Effect of chicory seed extract on glucose tolerance test (GTT) and metabolic profile in early and late stage diabetic rats

Abstract

Background and purpose of the studyThe goal was to evaluate and compare the effects of aqueous extract of the seeds of chicory, Cichorium intybus L., on glucose tolerance test (GTT) and blood biochemical indices of experimentally-induced hyperglycemic rats.MethodsLate stage and early stage of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were induced in rats by streptozotocin (STZ) and a combination of STZ and niacinamide (NIA/STZ), respectively. Within each group, one subgroup received daily i. p. injections of chicory extract (125 mg/kg body weight, for 28 days). Body weight and fasting blood sugar (FBS) were measured weekly. Blood was analyzed for glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and sera for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), nitric oxide (NO), triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TC), total protein, and insulin on days 10 and 28 after treatment. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) along with insulin determination was performed on a different set of rats in which the chicory-treated groups received the extract for 10 days.ResultsDuring 4 weeks of treatment, chicory prevented body-weight loss and decreased FBS. ALT activities and levels of TG, TC and HbA1c decreased, and concentration of NO increased in the chicory treated groups (p < 0.05). Unlike late-stage diabetes, fasting serum insulin concentrations were higher and GTT pattern approximated to normal in chicory-treated early-stage diabetic rats.ConclusionsChicory appeared to have short-term (about 2 hours, as far as GTT is concerned) and long-term (28 days, in this study) effects on diabetes. Chicory may be useful as a natural dietary supplement for slowing down the pace of diabetes progress, and delaying the development of its complications.

Assessment of anti-diabetic activity of <i>Cassia sophera</i> (Caesalpiniaceae)

“…The possible mechanism producing this effect may be CSLM and CSRM-induced release of insulin from some surviving β-cells [13]. This assumption is supported by the fact that some herbal preparations can stimulate β-cells regeneration and peripheral glucose consumption in alloxanand streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats [4,14]. The diabetogenic action of alloxan is mediated through the damaging action of reactive oxygen species on β-cells.…”

Increase in insulin sensitivity by the association of chicoric acid and chlorogenic acid contained in a natural chicoric acid extract (NCRAE) of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) for an antidiabetic effect

“…In their review of beneficial plants used in the popular traditional medicine of Italy and Bulgaria, Leporatti and Ivancheva (2003) have reported the traditional use of Cichorium intybus L. decoctions for their hypoglycemic property. The antidiabetic effect of an alcoholic chicory extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats have been published by Pushparaj et al (2007) and more recently by Ghamarian et al (2012). Often, the anti-hyperglycemic properties of the polyphenolic compounds have been described (Cheng et al, 2003;Jung et al, 2006;Namura et al, 2003;Meng et al, 2013).…”

Elicitation of Trigonelline, a Hypoglycemic Agent in Fenugreek Sprouts by Calcium and Nitric Oxide Priming

“…It is the most common endocrine disorder which disrupts glucose homeostasis causing severe diabetic associated complications in major organs such as eye, blood vessels, and brain [5,6]. Multiple risk factors responsible for the disease to occur include persistent stress and depression, obesity, environmental pollutants, and sedentary lifestyle [7].…”