Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties of oil derived from Agrius convolvuli

Abstract

This study aims to determine the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties of oil derived from Agrius convolvuli (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) in KKAy mice, a cross between diabetic (KK) and lethal yellow (Ay) mice. A group of 12 KKAy mice were fed with AIN‐76 feed containing oil derived from A. convolvuli pupae (ACPO) while another group of 12 KKAy mice were fed with AIN‐76 feed without ACPO, for 6 weeks. Compared with the control group, the KKAy mice fed with the ACPO diet had decreased serum insulin, glycogen, fasting blood glucose, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level, but had increased serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level, linolenic acid content and total polyunsaturated fatty acid content. The results indicate that ACPO has hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties and may be a suitable alternative food supplement for humans.