• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.335-343
• /
• 2003

This study was designed to investigate the hypoglycemic effects of Benincasa hispida (Wax gourd) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in the male rats by intravenous injection of STZ at a dose of 45 mg/kg dissolved in citrate buffer. The diabetic animals then had plasma glucose concentration of above 300mg/dl. The experimental groups were divided into five groups; normal, STZ-control and three Wax gourd groups (5%, 10% and 20% intake groups). Normal and STZ-control groups were fed on a AIN-93 diet and experimental groups were fed a AIN-93 diet with the Wax gourd powder (5%, 10% and 20%/kg diet) for 4 weeks. The body weight, diet intake and feed efficiency ratio (FER) were monitored. The blood glucose and cholesterol levels were determined everyweek. After 4 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and the levels of glucose, insulin, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and free fatty acids in plasma and levels of glycogen in liver and muscle were analyzed. Diabetic rats showed the lower weight gain compared to the normal rats. The weight gain and feed efficiency ratios in 15 and 20% Wax gourd groups were higher than in STZ-control group. The plasma glucose levels were significantly lower in all Wax gourd groups than in STZ-control group. The plasma insulin levels in diabetic groups were not significantly different compared to the normal group, but the level of 20% Wax gourd group was higher than other diabetic groups. The experimental diabetic groups showed the higher levels of muscle glycogen compared to STZ-control group. The lower levels of plasma cholesterol were noticed in 20% Wax gourd group throughout the experimental period. The plasma level of triglyceride was elevated in STZ-diabetic control and the levels were slightly decreased in Wax gourd groups. Rats of 10% Wax gourd group showed the lower levels of plasma free fatty acids. It is suggested, from the results, that the possibility of therapeutic or preventive use of wax gourd to the diabetes mellitus.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
• /
• v.8 no.3
• /
• pp.302-310
• /
• 2008

Azadirachta indica A. Juss (N.O. Meliaceae), popularly known, as 'Neem' is an indigenous tree widely available in India. Almost every part of the tree has long been used in Unani system of medicine for the treatment of a variety of human ailments. The flowers have been mentioned as a remedy useful in controlling diabetes mellitus. The present study had been designed to investigate the hypoglycemic/anti-hyperglycemic effects of the methanolic extract of the flowers of A. indica (Gule-Neem) and its different fractions on normal, glucose fed hyperglycemic, adrenaline induced hyperglycemic and alloxan induced diabetic rats. The methanolic extract was resolved into water soluble and water insoluble fractions. Water soluble portion of the methanolic extract was found to possess significant blood sugar lowering effect in glucose-fed and adrenaline-induced hyperglycemic rats but it did not show such effect in normal and alloxan induced mild and severe diabetic rats. Water-soluble portion was fractionated by employing the polarity criterion with ethyl acetate and butanol. The ethyl acetate fraction was further fractionated into phenolic and non-phenolic fractions. Hypoglycemic effect of these fractions was also evaluated. The results suggest that the flowers of A. indica contain at least two different constituents, responsible for the said activity. These investigations validate the use of flowers of A. indica in diabetes by Unani physicians.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.527-531
• /
• 2003

Hot-water extract from selected medicinal herbs of diabetes prescription was mixed with brown rice and pearled barley flours and extruded to prepare a reconstituted grain for diabetes millitus patients. Even though the cooked reconstituted grain containing medicinal herb extract was somewhat different from cooked ordinary rice in textural properties measured by texture analyzer, it was estimated to be organoleptically acceptable in sensory parameters. The reconstituted grain added with medicinal herb extract reduced the rate of dialysis of glucose evaluated by in vitro dialysis experiment. The effects of reconstituted grain diet on blood glucose levels in diabetes patients were studied during 3-week period. Compared to normal diet, the reconstituted grain diet for 2 weeks significantly decreased the fasting and 2-hr postprandial blood glucose levels in diabetes patients by 14% and 10%, respectively. These results suggested that the reconstituted grain could be used as an effective therapeutic diet for the control of diabetes mellitus.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.28 no.6
• /
• pp.671-680
• /
• 2018

