Reduced Fasting Blood Glucose Levels Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of the Hypoglycaemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Aqueous Extract of some Ethno medicinal Plants in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder associated with the development of metabolic complications. This research evaluated the hypoglycemic and hypolipidaemic effects of Moringa oleifera (MO), Treculia africana (TA) and Albizzia chevalieri (AC) plant extracts on diabetes. Albino rats were randomly divided into six (six) main groups; MC, MO, TA, AC, Normal Control (NC) and Diabetic Control (DC) groups. Group MO, TA and AC were further subdivide into three sub groups. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single dose intraperitoneal injection of alloxan 150 mg/kg body weight. Fasting blood glucose level and lipid profile were assayed using standard methods. Intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg of Alloxan in the albino rats resulted in significant (p<0.05) elevation of serum glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL-C), and low density lipoprotein (LDL-C). Also, there was significant decrease (p<0.05) in HDL-C and body weight of the albino rats compared with that of the NC group. Oral administration of MO, TA and AC to diabetic albino rats for 21 days significantly (p<0.05) reduced fasting blood glucose level, normalized lipid profile and restore body weight of the albino rats in treated groups compared to diabetic control groups. All the plant extracts studied in this research significantly (p<0.05) increase the regeneration of damaged pancreatic β cells. Treatment with MO (800 mg/kg) confirmed highly significant (p<0.05) effect compared to TA and AC.

Burdock fructooligosaccharide as an α-glucosidase inhibitor and its antidiabetic effect on high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

• We extracted burdock fructooligosaccharide (BFO) from burdock roots. • BFO could inhibit α-glucosidase with an IC 50 of 0.4996 mg/mL. • BFO could reduce fasting blood glucose levels, relieve rapid weight loss, improve glucose tolerance, and improve the complications of diabetic mice. Burdock roots are rich in inulin-type burdock fructooligosaccharide (BFO). However, the antidiabetic effect of BFO remains unknown. In this study, BFO was purified using DEAE-52 and G-75. The purity of BFO was 99.4%, the peak-average molecular weight (Mp) was 2958 Da. BFO inhibited α-glucosidase activity with an IC 50 of 0.4996 mg/mL. Streptozotocin (STZ) and high-fat diet (HFD) induced diabetic mice were used to test the anti diabetic effect of BFO. BFO reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, relieved rapid weight loss, and improved glucose tolerance after six weeks of treatment. In addition, BFO reduced serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide synthetase (NOS) levels, while increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. BFO also reduced islet, liver, and kidney damage. Based on these findings, BFO possesses potent antidiabetic effects on diabetic mice.

Behavioral, neuroplasticity and metabolic effects of 7,8-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin associated with physical activity in mice.

The search for strategies to develop resilience against metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders has motivated the clinical and experimental assessment of early life interventions such as lifestyle-based and use of unconventional pharmacological compounds. In this study, we assessed the effects of voluntary physical activity and 7,8-Dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin (DHMC), independently or in combination, over mice physiological and behavioral parameters, adult hippocampal and hypothalamic neurogenesis, and neurotrophic factors expression in the hypothalamus. C57Bl/6J mice were submitted to a 29-day treatment with DHMC and allowed free access to a running wheel. We found that DHMC treatment alone reduced fasting blood glucose levels. Moreover, physical activity showed an anxiolytic effect in the elevated plus maze task and DHMC produced additional anxiolytic behavior, evidenced by reduced activity during the light cycle in the physical activity group. Although we did not find any differences in hypothalamic or hippocampal adult neurogenesis, DHMC increased gene expression levels of VEGF, which was correlated to the reduced fasting glucose levels. In conclusion, our data emphasize the potential of physical activity in reducing development of neuropsychiatric conditions, such as anxiety, and highlights DHMC as an attractive compound to be investigated in future studies addressing neuropsychiatric disorders associated with metabolic conditions.

Acute and chronic metabolic effects of carvedilol in high-fructose, high-fat diet-fed mice: implication of β-arrestin2 pathway.

