<em>Gymnema Sylvestre</em> Supplementation Restores Normoglycemia and Corrects Dyslipidemia through Transcriptional Modulation of ßeta Cells and Hepatocytes in the Alloxan-Induced Hyperglycemic Rats

Abstract

The effect of Gymnema Sylvestre supplementation on beta cell and hepatic activity was explored in an alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rat model. Adult rats were made hyperglycemic via a single inj. (i.p) of Alloxan (120mg/kg b.w). Gymnema Sylvestre was supplemented @250mg/kg and 500mg/kg b.w. Blood glucose levels were constantly monitored. After 21 days, rats were euthanized, and blood and tissues (pancreas and liver) were collected for biochemical, expression, and histological analysis. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the means of different treatment groups. Gymnema Sylvestre significantly reduced blood glucose levels with a subsequent increase in plasma insulin levels in a dosage-dependent manner. Total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde, LDL, VLDL, ALT, AST, triglyceride, total cholesterol, total protein, C-reactive protein, and cortisol levels were reduced significantly in alloxan-treated hyperglycemic rats supplemented with Gymnema Sylvestre as compared to control. Significantly raised paraoxonase, arylesterase, albumin, and HDL levels were also observed in Gymnema Sylvestre supplemented hyperglycemic rats. Increased mRNA expression of Ins-1, Ins-2, Gck, Pdx1, Mafa, and Pax6 were observed, while decreased expression of Cat, Sod1, Nrf2, and NF-kB was observed in the pancreas. Whereas increased mRNA expression of Gck, Irs1, SREBP1c, and Foxk1 and decreased expression of Irs2, ChREBP, Foxo1, and FoxA2 were observed in the liver. The current study indicates the potent effect of Gymnema Sylvestre on the transcription modulation of the insulin gene in the alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rat model. Enhanced plasma insulin levels further help to improve hyperglycemia-induced dyslipidemia through transcriptional modulation of hepatocytes.