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Jerusalem artichoke composites (JAP) with extracts of G. procumbens (12.5%), M. charantia (12.5%), and C. longa (12.5%) to H. tuberosus concentrate (JA, 50%) were evaluated in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Rats were divided into seven groups: normal (Normal), diabetic control (Diabetic), group fed G. procumbens extract (0.5 g/kg bw, D-GPE), group fed JAP (0.5 g/kg bw, D-JAP1; 1.5 g/kg bw, D-JAP2), group fed JA (0.5 g/kg bw, D-JA), and group fed Metformin (0.2 g/kg bw, D-MET) as a positive control. The blood glucose levels over 4 weeks were significantly decreased in the D-JAP2 and D-MET groups compared to the other groups after 3 weeks. The serum insulin level was not significant among the groups fed an experimental diet, but the HOMA-IR value was significantly decreased compared to the diabetic control group. AST and ALT activities in the serum were lowest in D-JAP1. Total lipid and triglyceride contents in the serum decreased in the groups fed an experimental diet, and the HDL-C contents of D-GPE, D-JAP1, and D-JAP2 were significantly increased compared to the diabetic control group. Triglyceride contents in the liver tissue were significantly lower in the D-GPE, D-JAP1, and D-JAP2 groups, and hepatic TBARS content was significantly decreased in the D-JAP1 and D-JAP2 groups compared to the diabetic control group. Hepatic antioxidative enzyme levels, such as SOD, catalase, and GSH-Px, were significantly elevated in groups fed an experimental diet compared to the diabetic control group. Therefore, JAP may be more effective than JA in the human body due to its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.587-594
• /
• 2013

The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects from Wa-song (Orostachys japonicus) extracts with mixtures of medicinal herbs (such as Baekbokyung, Changchul and Sa-in) were evaluated in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Thirty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to five groups; normal, diabetic control (D-control), a group fed a medicinal herbs mixture (D-MH), and a group fed composites of O. japonicus with mixtures of medicinal herbs (1:1, D-MHOA and 3:1, D-MHOB). All were fed on their diet for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, the body weight of all experimental groups increased compared to the diabetic control group, with the D-MHOB group having a significantly higher increase. Fasting glucose levels in all experimental groups (compared to the D-control group) significantly decreased after 2 weeks, but between 2~3 weeks, the levels in the D-MH group were similar to the D-MHOA group. After 4 weeks, the fasting glucose level of the D-MHOB group was the lowest compared to the other groups. In a test of oral glucose tolerance, blood glucose levels were highest 60 minutes after feeding glucose; however this level improved significantly in the groups fed an experimental diet compared to the D-control group. Glycosylated hemoglobin levels were 1.9 times higher in the D-control group than the normal (3.9%), but levels in the experimental groups were significantly decreased in D-MHOA and D-MHOB groups compared to the D-MH group. In the high amounts of O. japonicus to medicinal herbs mixture, total lipids and cholesterol significantly decreased in the serum, while HDL-C levels increased. GPT activity was significantly lower in the D-MHOB group compared to the other groups. Lipid peroxide levels decreased in the D-MHOA and D-MHOB groups compared to the D-MH group. Antioxidant activity was higher depending on the dose of O. japonicus. Overall, O. japonicus exhibited effective hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic actions enhanced by a combination of medicinal herbs.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.38 no.11
• /
• pp.1528-1534
• /
• 2009

This study was designed to evaluate the anti-obesity and hypoglycemic effects of Gugija (Lycium chinense Mill) extracts in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We investigated the $\alpha$-amylase and $\alpha$-glucosidase inhibitory activities of extracts from Gugija. Gugija was extracted by 70% EtOH and 80% MeOH and aqueous, respectively. A single oral dose of Gugija extract inhibited the increase of blood glucose levels significantly at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min and decreased incremental response areas under the glycemic response curve. These results suggest that Gugija 70% EtOH extracts may delay carbohydrate digestion and reduce postprandial hyperglycemia. In addition, triglyceride content in 3T3-L1 adipocytes decreased at higher concentrations of Gugija 70% EtOH extract. Free fatty acid content in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was increased at higher concentrations of Gugija 70% EtOH extract. Also, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), the key insulin signaling pathway transcription factor, was remarkably increased by the Gugija 70% EtOH extract when compared to those of control cells in protein expression levels. Therefore, Gugija can be developed as an effective anti-obesity and hypoglycemic agent.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.1-12
• /
• 2014