We aimed to investigate the acute and chronic effects of carvedilol on insulin resistance in high-fructose, high-fat diet (HFrHFD) - fed mice and the implication of the β-arrestin2 pathway. The acute effect of carvedilol (10mg/kg, i.p.) on glucose tolerance and hepatic lipid signaling in normal and insulin resistant mice was investigated. Then, the chronic effect of carvedilol on insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in HFrHFD-fed mice was examined. Changes in β-arrestin2 and its downstream signals in liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue were measured. This involved measuring phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and diacylglycerol (DAG) levels and protein kinase B (AKT) activity. Carvedilol acutely reduced fasting blood glucose levels in both normal and insulin resistant mice without significantly affecting the glucose tolerance. These acute effects were associated with increased hepatic PIP2 but decreased hepatic DAG levels. Chronic administration of carvedilol significantly ameliorated insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in HFrHFD-fed mice. These chronic effects were associated with increased β-arrestin2, PIP2, and AKT activity levels but decreased DAG levels in the classical insulin target tissues. In conclusion, carvedilol acutely maintains glucose homeostasis and chronically ameliorates insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in HFrHFD-fed mice. The insulin sensitizing effects of carvedilol are highly correlated with the upregulation of β-arrestin2 pathway.

Effects of Caffeinated and Decaffeinated Coffee Consumption on Metabolic Syndrome Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Data from Randomised Controlled Trials.

Coffee is rich in phenolic acids, such as caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid (CGA). Polyphenol-rich diets were shown to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome (MeTS). Background and Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis discusses the effects of coffee consumption and its dose-response on MeTS parameters. Materials and Methods: PubMed and Scopus® were searched for relevant articles published between 2015 and 2020. This review focused on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of coffee consumption on anthropometric measurements, glycaemic indices, lipid profiles, and blood pressure. Data from relevant studies were extracted and analysed using random, fixed, or pooled effects models with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Green coffee extract (GCE) supplementation (180 to 376 mg) was found to reduce waist circumference (weighted mean difference (WMD) = −0.39; 95% CI: −0.68, −0.10), triglyceride levels (WMD = −0.27; 95% CI: −0.43, −0.10), high−density lipoprotein−cholesterol levels (WMD = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.90), systolic blood pressure (WMD = −0.44; 95% CI: −0.57, −0.32), and diastolic blood pressure (WMD = −0.83; 95% CI: −1.40, −0.26). Decaffeinated coffee (510.6 mg) reduced fasting blood glucose levels (WMD = −0.81; 95% CI: −1.65, 0.03). The meta-analysis showed that the intake of GCE containing 180 to 376 mg of CGA (administered in a capsule) and liquid decaffeinated coffee containing 510.6 mg of CGA improved the MeTS outcomes in study participants. Conclusions: The findings of the review suggested that the effect of coffee on MeTS parameters varies depending on the types and doses of coffee administered. A more detailed RCT on specific coffee doses (with adjustment for energy and polyphenol intake) and physical activity is needed to further confirm the observed outcomes.

Anti-diabetic effect of aloin via JNK-IRS1/PI3K pathways and regulation of gut microbiota

This research aimed to investigate the antidiabetic activity, underlying mechanisms, and gut microbiota regulation of aloin. The insulin-resistant HepG2 (IR-HepG2) cell model and the type 2 diabetic (T2D) mouse model were successfully established using dexamethasone and a high-fat high-sucrose diet with low-dose streptozotocin, respectively. Aloin intervention increased glucose consumption and stimulated the activity of hexokinase and pyruvate dehydrogenase in IR-HepG2 cells. Additionally, it diminished the weight loss, reduced fasting blood glucose levels and hemoglobin A1c activity, and promoted glucose tolerance and fasting serum insulin activity in T2D mice. Histopathological analysis of the liver indicated hepatic protection by aloin. Additionally, aloin treatment inhibited the protein expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinases and activated that of IRS1/PI3K/Akt in the liver. Moreover, aloin modulated the bacterial community in the gut by raising the abundance of Bacteroidota and reducing the richness of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteriota. Thus, aloin ameliorated IR via activating IRS1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and regulating the gut microbiota, and it may be promising candidate as functional food for diabetic therapy.

Neo-clerodane Diterpenoids with Hypoglycemic Effects in Vivo from the Aerial Parts of Salvia hispanica L.

