetes mellitus.
 Conclusion: In line with the findings, unripe banana peels are anti-diabetic; unripe bananas therefore, should be cooked with the skins to derive its established anti-diabetic benefits.

In silico analysis of antidiabetic potential of phenolic compounds from blue corn (Zea mays L.) and black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The growing interest in bioactive compounds, especially in polyphenols, is due to their abundance in the human diet and potentially positive effects on health. The consumption of polyphenols has been shown to possess anti-diabetic properties by preventing insulin resistance or insulin secretion through different signaling pathways, this effect is associated with their capacity to exert genomic modulations. Several studies have suggested that polyphenols could also bind to cellular proteins and modulate their activity, however, the mechanisms of action underlying their beneficial effects are complex and are not fully understood. The aim of this work was to characterize phenolic compounds present in blue corn and black bean extracts as well as identify their potential interactions with target proteins involved in diabetes pathogenesis using in silico approach. Total polyphenols content of both blue corn and black beans was identified using UPLC-ESI/qTOF/MS and quantified by colorimetric assays. In this work we identified twenty-eight phenolic compounds in the extracts, mainly anthocyanins, flavonols, hydroxycinamic acids, dihydroxybenzoic acids, flavones, isoflavones, and flavanols. Interactome of these compounds with thirteen target proteins involved in type 2 diabetes mellitus was performed in-silico. In total, 312 bioactive compounds/protein interaction analyses were acquired. Molecular docking results highlighted that nine of the top ten interactions correspond to anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-glucoside with 11β-HS, GFAT, PPARG; delphinidin 3-glucoside with 11β-HS, GFAT, PTP and RTKs; and petunidin 3-glucoside with 11β-HS and PTP. These proteins are involved in mechanisms regulating functions such as inflammation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, glucose and lipid metabolism. In conclusion, this work provides a prediction of the potential molecular mechanism of black bean and blue corn polyphenols, specifically anthocyanins and could constitute new pathways by which compounds exert their antidiabetic benefits.

Phytochemical profiles and anti-diabetic benefits of two edible Amaranthus species

ABSTRACT Phytochemical profile and activity of anti-oxidative, anti-glycative, anti-α-amylase, anti-α-glucosidase, anti-lipase and anti-acetylcholinesterase (AchE) of aqueous extracts prepared from leaf and stem parts of two edible Amaranthus species, white and red amaranths, were investigated. Phytochemical analyses showed that white amaranth had more total phenolic acids than red one. The content of total flavonoids in four examined aqueous extracts was similar. Red amaranth has greater anthocyanins and carotenoids than white one. All aqueous extracts at three concentrations were used for in vitro bio-activities experiments. Results showed that four aqueous extracts displayed radical scavenging effect, Fe2+ chelating effect, xanthine oxidase inhibition, and reducing power. Aqueous extracts prepared from red amaranth exhibited marked anti-glycative effects, anti-α-amylase, anti-α-glucosidase, anti-lipase, and anti-AchE activities. These findings suggested that these two vegetables could be developed as functional foods for diabetic prevention and/or attenuation.

Discovery of LY3325656: A GPR142 agonist suitable for clinical testing in human

The discovery and optimization of a novel series of GPR142 agonists are described. These led to the identification of compound 21 (LY3325656), which demonstrated anti-diabetic benefits in pre-clinical studies and ADME/PK properties suitable for human dosing. Compound 21 is the first GPR142 agonist molecule advancing to phase 1 clinic trials for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

A GIP/xenin hybrid in combination with exendin-4 improves metabolic status in db/db diabetic mice and promotes enduring antidiabetic benefits in high fat fed mice

