Anti-Diabetic Effects of Allium hookeri Extracts Prepared by Different Methods in Type 2 C57BL/J-db/db Mice

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate whether Allium hookeri can control diabetic symptoms. Aqueous extract (AE1: 100 mg/kg BW, AE2: 200 mg/kg BW) and ethanol extract (EE1: 100 mg/kg BW, EE2: 200 mg/kg BW) of A. hookeri were orally administrated to diabetic mice (C57BL/J-db/db) for 8 weeks. The negative (NC) and the positive (PC) control groups were treated with 0.9% saline and metformin (150 mg/kg BW), respectively. Glucose and lipid profile (triglyceride, total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, and HDL-C) as biochemical parameters, toxicological factors such as liver/kidney functional parameters (ALT, AST, BUN, and Cr), and NK cell activity in blood were measured. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and histopathological examination were also conducted. Compared with the NC group, AE and EE decreased blood glucose, HbA1c, area under the curve (AUC) during OGTT, and leptin levels while increasing adiponectin levels. Serum lipid profiles and toxicological factors levels were reduced by the A. hookeri extract. Interestingly, HDL-C, glomerular mesangial expansion score in the kidney, and NK cell activity were effectively controlled in EE groups. Based on the results, EE is considered to be more effective in reducing high blood glucose, lipid profile, and related factor levels than AE, and is comparable to metformin in some biomarkers. It can be presumed that EE can more effectively control the major anomalies in the diabetic model than AE, and it may be used to prevent diabetic symptoms without toxicity in the Type 2 diabetic model.

Antioxidant and Immune Stimulating Effects of Allium hookeri Extracts in the RAW 264.7 Cells and Immune-Depressed C57BL/6 Mice

“…The values of spleen weights were higher in the AHL and AHR groups compared with that of NC group though there was no significant difference in spleen and thymus weights among all groups. Previous study has shown that the administration of aqueous and ethanol AHR extracts increased the spleen weights and NK cell activities, and indicated that they may improve immune system [ 46 ].…”

“…The treatment of AH extract increased the NK cell activity in immunosuppressed mice. The cytotoxic activity of NK cells significantly increased after exposure to AH extracts [ 46 ]. NK cell activity against Yac-1 was significantly higher in AH groups and it showed similar result to the previous study [ 60 ].…”

The Immune-Stimulating and Anti-Diabetic Effects of Allium hookeri Leaves Grown in a Plant Factory with Artificial Lights in Immunosuppressed Obese C57BL/6 Mice

“…However, A. hookeri leaf extracts reduced the liver, heart, epididymal fat, and pancreas weights in obese mice, and a significant difference from the NC group was found in the heart and epididymal fat weights. Aqueous and ethanol extract (100 and 200 mg/kg BW) of A. hookeri leaves showed similar patterns by increasing spleen index and decreasing liver and epididymal fat indexes in type 2 diabetic mice [ 36 ]. A. hookeri root ethanolic extract also decreased liver and epididymal fat weights in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice [ 15 ].…”

Antioxidant and Immune Stimulating Effects of Allium cepa Skin in the RAW 264.7 Cells and in the C57BL/6 Mouse Immunosuppressed by Cyclophosphamide

“…NK cells are crucial cells of the innate immune system, activated NK cells destroy target cells by receptor-ligand interaction and act an immune response to pathogens entering the body [ 60 ]. Treatment with water and ethanol extracts from A. hookeri increased the NK cell activity in type 2 C57BL/J- db/db mice [ 61 ]. An oral administration of A. fistulosum micus to the older mice activated splenic NK cells [ 54 ].…”