Increase in Insulin Secretion Induced by Panax ginseng Berry Extracts Contributes to the Amelioration of Hyperglycemia in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Mice

Abstract

Panax ginseng has long been used as a traditional herbal medicine. More recently, it has received attention for its anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects in humans and in animal models of type 2 diabetes. In the present study, we tested the hypoglycemic effects of ginseng berry extract in beta-cell-deficient mice and investigated the mechanisms involved. Red (ripe) and green (unripe) berry extracts were prepared and administered orally (100 or 200 mg/kg body weight) to streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice daily for 10 wk. The body weight was measured daily, and the nonfasting blood glucose levels were measured after 5 and 10 wk after administration. Glucose tolerance tests were performed, and the serum insulin levels were measured. The proliferation of betacells was measured in vitro. The administration of red or green ginseng berry extract significantly reduced the blood glucose levels and improved the glucose tolerance in beta-cell deficient mice, with the higher doses resulting in better effects. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was significantly increased in berry extract-treated mice compared with streptozotocin-induced diabetic control mice. Treatment with ginseng berry extract increased beta-cell proliferation in vitro. Both red berry and green berry extracts improved glycemic control in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and increased insulin secretion, possibly due to increased beta-cell proliferation. These results suggest that ginseng berry extracts might have beneficial effects on beta-cell regeneration.

The protection of Rhein lysinate to liver in diabetic mice induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin

“…In brief, at 8 weeks of age, male mice were intraperitoneally injected with STZ (80 mg/kg body weight) in sterile citrate buffer, pH 4.0, for two consecutive days (Park et al 2012). Next, high-fat diet (50 % normal rat chow pellet, 24 % corn oil, 20 % full-cream milk powder and 6 % sugar) was provided (Martinello et al 2006).…”

“…In previous studies, Rhein was used to protect the pancreatic b-cells in db/db mice and to treat diabetic nephropathy (Gao et al 2010). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of RHL on hypoglycemia and hepatic protection using a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced 2 diabetic mice model, in which pancreatic beta-cells are damaged, insulin production is deficient and liver are damaged (Park et al 2012;Kohl et al 2013) and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying such effects.…”

Review of Ginseng Anti-Diabetic Studies

“…First, ginseng modulates blood glucose levels by improving β-cell function and enhancing insulin sensitivity. P. ginseng berry extract increased β-cell proliferation and insulin secretion to improve glycemic control in streptozotocin (STZ) -induced diabetic mice [28]. Ginseng berry extract could also improve insulin sensitivity in C57BL/6 mice over 15 months old, likely by increasing the activation of IRS-1 and AKT [29].…”

Herbals and its marketed formulations to treat Diabetes Mellitus DM: An Overview

“…Hypoglycemic potential of extract in beta-cell deficient mice was evaluated and mechanisms involved were evaluated. Extract showed promising results stimulating increased insulin secretion indicating beta-cell regeneration and improved glycemic control [59].…”