Loranthus parasiticus extract ameliorates hyperglycemia and improves insulin sensitivity in C57BL/Ksj-db/db mice

Loranthus parasiticus Merr. (L. parasiticus) is a semiparasitic plant and it has antidiabetic effects. But potential application of L. parasiticus to improve insulin sensitivity in mice with type 2 diabetes remains unexplored.

Herein, we aimed to investigate the potential antidiabetic effects of L. parasiticus extract (LPE) on hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity in C57BL/Ksj-db/db mice. C57BL/Ksj-db/db mice were divided into three groups: diabetic control, rosiglitazone, and LPE. Db/db-control group was fed a standard semi-synthetic diet (AIN-93 G), db/db-RG group was fed AIN-93 G supplemented with rosiglitazone (RG) (0.005%, w/w), and db/db-LPE group was fed AIN-93 G supplemented with LPE (0.5%, w/w) for 6 weeks. Mice supplemented with LPE exhibited significantly lower blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels than diabetic control mice. Compared with diabetic control mice, LPE-supplemented mice exhibited a significant reduction in the homeostatic index of insulin resistance. LPE supplementation stimulated the pIRS ^Tyr612 and Akt^Ser473, as well as the activation of PI3K in the skeletal muscle insulin signaling pathway. Furthermore, LPE supplementation significantly increased the pAMPK^Thr172 and ACC^Ser79 and the expression of plasma membrane GLUT4. LPE supplementation improves insulin sensitivity and alleviates hyperglycemia in diabetic mice.