Solanum muricatum Ait. (Pepino) is a plant food commonly cultivated in the Penghu Island, Taiwan. This present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of aqueous extract of Pepino leaves (AEPL) in mice with
metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome animal model was induced by continuous high-fat diet feeding and low-dose
streptozotocin (40 mg/ml) for 5 days. A 1% AEPL or
metformin were given for 6 weeks after
streptozotocin injection. The results revealed that 1% AEPL effectively reduced fasting
blood glucose,
insulin resistance, and
hyperlipidemia in
metabolic syndrome mice. Histologic examination revealed
lipid accumulation in liver decreased by 1% AEPL treatment. Further, western blot analysis revealed 1% AEPL treatment managed
enzymes related to
lipid synthesis and oxidation pathways and hepatic
glucose production. Besides, 1% AEPL treatment increased liver
antioxidant activities to against oxidative stress. These results concluded that AEPL treatment attenuated
insulin resistance,
hyperlipidemia, and
hyperglycemia of
metabolic syndrome. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS:
Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a multifactorial
chronic disease which is characterized by
dyslipidemia,
insulin resistance, and
hyperglycemia. However, there is no single
drug or defined medication for MS so far. The present study revealed that AEPL treatment was able to regulate lipid metabolism and
glycemic control at the molecular level to alleviate MS. AEPL has the potential to be a novo complementary medication for
metabolic syndrome.