Novel Fruit Extract Shows Promise in lowering Blood Glucose, Improving Type 2 Diabetes Markers in Mice
Qaidam Basin, China – A fruit extract from Nitraria roborowskii Kom (NRK), a plant native to the Qaidam Basin in china, has demonstrated critically important potential in reducing blood glucose levels and improving key metabolic markers in diabetic mice, according to new research published in Food Chemistry. The findings suggest NRK fruit could be a valuable functional ingredient in food products aimed at managing Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM).
Researchers identified 52 chemical constituents within NRK, including 10 β-carboline alkaloids, nine cyclic peptides, three indole alkaloids, five pyrrole alkaloids, eight phenolic acids, and 17 flavonoids. Notably, one new β-carboline alkaloid and five new cyclic peptides were confirmed through detailed mass spectrometry analysis.
the study revealed that a specific NRK extract, termed NRK-C, exhibited strong inhibitory activity against both maltase (IC50 of 0.202 mg/mL) and sucrase (IC50 of 0.103 mg/mL) in vitro. Subsequent in vivo experiments showed that NRK-C (400 mg/kg) substantially decreased postprandial blood glucose (PBG) in diabetic mice. Further inquiry demonstrated NRK-C reduced fasting blood glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance, hepatic glycogen levels, and lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein). the extract also significantly reduced insulin resistance.
Mechanistic studies indicated that NRK-C upregulated phosphorylated PI3K and p-GSK3β expression, suggesting a modulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as a potential mechanism for its antidiabetic effects. Researchers concluded that NRK-C shows promise in improving T2DM and could potentially serve as an adjunctive therapy. The study utilized a diabetic mouse model created through a high-fat diet (HFD) combined with six intraperitoneal injections of 35 mg·kg-1 of streptozotocin (STZ). Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to analyze signaling protein regulation.