Objectives This study was performed to evaluate the effects of fermented lotus extracts on prediabetes and hyperlipidemia in high fructose diet rats. Methods Extracts of lotus leaf and lotus root were fermented using 4 different probiotics separately, including Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium breve, and Bifidobacterium longum. Expressions of adipogenic transcription factors including Adiponectin, GLUT-4, Leptin, PPAR gamma, Resistin and Visfatin were analyzed by Real time PCR and Western blotting analysis. Results Fermented lotus extracts reduced blood glucose. Fermented lotus extracts inhibited adipogenic transcription factors by inhibiting preadipocytes differentiation. The level of gene expression of Adiponectin, GLUT-4, Leptin, PPAR gamma, Resistin and Visfatin in relation to that of GAPDH were increase or decrease significantly with the Fermented lotus formulation group. Conclusions Fermented lotus extracts showed hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects by inhibiting preadipocyte differentiation and controlling insulin sensitivity in high fructose diet rats.

• Applied Microscopy
• /
• v.46 no.3
• /
• pp.140-149
• /
• 2016

This study intended to compare the effects of the sugar-Omija extract tea (SO) and LuoHanGuo-Omija extract tea (LO) to blood glucose levels and metabolism among streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and to prove the positive effects of LuoHanGuo extract as a sugar substitute. According to the results, the rate of blood glucose increase and the blood glucose level was reduced, and the weight was increased. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol was decreased, and albumin, total protein, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was increased in the STZ/LO group as compared to the STZ group. Compared to the STZ/SO group, the rate of blood glucose increase and glucose tolerance was decreased. AST, ALT, and total cholesterol was decreased, and HDL-C level was high. In conclusion, the LO displayed hypoglycemic effect, prevented weight loss caused by diabetes, recovered liver function, and improved lipid metabolism. In addition, such positive effects were obviously shown during comparison with the experimental group treated with the SO. Therefore, the LO were considered as favorable food supplements that can be safely taken by persons with diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and heart disease; they have to control their sugar intake as well as their diet.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
• /
• v.45 no.5
• /
• pp.545-556
• /
• 2001

Crude saponin fractions were isolated using non-ionic resin chromatography from Ginseng Radix Alba (PG) and Gynostemmae Herba+ (GP). These saponin fractions were orally administered to strep- tozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats for 2 weeks and to high-fat diet-induced obese rats for 4 weeks. Treatment with either PG saponin or GP saponin at a dose of 1 mg/kg significantly decreased the plasma glucose level to that of glibenclamide treated or normal groups. The increased plasma triglyceride (TG) level in diabetic rats was decreased by 50% with PG or GP saponin treatment. Combined administration of PG and GP saponins with different ratios (total dose of 1 mg/kg) also had the similar effects on the blood glucose and TG levels with that of PG or GP alone. Treatments with GP (1 mg/kg) or GP (0.5 mg/kg) and PG (0.5 mg/kg) together significantly suppressed the rise in TG levels induced by high-fat diet whereas slightly suppressed the rise in the total cholesterol level. The body weight gain was also decreased both in the two saponin treated groups. These results demonstrate that either alone or mixture of PG and GP have similar degree of effects on hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.27 no.6
• /
• pp.533-540
• /
• 2023

Sweroside is a natural monoterpene derived from Swertia pseudochinensis Hara. Recently, studies have shown that sweroside exhibits a variety of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic effects. However, its role and mechanisms in high glucose (HG)-induced renal injury remain unclear. Herein, we established a renal injury model in vitro by inducing human renal tubular epithelial cell (HK-2 cells) injury by HG. Then, the effects of sweroside on HK-2 cell activity, inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) were observed. As a result, sweroside treatment ameliorated the viability, inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and VCAM-1), reduced the generation of ROS, and inhibited EMT in HK-2 cells. Moreover, the protein expression of SIRT1 was increased and the acetylation of p65 NF-kB was decreased in HK-2 cells with sweroside treatment. More importantly, EX527, an inhibitor of SIRT1, that inactivated SIRT1, abolished the improvement effects of sweroside on HK-2 cells. Our findings suggested that sweroside may mitigate HG-caused injury in HK-2 cells by promoting SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of p65 NF-kB.