Abstract
The effect of Ukogi (Acanthopanax siebldianus) leaves on blood glucose level and glucose tolerance was investigated in rats with neonatally induced streptozotocin (type 2) diabetes (n-STZ rats). Neonatal rats were made diabetic by injection of 80mg/kg STZ. From the age of 8 weeks, n-STZ rats were given a diet containing ukogi (DM-U group) or cellulose (DM-C group), or a control diet (DM group), for 10 weeks. Normal rats were given the control diet (Normal group). Impairment of glucose tolerance in rats of the DM group increased with age. In the DM-U group, however, glucose tolerance was better than in the DM group (p<0.05). At the end of the experiments, the blood glucose level in the DM group was higher than that in the Normal group, although that in the DM-U group was significantly lower than in the DM group (p<0.05). The serum triglyceride level was also decreased by intake of ukogi leaves (p<0.05). These results suggest that ukogi leaves improve the blood glucose level, glucose tolerance and serum triglyceride in n-STZ rats.
