Abstract
The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of Samallanthus sonchifolius (Compositae) was investigated in KK-Ay mice, an animal model of genetically type 2 diabetes. The water extract of the leaf of Samallanthus sonchifolius (Yacon) (500 mg/kg body weight) reduced the blood glucose (p<0.01) and cholesterol (p<0.05) of KK-Ay mice 6 weeks after repeated administration. However, Yacon did not affect the blood glucose in normal mice. Yacon also improved hyperglycemia after glucose tolerance. These results suggest that Yacon is useful for hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia of type 2 diabetes.
