Terminalia chebula and the antidiabetic potential of arjunglucoside I and arjunetin: how they act on insulin and gluconeogenesis

Summary

Researchers identified two compounds from the plant Terminalia chebula, arjunglucoside I and arjunetin, with antidiabetic potential. These compounds selectively inhibited α-glucosidase, an enzyme that affects carbohydrate digestion, suggesting they may help regulate glucose levels after meals with few gastrointestinal side effects. Additionally, both increased the expression of the insulin gene and decreased that of the pck1 gene, which encodes the PEPCK enzyme, crucial in gluconeogenesis. These effects were observed even under metabolic stress, indicating a regulation between insulin and gluconeogenesis pathways. The compounds also showed protection against oxidative damage and increased glucose uptake in insulin-resistant muscle cells. These findings open new possibilities for the use of Terminalia chebula in diabetes treatment.

Key points

Arjunglucoside I and arjunetin inhibit α-glucosidase, regulating postprandial glucose.
Both compounds increase the expression of the insulin gene and decrease that of the pck1 gene, which is fundamental in gluconeogenesis.
The effects were maintained under metabolic stress, indicating regulation between insulin and gluconeogenesis pathways.
The compounds protected zebrafish from oxidative damage induced by alloxan.
Increased glucose uptake in insulin-resistant C2C12 muscle cells.

✦ For you

If you are looking for ways to control blood sugar levels, consider including foods that promote pancreatic health and insulin production. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are fundamental. Observe how your body reacts to different foods and adjust your diet as necessary. If symptoms persist, seek a qualified healthcare professional.

For practitionersExpand

Consider including Terminalia chebula (T. chebula) in formulas for patients with diabetes, especially those who exhibit insulin resistance. Assess pancreatic function and patients' glucose response, and adjust dosages according to clinical response. Combining with other herbs that modulate glucose may enhance therapeutic effects.