Salacia Reticulata Extract Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Homeostasis by Activating Insulin Signaling and...

This study evaluated the effects of Salacia reticulata on glucose metabolism, insulin signaling, and key metabolic markers in type 2 diabetes (T2D). We evaluated how S. reticulata influences the activity of major enzymes responsible for carbohydrate breakdown. In vitro studies on C2C12 cells also examined glucose uptake and insulin signaling pathway activation. Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats were treated with S. reticulata (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight [bw]) or metformin (126 mg/kg bw) for 16 weeks. S. reticulata suppressed the activities of α-glucosidase and α-amylase while promoting insulin signaling pathways and glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes. In OLETF rats, administration of S. reticulata markedly enhanced glucose tolerance, lowered fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels, and significantly decreased the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, reflecting improved insulin sensitivity. Western blot analysis revealed increased insulin receptor substrate-1, PI3K, Akt, and activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, along with upregulated GLUT4 expression in skeletal muscle. Serum glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and adiponectin levels were significantly elevated in the S. reticulata-treated groups, helping improve insulin action and systemic metabolic regulation. As a result, S. reticulata exerts beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis by affecting key mechanisms such as insulin signaling, incretin dynamics, and adipokine modulation, reinforcing its value as a n'atural agent for treating T2D and associated metabolic issues.