A new neo-clerodane diterpenoid, salvihispin H (1), and six known ones (2-7) were identified from the aerial parts of Salvia hispanica L. The structure and absolute configuration of 1 were elucidated by extensive analysis of spectroscopic (1 H, 13 C, and 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The anti-diabetic effects of salvihispin H (1) and salvifaricin (2) were evaluated in diabetic db/db mice. The data showed that 1 and 2 could significantly reduce fasting blood glucose level and improve insulin resistance, and compound 1 exerted glucose-lowering effect more quickly than metformin. In addition, 1 and 2 could also reduce serum TG level in db/db mice. These results demonstrated that compounds 1 and 2 could be considered as potent candidates for the therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Cinnamon as Dietary Supplement Caused Hyperlipidemia in Healthy Rats.

Objective Cinnamon is a cooking spice and a medicinal herb. It is increasingly used as a health supplement due to its perceived benefit to prevent and or manage type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders. However, it is unclear if regular consumption of this medicinal plant will interfere with normal physiological functions. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of daily cinnamon supplements on glucose and lipid metabolic profiles in healthy rats. Methods Male rats (Sprague Dawley, 8 weeks) were supplied with cinnamon in their diet (equivalent to ∼1 g/day in humans) for two weeks. Blood glucose and lipid levels, as well as metabolic markers in both liver and abdominal white adipose tissue, were measured. Results Cinnamon significantly increased fat mass and blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, but reduced fasting blood glucose level by 12%. Liver functional enzymes were normal in rats consuming cinnamon. However, several lipid metabolic markers were impaired which may contribute to dyslipidemia, including two main switches for energy metabolism (sirtuin 1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α) and the LDL receptor. However, de novo lipid synthesis enzymes and inflammatory markers were also reduced in the liver by cinnamon treatment, which may potentially prevent the development of steatosis. Markers for lipid oxidation were downregulated in fat tissue in cinnamon-treated rats, contributing to increased fat accumulation. Conclusion Daily low-dose cinnamon supplementation seems to promote abdominal adipose tissue accumulation and disturb lipid homeostasis in healthy rats, raising the concerns regarding daily use in healthy people.

Insulin secretion and repairing pancreatic tissue damage on diabetic mice treated with the extract and active fraction of Hibiscus surattensis L. leaves

Context: Diabetes is a chronic health condition with insulin disturbance. Hibiscus surattensis L. is a medicinal plant and plays a pivotal role in diabetes. Aims: To evaluate the effect of H. surattensis leaves extract to increase insulin secretion and repair pancreatic tissue damage in streptozotocin (STZ)‑induced diabetic mice. Methods: This research used male mice (Swiss Webster) administrated by STZ 100 mg/kg BW to induce diabetes. Animals were divided into eight groups (n = 6) consisting of normal control, diabetic control, glibenclamide, ethanol extract 50, ethyl acetate fraction, and water fraction with doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg BW, respectively. Treatment was given for 28 days. The evaluation was carried out on blood glucose levels, insulin levels, HOMA-β, and the pancreatic islets by the morphometric analysis were evaluated. All data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0. Results: Extract and active fraction of H. surattensis leaves, especially ethyl acetate fractions (25 and 50 mg/kg BW) significantly (p<0.05) reduced fasting blood glucose levels, insulin levels, and the strength of pancreatic β cells (HOMA-β) increased in STZ induced diabetic mice. Histopathological results in pancreatic confirmed the effect of H. surattensis to increase the number of islets significantly in Langerhans and pancreatic β-cells compared to the diabetic control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: Extract, and active fraction of H. surattensis leaves affect the insulin secretion and repairing the pancreatic tissue damage on diabetic mice, the most optimal therapy on the administration of ethyl acetate fraction.