The current study has determined the ability of exendin-4 to augment the antidiabetic benefits of the recently characterised GIP/xenin hybrid, (DAla2)GIP/xenin-8-Gln. As such, combined activation of metabolic pathways linked to various gut derived hormones has been shown to exert complementary beneficial metabolic effects in diabetes. (DAla2)GIP/xenin-8-Gln and exendin-4 were administered twice daily to high fat fed (HFF) or db/db mice for 28 days and antidiabetic benefits assessed. Persistence of beneficial metabolic effects in HFF mice was also examined. Twice-daily injection of (DAla2)GIP/xenin-8-Gln for 28 days in HFF mice significantly reduced energy intake, body weight, circulating glucose, HbA1c and improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Overall pancreatic islet, alpha- and beta-cell areas were reduced, with concurrent reduction in alpha- and beta-cell proliferation that was more apparent in the combined treatment group. Addition of exendin-4 to (DAla2)GIP/xenin-8-Gln therapy did not significantly improve metabolic control. Remarkably, beneficial effects were still evident 14 days following complete cessation of peptide administration. Thus, circulating glucose and insulin, HbA1c concentrations and glucose tolerance were still significantly improved when compared to control HFF mice on day 42, with minimal changes to pancreatic islet architecture. In contrast to HFF mice, combined treatment of db/db mice with (DAla2)GIP/xenin-8-Gln plus exendin-4 was required to induce beneficial effects on key metabolic parameters, which were not observed with either treatment alone. This included improvements in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, but no effect on pancreatic architecture. These studies highlight the clear, and persistent, metabolic advantages of sustained activation of GLP-1 receptors, alongside concurrent activation of related GIP and xenin cell signalling pathways, in diabetes.

Medicinal uses of honey: a review on its benefits to human health

Honey often referred to as ‘the drink of the gods’, is naturally sweet and a substantially rich source of carbohydrates, amino acids and antioxidants. In spite of being rich in carbohydrates, honey has a low glycemic index and therefore effectively used as a dietary compliance by diabetics. The fructose content of honey has hepatoprotective capability, while the antioxidants present in it provide effective protection against oxidative damage. The therapeutic attribute of honey makes it the food of choice even in infants and diabetics. Honey is endowed with antioxidant, immune modulating, and wound healing, anti-inflammatory, therapeutic, nutritional, antimicrobial and antidiabetic qualities. The present review aims at discussing these capabilities of honey with special reference to its antidiabetic benefits under one dome.

Amelioration of hyperglycemia and associated metabolic abnormalities by a combination of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds and onion (Allium cepa) in experimental diabetes.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds and onion (Allium cepa) are independently known to have antidiabetic effects through different mechanisms. The beeneficial influence of a combination of dietary fenugreek seeds and onion on hyperglycemia and its associated metabolic abnormalities were evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was experimentally induced with streptozotocin and diabetic rats were fed with 10% fenugreek or 3% onion or their combination for 6 weeks. These dietary interventions significantly countered hyperglycemia, partially improved peripheral insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion, reduced β-cell mass and markedly reversed the abnormalities in plasma albumin, urea, creatinine, glycated hemoglobin and advanced glycation end products in diabetic rats. These beneficial effects were highest in the fenugreek+onion group. Diabetic rats with these dietary interventions excreted lesser glucose, albumin, urea and creatinine, which were accompanied by improved body weights compared with the diabetic controls. These dietary interventions produced ameliorative effects on pancreatic pathology as reflected by near-normal islet cells, restored glycogen and collagen fiber deposition in diabetic rats. This study documented the hypoglycemic and insulinotropic effects of dietary fenugreek and onion, which were associated with countering of metabolic abnormalities and pancreatic pathology. It may be strategic to derive maximum nutraceutical antidiabetic benefits from these functional food ingredients by consuming them together.

Moringa oleifera from Cambodia Ameliorates Oxidative Stress, Hyperglycemia, and Kidney Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetic Mice.

Recent reports have shown the antidiabetic effect of Moringa oleifera from various parts of the world. However, M. oleifera from Cambodia has never determined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the antidiabetic effect of M. oleifera extract from Cambodia. The leaf ethanolic extract contained flavonoids (31.90 mg/mL), polyphenols (53.03 mg/mL), lycopene (0.042 mg/mL), and ß-carotene (0.170 mg/mL), and possessed 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities of 92.40, 99.25, and 83.57 TE/μM at 1 mg/mL, respectively. Db/db mice were orally administered the leaf extract (150 mg/kg/day) for 5 weeks. M. oleifera treatment significantly ameliorated the altered fasting plasma glucose (from 483 to 312 mg/dL), triglyceride (from 42.12 to 23.00 mg/dL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (from 107.21 to 64.25 mg/dL) compared to control group, and increased the insulin levels from 946 ± 92 to 1678 ± 268 pg/mL. The histopathological damage and expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in renal tissue decreased. These results indicate the potential antidiabetic benefits of M. oleifera ethanolic leaf extract.

