Hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic activities of sesamin from sesame meal and its ability to ameliorate insulin resistance in KK-Ay mice

Background The ability of sesamin from sesame meal to ameliorate insulin resistance in KK-Ay mice (an animal model of type 2 diabetes) was evaluated. Results Treatment with sesamin (100 or 50mgkg1) significantly decreased the level of fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated serum protein, serum insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, free fatty acid and malondialdehyde content of livers. Treatment with sesamin significantly increased the content of hepatic glycogen, reduced glutathione and the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Moreover, the insulin-binding capacity to liver crude plasma membranes increased and histopathological changes of the pancreas were ameliorated in the treatment group. Conclusion Sesamin has hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic and the ability to ameliorate insulin resistance in KK-Ay mice, which might be related to its effect on insulin receptors, and thus increases insulin sensitivity.(c) 2012 Society of Chemical Industry