Experimental diabetes treated with trigonelline: effect on key enzymes related to diabetes and hypertension, β-cell and liver function

Type 2 diabetes is quite diverse, including the improvement of insulin sensitivity by dipeptidylpeptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and the protection of beta-cells islet. The aim of this study was to search the effect of trigonelline (Trig) on DPP-4, alpha-glucosidase and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activities as well as beta-cells architecture, and starch and glucose tolerance test. In surviving diabetic rats, the supplement of Trig potentially inhibited DPP-4 and alpha-glucosidase activities in both plasma and small intestine. The pancreas islet and less beta-cells damage were observed after the administration of trig to diabetic rats. The increase of GLP-1 in surviving diabetic rats suppressed the increase of blood glucose level and improved results in the oral glucose and starch tolerance test. Trig also normalized key enzyme related to hypertension as ACE and improved the hemoglobin A1c and lipid profiles (plasma triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and total cholesterol), and liver indices toxicity. Therefore, these results revealed that Trig was successful in improving glycemic control, metabolic parameters, and liver function in diabetic rats. It is therefore suggested that Trig may be a potential agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.