Three weeks of interrupting sitting lowers fasting glucose and glycemic variability, but not glucose tolerance, in free-living women and men with obesity

We aimed to determine whether interrupting prolonged sitting improves glycemic control and the metabolic profile of free-living adults with obesity. Sixteen sedentary individuals {10 women/6 men; median [interquartile range (IQR)] age 50 (44-53) yr, body mass index (BMI) 32 (32-35.8) kg/m2} were fitted with continuous glucose and activity monitors for 4 wk. After a 1-wk baseline period, participants were randomized into habitual lifestyle (Control) or frequent activity breaks from sitting (FABS) intervention groups. Each day, between 0800 and 1800 h, FABS received smartwatch notifications to break sitting with 3 min of low-to-moderate-intensity physical activity every 30 min. Glycemic control was assessed by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and continuous glucose monitoring. Blood samples and vastus lateralis biopsies were taken for assessment of clinical chemistry and the skeletal muscle lipidome, respectively. Compared with baseline, FABS increased median steps by 744 [IQR (483-951)] and walking time by 10.4 [IQR (2.2-24.6)] min/day. Other indices of activity/sedentary behavior were unchanged. Glucose tolerance and average 24-h glucose curves were also unaffected. However, mean (±SD) fasting glucose levels [-0.34 (±0.37) mmol/L] and daily glucose variation [%CV; -2% (±2.2%)] reduced in FABS, suggesting a modest benefit for glycemic control that was most robust at higher volumes of daily activity. Clinical chemistry and the skeletal muscle lipidome were largely unperturbed, although two long-chain triglycerides increased 1.25-fold in FABS, postintervention. All parameters remained stable in control. Under free-living conditions, FABS lowered fasting glucose and glucose variability. Larger volumes of activity breaks from sitting may be required to promote greater health benefits.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Under free-living conditions, breaking sitting modestly increased activity behavior. Breaking sitting was insufficient to modulate glucose tolerance or the skeletal muscle lipidome. Activity breaks reduced fasting blood glucose levels and daily glucose variation compared with baseline, with a tendency to also decrease fasting LDLc. This intervention may represent the minimal dose for breaking sedentary behavior, with larger volumes of activity possibly required to promote greater health benefits.

Association of a Self-Paid Medically Supervised Weight Management Program with Reversal of Obesity-Associated Impaired Fasting Glucose.

Aims: The progression of prediabetes to T2DM can be delayed through diet modification and weight management. However, the intensive lifestyle program is often not covered by medical insurance. This retrospective analysis evaluates the association of a patient self-paid weight management program on an improvement of blood sugar in overweight and obese patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Methods: The medical records of 4634 patients who participated in the self-pay UCLA Weight Management Program were reviewed and 2572 patients met the criteria for this retrospective analysis to examine whether this program was associated with the reversal of IFG over 3 months among 1396 patients with normal fasting glucose (NFG) and 1176 with IFG. Results: The patients with IFG lost comparable amounts of weight (10.5 ± 1.3 kg) at three months, as did the subjects with NFG (10.1 ± 1.3 kg). Fasting blood glucose in the IFG group decreased from 108.49 ± 6.4 to 101.8 ± 9.41 mg/dL (p < 0.0001) after three months. There were also significant reductions in triglycerides, and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both groups in association with weight loss. Conclusion: Our medically supervised self-pay multidisciplinary weight management program was associated with reduced fasting blood glucose levels in patients with IFG over three months with comparable weight loss to patients with NFG.

Structural characteristics of a hypoglycemic polysaccharide from Fructus Corni

PFC-3 is a homogeneous polysaccharide extracted from the dried pulps of Fructus Corni with a molecular weight of 40.3 kDa. The crude polysaccharide was obtained and further purified by DEAE-Sephadex A-25 and Sephadex G-100 columns to investigate its structure and glycemic effect. The monosaccharides in the PFC-3, determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, consisted of glucose (Glc), xylose (Xyl), and galactose (Gal) with a mass molar ratio of 2.35:12.49:1.00. The methylation analysis combined with 1D (1H and 13C), and 2D NMR (1H–1H COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) further demonstrated that PFC-3 was mainly composed of 1,3-α-D-Xylp, 1,6-α-D-Galp, 1,2-α-D-Glcp, and T-α-D-Galp, and contained a backbone fragment of →6)-α-D-Galp-(1 → 2)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → 3)-α-D-Xylp-(1 → . The hypoglycemic effect of PFC-3 in vitro was evaluated by glucose uptake and consumption assays, and the results showed that PFC-3 concentration-dependently enhanced glucose uptake and significantly improved glucose consumption in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Furthermore, PFC-3 significantly reduced fasting blood glucose level, glycosylated hemoglobin level, amylase activity, ameliorate lipid metabolism, and hepatic lesions in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Our research provided insights into the hypoglycemic activities of PFC-3.