Diabetes mellitus : economic and health burden, treatment and the therapeutical effects of Hypoxis hemerrocallidea plant

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is becoming one of the leading causes of death worldwide because of its adverse complications that include cardiovascular related diseases and chronic kidney disease. DM is considered a menace to public health due to the unavailability of adequate drugs to manage this condition, especially in poor developing countries such as those in the African continent. Proper management and treatment of this is lacking, which possibly explains escalating percentages of morbidity and mortality associated with it. In Africa, as a result of poor socio-economic conditions, it is nearly impossible to properly monitor and manage DM. Globally, the commercially available drugs used in diabetes treatment regimens have been associated with drastic side effects and are also mostly unaffordable in some developing countries (particularly in Africa), hence the need to investigate cheap and readily available medicinal plants such as Hypoxis hemerocallidea . It is important to thoroughly investigate the activities of medicinal plants in animal models to identify both their therapeutic and toxic effects. This review paper examines the potential anti-diabetic benefits of Hypoxis hemerocallidea based on experimental studies done on this plant between the years 2000 and 2016. The authors recommend that further studies on the different extracts of the plant be undertaken to discover the exact mechanisms of their action.

High-molecular-weight cocoa procyanidins possess enhanced insulin-enhancing and insulin mimetic activities in human primary skeletal muscle cells compared to smaller procyanidins

Dysregulation of glucose metabolism is a primary hallmark of metabolic disease (i.e., diabetes, obesity, etc.). Complementary nonpharmaceutical strategies are needed to prevent and/or ameliorate dysregulation of glucose metabolism and prevent progression from normoglycemia to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes across the lifespan. Cocoa compounds, particularly the procyanidins, have shown promise for improving insulin sensitivity and blood glucose homeostasis. However, the molecular mechanisms by which cocoa procyanidins exert these functions remain poorly understood. Furthermore, cocoa procyanidins exhibit size diversity, and evidence suggests that procyanidin bioactivity and size may be related. Here, we show that a procyanidin-rich cocoa extract elicits an antidiabetic effect by stimulating glycogen synthesis and glucose uptake, independent of insulin. Cocoa procyanidins did not appear to act via stimulation of AMPK or CaMKII activities. Additionally, in the presence of insulin, glycogen synthesis and AKT phosphorylation were affected. These mechanisms of action are most pronounced in response to oligomeric and polymeric procyanidins. These results demonstrate (1) specific mechanisms by which cocoa procyanidins improve glucose utilization in skeletal muscle and (2) that larger procyanidins appear to possess enhanced activities. These mechanistic insights suggest specific strategies and biological contexts that may be exploited to maximize the antidiabetic benefits of cocoa procyanidins.

Combined antidiabetic benefits of exenatide and dapagliflozin in diabetic mice

The combined glucose-lowering effect of exenatide and dapagliflozin has not yet been studied. We investigated this combination (single-dose or 4-week dosing) in diabetic ob/ob mice. Vehicle-corrected basal glucose showed greater reduction 1 h following exenatide + dapagliflozin than with exenatide or dapagliflozin alone, and stayed significantly lower for all groups versus vehicle over 3 h. During an oral glucose tolerance test, glucose excursion (30 min post-dose) was significantly lower for exenatide + dapagliflozin versus exenatide or dapagliflozin, or vehicle. Exenatide + dapagliflozin and exenatide, but not dapagliflozin alone, reduced glucose excretion over 24 h versus vehicle. After dosing for 4 weeks, exenatide, dapagliflozin and exenatide + dapagliflozin similarly decreased haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Body weight was reduced only with exenatide or exenatide + dapagliflozin. The glomerular filtration rate was similar with exenatide, dapagliflozin and vehicle, and increased with exenatide + dapagliflozin. Optimized combinatorial dosing of these antidiabetic agents may provide additive glucose lowering in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Antihyperglycemic effect of a natural chicoric acid extract of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.): A comparative in vitro study with the effects of caffeic and ferulic acids

