Planta Med 2012; 78(4): 317-325
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1298136
Biological and Pharmacological Activity
Original Papers
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Beneficial Impact of Zingiber zerumbet on Insulin Sensitivity in Fructose-Fed Rats

Chia Ju Chang1 , Thing-Fong Tzeng2 , Yuan-Shiun Chang1 , I-Min Liu3
  • 1School of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
  • 2Department of Internal Medicine, Pao Chien Hospital, Ping Tung City, Pingtung County, Taiwan, ROC
  • 3Department of Pharmacy & Graduate Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Tajen University, Yanpu Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan, ROC
Further Information

Publication History

received October 8, 2011 revised Nov. 28, 2011

accepted Dec. 6, 2011

Publication Date:
10 January 2012 (online)

Abstract

Zingiber zerumbet (L) Smith (Zingiberaceae), commonly known as the pinecone or shampoo ginger, is distributed in many parts of Asia. It has been demonstrated that the aqueous extract of Z. zerumbet exerted a potential blood glucose lowering effect in normoglycemic and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic rats. The present study was undertaken to clarify whether the ethanol extract of Zingiber zerumbet (EEZZ) is effective in improving insulin resistance. Insulin resistance was induced in rats by feeding a high-fructose diet for six weeks. Thereafter, rats were maintained on the same diet and treated with oral EEZZ or pioglitazone once daily for eight weeks. At the end of treatment, the degree of basal insulin resistance was measured by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Insulin sensitivity was calculated using the composite whole body insulin sensitivity index (ISIcomp). Protein expression was evaluated by immunoblotting. Phytochemicals in EEZZ were determined through liquid chromatography-tandem mass. Not only curcumin but also quercetin and kaempferol were abundant in EEZZ. EEZZ (300 mg/kg/day) displayed similar characteristics to pioglitazone (20 mg/kg/day) in reducing HOMA-IR and elevating ISIcomp as well as enhancing hepatic glycogen accumulation. Elevated glycosylated hemoglobin levels and hyperinsulinemia were ameliorated by EEZZ. Further, EEZZ enhanced the action of insulin on muscle glucose transporter subtype 4 translocation and attenuated hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase expression. This study suggests that EEZZ may be an ethnomedicine for improving insulin sensitivity.

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Prof I-Min Liu

Department of Pharmacy & Graduate Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology
Tajen University

Yanpu Township

Pingtung County 90701

Taiwan, ROC

Phone: +88 6 87 62 40 02 ext. 22 11

Fax: +88 6 87 62 53 08

Email: iml@mail.tajen.edu.tw

Prof Yuan-Shiun Chang

School of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources
China Medical University

Hsueh-Shin-Road

Taichung 40402

Taiwan, ROC

Phone: +88 64 22 03 03 80

Fax: +88 64 22 08 33 62

Email: yschang@mail.cmu.edu.tw