Anti-Allergic, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Hyperglycemic Activity of Chasmanthe aethiopica Leaf Extract and Its Profiling Using LC/MS and GLC/MS.

This study aims to comprehensively explore the phytoconstituents as well as investigate the different biological activities of Chasmanthe aethiopica (Iridaceae) for the first time. Metabolic profiling of the leaf methanol extract of C. aethiopica (CAL) was carried out using HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS. Twenty-nine compounds were annotated belonging to various phytochemical classes including organic acids, cinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, and fatty acids. Myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside was the major compound identified. GLC/MS analysis of the n-hexane fraction (CAL-A) resulted in the identification of 45 compounds with palmitic acid (16.08%) and methyl hexadecanoic acid ester (11.91%) representing the major constituents. CAL-A exhibited a potent anti-allergic activity as evidenced by its potent inhibition of β-hexosaminidase release triggered by A23187 and IgE by 72.7% and 48.7%, respectively. Results were comparable to that of dexamethasone (10 nM) in the A23187 degranulation assay showing 80.7% inhibition for β-hexosaminidase release. Both the n-hexane (CAL-A) and dichloromethane (CAL-B) fractions exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity manifested by the significant inhibition of superoxide anion generation and prohibition of elastase release. CAL showed anti-hyperglycemic activity in vivo using streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model by reducing fasting blood glucose levels (FBG) by 53.44% as compared with STZ-treated rats along with a substantial increase in serum insulin by 22.22%. Molecular modeling studies indicated that dicaffeoylquinic acid showed the highest fitting with free binding energies (∆G) of −47.24 and −60.50 Kcal/mol for human α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively confirming its anti-hyperglycemic activity. Thus, C. aethiopica leaf extract could serve as an effective antioxidant natural remedy combating inflammation, allergy, and hyperglycemia.

Protective role of Sterculia tragacantha aqueous extract on pancreatic gene expression and oxidative stress parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The current study evaluates the protective role of aqueous extract of Sterculia tragacantha leaf (AESTL) on pancreatic gene expressions (insulin, PCNA, PDX-1, KI-67 and GLP-1R) and oxidative stress parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced into the experimental Wistar animals via intraperitoneal (IP) injection of streptozotocin (35mg/kg body weight) and 5% glucose water was given to the rats for 24h after induction. The animals were categorized into five groups of 10 rats each as follows normal control, diabetic control, diabetic rats administered AESTL (150 and 300mg/kg body weight) and diabetic rats administered metformin (200mg/kg) orally for two weeks. Thereafter, the animals were euthanized, blood sample collected, pancreas harvested and some pancreatic gene expressions (such as insulin, PCNA, PDX-1, KI-67, and GLP-1R)s as well as oxidative stress parameters were analyzed. The results revealed that AESTL significantly (p<0.05) reduced fasting blood glucose level, food and water intake, and lipid peroxidation in diabetic rats. Diabetic rats administered different doses of AESTL showed a substantial upsurge in body weight, antioxidant enzyme activities, and pancreatic gene expressions (insulin, PCNA, PDX-1, KI-67, and GLP-1R). It can therefore be concluded that AESTL has the ability to protect the pancreas during diabetes mellitus conditions.

Effect of Rhizophora sp mangrove leaf extract on mice blood glucose levels

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that occurs due to increased blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) due to disorders of the pancreas. Mangrove leaves are known as herbal plants that can reduce blood glucose levels because it contains flavonoid compounds that can repair damaged pancreatic β cells and stimulate pancreatic β cells to produce the hormone insulin. This study aimed to determine the effect of Rhizophora leaf extract administration in reducing blood glucose levels of mice. This research was an experimental laboratory with the approach the post-test only control group design. This test used 5 groups, consisting of negative control group, positive control group (Glibenclamide 5 mg/kg BW), KP1 (extract 250 mg/kg BW), KP2 (extract 500 mg/kg BW), KP3 (extract 700 mg/kg BW). Measurement of fasting blood glucose levels using glucometer. The results showed that the administration of Rhizophora leaf extract in the KP1, KP2, and KP3 treatment groups was able to reduce blood glucose levels compared to before being treated, although the decrease was not yet up to normal limits. The conclusion was that the Rhizophora leaf extract was able to reduce fasting blood glucose levels with the highest percentage reduction in KP2 at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW by 29%.

