Effect of Ishophloroglucin A, A Component of Ishige okamurae, on Glucose Homeostasis in the Pancreas and Muscle of High Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Ishophloroglucin A (IPA), a component of Ishige okamurae (IO), was previously evaluated to standardize the antidiabetic potency of IO. However, the potential of IPA as a functional food for diabetes prevention has not yet been evaluated. Here, we investigated if 1.35 mg/kg IPA, which is the equivalent content of IPA in 75 mg/kg IO, improved glucose homeostasis in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetes after 12 weeks of treatment. IPA significantly ameliorated glucose intolerance, reducing fasting glucose levels as well as 2 h glucose levels in HFD mice. In addition, IPA exerted a protective effect on the pancreatic function in HFD mice via pancreatic beta-cells and C-peptide. The level of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in the muscles of HFD mice was stimulated by IPA intake. Our results suggested that IPA, which is a component of IO, can improve glucose homeostasis via GLUT4 in the muscles of HFD mice. IO may be used as a functional food for the prevention of diabetes.