Antihyperglycemic action of rhodiola-aqeous extract in type1-like diabetic rats

Abstract

BackgroundRhodiola rosea (Rhodiola) is a plant in the Crassulaceae family that grows in cold regions of the world. It is mainly used in clinics as an adaptogen. Recently, it has been mentioned that Rhodiola increases plasma β-endorphin to lower blood pressure. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the antidiabetic action of Rhodiola in relation to opioids in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-diabetic rats).MethodsIn the present study, the plasma glucose was analyzed with glucose oxidase method, and the determination of plasma β-endorphin was carried out using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The adrenalectomy of STZ-diabetic rats was used to evaluate the role of β-endorphin. In addition, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting analysis were performed to investigate mRNA and protein expressions.ResultsRhodiola-water extract dose-dependently lowered the plasma glucose in STZ-diabetic rats and this action was reversed by blockade of opioid μ-receptors using cyprodime. An increase of plasma β-endorphin by rhodiola-water extract was also observed in same manner. The plasma glucose lowering action of rhodiola-water extract was attenuated in bilateral adrenalectomized rats. In addition, continuous administration of rhodiola-water extract for 3 days in STZ-diabetic rats resulted in an increased expression of glucose transporter subtype 4 (GLUT 4) in skeletal muscle and a marked reduction of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) expression in liver. These effects were also reversed by blockade of opioid μ-receptors.ConclusionsTaken together, rhodiola-water extract improves hyperglycemia via an increase of β-endorphin secretion from adrenal gland to activate opioid μ-receptors in STZ-diabetic rats.

Rhodiola species: A comprehensive review of traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, and clinical study

“…In STZ‐diabetic rats with heart failure, a 95% ethanol extract of R. rosea (Extract 23 ) showed its ability to increase cardiac output, which was associated with an increase of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐δ . Meanwhile, a water extract of R. rosea (Extract 24 ) showed antihyperglycemia activity in STZ‐type I diabetic rats via an increase of β‐endorphin secretion in the adrenal gland . In animal models of the metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes, treatment with the powder of a R. crenulata methanol extract (Extract 20 ) resulted in the ameliorated derangements of glucose and lipid metabolism .…”

“…24 Meanwhile, a water extract of R. rosea (Extract 24) showed antihyperglycemia activity in STZ-type I diabetic rats via an increase of β-endorphin secretion in the adrenal gland. 152 In animal models of the metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes, treatment with the powder of a R. crenulata methanol extract (Extract 20) resulted in the ameliorated derangements of glucose and lipid metabolism. 25 In a type II diabetic model of C57BL/Ks db/db mice, an 85% ethanol extract of R. rosea (Extract 22) exhibited antihyperglycemia and diabetic complication effects.…”

Berberine Attenuates Development of the Hepatic Gluconeogenesis and Lipid Metabolism Disorder in Type 2 Diabetic Mice and in Palmitate-Incubated HepG2 Cells through Suppression of the HNF-4α miR122 Pathway

“…Although several drugs are available for the treatment of T2D, their effect on correcting the dyslipidemia associated with the disease is not obvious. Therefore, drugs which could target both the hepatic gluconeogenesis as well as the lipid metabolism disorder of T2D would serve as promising therapies [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Rosenroot (Rhodiola): Potential Applications in Aging-related Diseases

“…Another study revealed that an ethanol extract of Rhodiola rosea protected diabetic rats from early nephropathy, which may have been associated with the reduced the expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in renal tissues [71]. A water extract of Rhodiola rosea administered orally to STZ-diabetic rats lowered plasma glucose and improved hyperglycemia, acting via an increase in β-endorphin secretion from the adrenal gland, which activated the opioid μ-receptors [72].…”