Nicorandil decreases oxidative stress in slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers of diabetic rats by improving the glutathione system functioning.

Aims/IntroductionMyopathy is a common complication of any diabetes type, consisting in failure to preserve mass and muscular function. Oxidative stress has been considered one of the main causes for this condition. This study aimed to search if Nicorandil, a KATP channel opener, could protect slow‐ and fast‐twitch diabetic rat muscles from oxidative stress, and to unveil its possible mechanisms.Materials and MethodsDiabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by applying intraperitoneally streptozotocin (STZ) at 100 mg/kg doses. Nicorandil (3 mg/kg/day) was administered along 4 weeks. An insulin tolerance test and assessment of fasting blood glucose (FBG), TBARS, reduced (GSH), and disulfide (GSSG) glutathione levels, GSH/GSSG ratio, and mRNA expression of glutathione metabolism‐related genes were performed at end of treatment in soleus and gastrocnemius muscles.ResultsNicorandil significantly reduced FBG levels and enhanced insulin tolerance in diabetic rats. In gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, Nicorandil attenuated the oxidative stress by decreasing lipid peroxidation (TBARS), increasing total glutathione and modulating GPX1‐mRNA expression in both muscle’s types. Nicorandil also increased GSH and GSH/GSSG ratio and downregulated the GCLC‐ and GSR‐mRNA in gastrocnemius, without significative effect on those enzymes’ mRNA expression in diabetic soleus muscle.ConclusionsIn diabetic rats, Nicorandil attenuates oxidative stress in slow‐ and fast‐twitch skeletal muscles by improving the glutathione system functioning. The underlying mechanisms for the modulation of glutathione redox state and the transcriptional expression of glutathione metabolism‐related genes seem to be fiber type‐dependent.

Nutritional composition and antidiabetic effect of germinated endosperm (Borassus flabellifer), tuber (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) and their combined impact on rats

Diabetic patients usually avoid germinated endosperm of sugar palm (GESP) and elephant foot yam tuber (EFYT), fearing that these may further deteriorate existing hyperglycemia. In the present study, this suspicion was investigated by analyzing the nutrients and following the animal experiments by supplementary feeding powder of GESP, EFYT, and their mixture in addition to the regular diet for the six consecutive weeks. Next three weeks, the powder was withdrawn, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were recorded from the beginning. The results clearly showed that these foodstuffs significantly (P < 0.001) reduced FBG levels of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The mixture of GESP & EFYT showed the maximum antidiabetic effects followed by GESP and EFYT, respectively. GESP, as well as the mixture, returned the FBG levels of diabetic rats within the normal range by the end of the 6th week, even after withdrawing the powder, but not by the EFYT. These results suggested that the foodstuffs may restore the damaged pancreatic β-cell functions by the end of the 6th week. Nutrient contents like fiber, zinc, as well as antidiabetogenic phytochemicals present in these foodstuffs, could perform these functions.

