Potential Therapeutic Benefits of Pepper Fruit Extract on Hyperglycemia and Dyslipidemia in Obese Type 2 Diabetic...

Background Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by impaired glucose regulation and insulin resistance and frequently accompanied by obesity and dyslipidemia. The search for novel therapeutic agents to manage these metabolic parameters remains ongoing. Pepper fruit (cv. Meein) extract, a non-pungent Capsicum variant, has been proposed as a potential intervention for metabolic dysfunctions associated with T2D. Methods This study investigated the impact of pepper fruit extract on metabolic parameters using a db/db diabetic mouse model. Fifty mice were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 10 per group): a normal control group, a diabetic control group (db/db), a positive control group treated with acarbose (50 mg/kg), and two treatment groups receiving either 150 mg/kg or 300 mg/kg of "Meein" extract. The intervention lasted for 10 weeks. Key metabolic indicators, including body weight, blood glucose levels, oral glucose tolerance (OGTT), lipid profile (triglycerides and cholesterol), and insulin concentrations, are measured to assess the extract's therapeutic potential. Results Treatment with "Meein" extract resulted in significant reductions in body weight, with the 300 mg/kg group exhibiting a 10.6% decrease compared to the diabetic control. Both treatment groups demonstrated reductions in blood glucose, with the 150 mg/kg group showing statistically significant improvements. OGTT results did not indicate significant enhancement in glucose tolerance, and lipid profiles, including triglyceride and cholesterol levels, did not show significant changes following extract administration. Notably, the extract exerted a marked effect on insulin levels: while the diabetic control group showed hyperinsulinemia, insulin concentrations in the extract-treated groups were significantly reduced, with the 300 mg/kg group achieving a 38% decrease, indicative of improved insulin sensitivity. Conclusion These findings suggest that 'Meein' extract may have potential for managing obesity and improving insulin sensitivity in T2D. Importantly, no significant effects on OGTT or lipid profiles were observed in this study. Further research is necessary to clarify the extract's effects on glucose metabolism and lipid regulation.