Modulation of Jejunal Glucose Absorption as a Central Mechanism in the Antidiabetic Action of Myrtle Berry Seeds Aqueous Extract.

Background: Reduction of intestinal glucose absorption plays a key role in the antidiabetic action of certain antihyperglycemic agents. This study assesses the impact of the myrtle berry seeds aqueous (MBSAE) in managing diabetes and its related complications, placing particular emphasis on its ability to block glucose absorption across the jejunal epithelium.

Methods: Using the Ussing chamber system, we assessed the effect of MBSAE on electrogenic glucose transport across the mice jejunal epithelium. To complement these ex vivo findings, we used an alloxan-induced diabetic rat model to evaluate the extract's systemic effects.

Results: The extract significantly reduced glucose-induced short-circuit currents, suggesting a direct inhibitory effect on intestinal glucose absorption, potentially via SGLT1 modulation. Therefore, MBSAE treatment significantly reduced plasma glucose and improved lipid profiles, hepatic and renal function, as well as hematological markers. It also helped restore antioxidant defenses by increasing SOD, CAT, and GPx activities, as well as GSH and thiol group levels, while reducing MDA and reactive oxygen species in both liver and kidney tissues. Inflammatory markers like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were also lowered after treatment.

Conclusion: Altogether, these results point toward a multi-targeted antidiabetic action of MBSAE. By limiting intestinal glucose absorption, the extract may help to reduce postprandial glycemic excursions and offer a novel gut-targeted approach to diabetes management.