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn Eurasia folk medicine, roots of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) have been reported to exert antidiabetic benefits. In vitro, a natural chicoric acid extract (NCRAE) from Cichorium intybus root has been shown to increase insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells and glucose uptake by muscle cells. Materials and methodsIn vitro experiments were designed to compare the effects of two hydroxycinnamic acids, caffeic and ferulic acids, to those obtained with NCRAE (50 and 100µg.mL−1) on the three major tissues implicated in glycemic regulation (pancreas, muscle and liver). In vivo experiments were performed in Wistar rats submitted to a daily intraperitoneal injection of NCRAE (3, 15 or 30mgkg−1) for 4 days. On the fourth day, an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT; 1gkg−1) was carried out. ResultsOur results show that the three compounds we used are able each to induce an original response. Caffeic acid mainly promotes a decrease in hepatic glycogenolysis. Ferulic acid elicits a clear increase of insulin release and a reduction of hepatic glycogenolysis. However, this compound induces an inhibition of muscle glucose uptake. NCRAE provokes an increase of insulin release and glucose uptake without any effect on hepatic glycogenolysis. We could also show that none of these compounds implicates hepatic glucose 6-phosphatase in contrast to chlorogenic acid, known as an inhibitor of glucose 6-phosphatase and which is able to decrease glucose output from hepatocytes. Our results point out that NCRAE is able to decrease blood glucose without any effect hepatic effect. Our in vivo experiments bring evidence that 4 daily IP administrations of NCRAE improve IP glucose tolerance in a dose-dependent manner and mainly via an insulin sensitizing effect. ConclusionsWe conclude that NCRAE presents an antihyperglycemic effect essentially due to a peripheral effect on muscle glucose uptake.

The QuaLAT project: mapping QTL for milk fatty acid content in the Italian Brown population and in the Israel Holstein Friesian

Milk contains a number of micro-components (“functional foods”) having specific health promoting activities. Important among these compounds are the conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) consistingof a mixture of isomers of C18:2 fatty acid with conjugated doublebonds. The predominant form in milk fat is the cis-9,trans-11 isomer, accounting for 75 to 90% of the total CLA content. Biomedical studies with animal models have demonstrated a variety of preventive health effects from CLA including anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic, antiobesity, immune system enhancement and antidiabetic benefits. Linolenic acid does not form CLA as an intermediate in rumen biohydrogenation, but it does form vaccenic acid (C18:1,t11) that enters the bloodstream from the rumen, through the abomasum and intestine, and is transported to the mammary gland. Several investigations using direct and indirect approaches established that endogenous synthesis of CLA via ∆9-desaturase action on vaccenic acid (VA, C18:1,t11) is the predominant source of the CLA found in milk fat across a range of diets. Thus, rumen VA production and mammary tissue ∆9-desaturase (D9D) are of key importance in determining the CLA content of milk fat. Mammary tissue D9D activity is measured indirectly as the milk desaturase index (DI), calculated as the ratio of milk CLA to the sum of milk CLA and VA. The study is centered on the Italian Brown Swiss and Israeli Holstein dairy cattle populations. Objectives of the project are: i) to identify environmental and physiological factors (e.g., herd, season, parity and stage of lactation) affecting milk CLA content and DI, and determine appropriate correction factors, if needed; ii) to estimate heritability of milk CLA content and DI in the study populations; iii) to implement a total genome scan for QTL affecting milk CLA VA content and DI in the two study populations. using a selective DNA pooling approach based on milk samples for the initial scan, followed by individual genotyping to confirm suggestive QTL regions. For each of the studied populations,, the research includes determination of CLA, VA and DI for more than 2500 individuals of five large sire half-sib families (for the genome scan) and an additional 400 individuals of 20 small sire half-sib families for the heritability analysis. Milk fat is extracted and transmethylated according to Chouinard et al. (1999). Fatty acid methyl esters are analyzed by GC-FID with a highly polar 100 m SP-2560 column, using GLC-60 supplemented with CLA and VA as a standard. Based on the results obtained to date for the Italian Brown Swiss population, the mean (fatty acid composition over the total fatty acid) ±SD( minimum and maximum) are respectively: VA, 1.97±0.77 (0.63 - 5.40); CLA, 0.63±.0.47 (0.35 - 5.31); DI, 0.25±0.097 (0.063 - 0.64). The means for VA and CLA content found are similar to those reported by other studies (control treatment) and reviewed by Collomb et al (2006). The slightly larger variability here reported, anyhow within the limit of values found in literature, is possibly affected by the wide farming conditions of the individuals sampled.