Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic Clamps in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice
Published on: November 16, 2011
Cortex Lycii Radicis extracts improve insulin resistance and lipid metabolism in obese-diabetic rats
Zhen Ye1, Qi Huang, Hai Xiang Ni
1First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, PR China.
Abstract:
Here we evaluate the effects of ethanol and aqueous extracts from Cortex Lycii Radicis (CLR) on insulin resistance and lipid metabolism in obese-diabetic rats, which were induced by high fat feeding for 3 weeks after injection with streptozotocin (STZ). Diabetic rats treated with ethanol or aqueous extracts of CLR at 15 and 30 g/kg dosage for 7 weeks, had decreased body weights, concentration of serum glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), while the insulin-sensitivity index (ISI) improved significantly compared with the control group. In addition, high contents of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and low adiponectin level were observed in the control group and levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in CLR groups showed obvious differences with the control group. Histopathologic examination also showed degrees of hepatocyte edema although hepatocyte ballooning degeneration was lessened in all CLR groups. Overall, ethanol extract from CLR seemed to be more effective than aqueous extracts in improving insulin resistance, resulted in elevating insulin sensitivity, adjusting glucose and lipid metabolism, correcting cytokines levels and ameliorating liver function, especially protecting the liver against lipoid degeneration.
Related Concept Videos
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Acarbose and miglitol are typically...
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...