Gentianella turkestanorum (Gand.) Holub, a Chinese Herbal Medicine that can Alleviate T2DM in Db/db Mice, and its Active Mechanism of Action

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on a global scale has created a pressing demand for novel treatments. Gentianella turkestanorum (Gand.) Holub, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been found to possess hypoglycemic effects. However, the mechanism of its action remains unclear.Objectives: This study was to investigate the impact and mechanism of G. turkestanorum’s water extract (WEG) in reducing insulin resistance (IR) in T2DM.Materials and Methods: Db/db mice were administered WEG for 8 weeks, during which their body weight, blood glucose (BG), oral glucose tolerance test, islet tolerance test, fasting insulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein were monitored. Additionally, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in db/db mice were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study also evaluated the impact of WEG on liver injury through hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expression levels of key proteins and genes in both insulin signaling and inflammation-related pathways were detected using western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results: WEG has the potential to regulate glycolipid metabolism, reduce inflammation, and alleviate IR. The mechanism of action may involve promoting the insulin signaling pathway and inhibiting inflammation.Conclusion: Gentianella turkestanorum could be a viable treatment option for T2DM and IR.

Keywords: Gentianella turkestanorum; chemical composition; T2DM; IR; inflammation