Effect of Dietary Acetic Acid Supplementation on Plasma Glucose, Lipid Profiles, and Body Mass Index in Human Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BackgroundAcetic acid is a short-chain fatty acid that has demonstrated biomedical potential as a dietary therapeutic agent for the management of chronic and metabolic illness comorbidities. In human beings, its consumption may improve glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity in individuals with cardiometabolic conditions and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Published clinical trial evidence evaluating its sustained supplementation effects on metabolic outcomes is inconsistent. ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis summarized available evidence on potential therapeutic effects of dietary acetic acid supplementation via consumption of acetic acid–rich beverages and food sources on metabolic and anthropometric outcomes. MethodsA systematic search was conducted in Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, and Web of Science from database inception until October 2020. Randomized controlled trials conducted in adults evaluating the effect of dietary acetic acid supplementation for a minimum of 1 week were included. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model on fasting blood glucose (FBG), triacylglycerol (TAG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed by calculation of Q and I2 statistics, and publication bias was assessed by calculation of Egger’s regression asymmetry and Begg’s test. ResultsSixteen studies were included, involving 910 participants who consumed between 750 and 3600 mg acetic acid daily in interventions lasting an average of 8 weeks. Dietary acetic acid supplementation resulted in significant reductions in TAG concentrations in overweight and obese but otherwise healthy individuals (mean difference [MD] = −20.51 mg/dL [95% confidence intervals = −32.98, −8.04], P = .001) and people with type 2 diabetes (MD = −7.37 mg/dL [−10.15, −4.59], P < .001). Additionally, acetic acid supplementation significantly reduced FBG levels (MD = −35.73 mg/dL [−63.79, −7.67], P = .01) in subjects with type 2 diabetes compared with placebo and low-dose comparators. No other changes were seen for other metabolic or anthropometric outcomes assessed. Five of the 16 studies did not specify the dose of acetic acid delivered, and no studies measured blood acetate concentrations. Only one study controlled for background acetic acid-rich food consumption during intervention periods. Most studies had an unclear or high risk of bias. ConclusionSupplementation with dietary acetic acid is well tolerated, has no adverse side effects, and has clinical potential to reduce plasma TAG and FBG concentrations in individuals with type 2 diabetes, and to reduce TAG levels in people who are overweight or obese. No significant effects of dietary acetic acid consumption were seen on HbA1c, HDL, or anthropometric markers. High-quality, longer-term studies in larger cohorts are required to confirm whether dietary acetic acid can act as an adjuvant therapeutic agent in metabolic comorbidities management.

Antidiabetic activities of glycoprotein from pea (Pisum sativum L.) in STZ-induced diabetic mice.

Polysaccharides have hypoglycemic activity and pea protein has high nutritional value. The purified pea glycoprotein PGP2 has been shown to inhibit the activity of α-glucosidase and α-amylase in previous studies. To study the mechanism of PGP2-induced blood glucose lowering in vivo, this paper established a diabetic mouse model by intraperitoneal injection of STZ and high-fat diet, and evaluated the blood-glucose-lowering activity of the pea component PGP2 at different doses. The results showed that intragastric administration of PGP2 could effectively reduce diabetic weight loss and polyphagia symptoms, reduce fasting blood glucose levels in mice, and improve oral glucose tolerance levels in mice. PGP2 could promote insulin secretion and had a protective effect on mouse organs. After intragastric administration of PGP2 in mice, the serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein decreased. PGP2 up-regulated the gene expression of insulin receptor substrates IRS-1 and IRS-2 in liver tissues, thereby reducing insulin resistance. Based on the above experimental results, PGP2 had good hypoglycemic activity and was expected to be developed as a natural medicine for the treatment of type II diabetes.

Water-soluble lectin (WSMoL) from Moringa oleifera seeds treatment recovers glycemic levels and improves left ventricular ejection fraction on Type-2 Diabetes mice model.

Moringa oleifera, a plant widely used in traditional medicine as well as for water purification, contains a lectin on its seeds named WSMoL which modulates several immune characteristics and has shown cardiac safe properties. Here, we tested the hypothesis that WSMoL is able to recover fasting glucose levels and to improve the cardiac left ventricular (LV) function in a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice model. T2DM was induced in adult C57BL/6 mice by combining a high fat diet and low doses of Streptozotocin. Mice were randomly divided in two groups: i. received WSMoL for 21 consecutive days by gavage (T2DM + WSMoL) and ii. received saline solution (T2DM). Metabolic parameters and LV function were assessed. WSMoL was able to reduce fasting blood glucose levels in T2DM mice after 2 weeks of treatment, when compared to T2DM untreated group. Regarding to cardiac LV function, the T2DM + WSMoL group depicted ejection fraction values comparable to non-diabetic group. Our results show: i. WSMoL treatment presented a potent hypoglycemic effect decreasing insulin resistance and ii. WSMoL was able to improve cardiac LV ejection fraction. Collectively, the results presented here show WSMoL as a potential hypoglycemic agent to be tested in T2DM patients.