BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the hypoglycemic effect of Cyclocarya paliurus extract (CPE) on diabetes mellitus (DM) mice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A DM mouse model was established to test FBG, TC, and TG. The DM mice were divided into 3 groups: a DM group, a DM+CPE (0.5 g/Kg) group, and a DM+CPE (1.0 g/Kg) group. The FBG and body weight were measured. The glucose tolerance ability was determined by OGTT test. FINS was measured to calculate ISI and IRI. Serum MDA, SOD, and GSH-Px levels were detected. NIT-1 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into 4 groups: a control group, a STZ group, a STZ+CPE (80 μg/mL) group, and a STZ+CPE (160 μg/mL) group. Cell apoptosis and ROS content were assessed by flow cytometry. Cell proliferation was detected by EdU staining.

RESULTS: Compared with the control group, FBG, TC, and TG were significantly increased in the DM group. CPE gavage obviously reduced FBG level, increased body weight, enhanced glucose tolerance, elevated FINS level and ISI, and reduced IRI, all in a dose-dependent manner. CPE gavage reduced serum MDA content and increased SOD and GSH-Px enzyme activities in DM mice. STZ markedly enhanced ROS production, induced apoptosis, and inhibited proliferation in NIT-1 cells. CPE treatment clearly reduced ROS production and apoptosis, enhanced cell proliferation, and alleviated STZ damage to NIT-1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS: CPE has the effects of decreasing blood glucose and insulin resistance, and enhancing glucose tolerance in DM mice, which may be related to its effects of reducing oxidation and reduced apoptosis, and relieving STZ in pancreatic beta cell injury.

Keywords: Diabetes Complications, Hypoglycemic Agents, Blood Glucose, Cholesterol, Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Insulin, Insulin Resistance, Insulin-Secreting Cells, Juglandaceae, Lipid Metabolism, Liver, Phytotherapy, Plant Leaves, Triglycerides