Hypoglycemic effect of Zingiber striolatum bud extract in db/db mice

To evaluate the effectiveness of regulating insulin sensitivity via the insulin receptor substrate-1 of Zingiber striolatum bud extract in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice. The C57BL mice were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=10), including normal control group, model group, metformin group, ZS-l (ZS low dose) group, and ZS-h (ZS high dose) group. The body weight and blood glucose were determined weekly. The oral glucose tolerance test, plasma insulin and biochemical parameters, pancreas histopathology, and the expression of insulin receptor substrate-1 were assayed at the end of experimental point. The results showed that Z. striolatum bud extract can significantly decrease the fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in C57BL mice. Western blot analysis demonstrated Z. striolatum bud extract could regulate the insulin sensitivity by upregulating the express of phospho-insulin receptor substrate-1. In conclusion, Z. striolatum bud extract could prevent the progression of diabetes and pancreatic fibrosis in C57BL mice.