Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026

High-resolution Respirometry to Measure Mitochondrial Function of Intact Beta Cells in the Presence of Natural Compounds
Published on: January 23, 2018
Saponins From Chenopodium Quinoa Willd. Improve Insulin Resistance and Restore Pancreatic β-Cell Function via
Yidan Gao1,2, Rong Su3, Yun Wu1,2
1Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research and CAS Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Xining, P. R. China.
Abstract:
This study investigated the effects of pentacyclic triterpene saponins from Chenopodium quinoa Willd. on insulin resistance (IR). Six saponin monomers (C1-C6) were isolated using semi-preparative liquid chromatography. In the T2DM zebrafish model, these compounds reduced the level of glucose, TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, and AST, while increasing the level of HDL-C. They exerted antioxidant effects by enhancing GSH and SOD activities and reducing MDA levels. Histological analysis revealed restored liver morphology and reduced liver injury. Among the six compounds, C1, C4, and C5 demonstrated particularly strong efficacy in ameliorating IR by activating the insulin signaling pathway and suppression of ERS-related proteins (ATF6, IRE1, PERK, GRP78, and CHOP), while also inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis. Using a transgenic Tg(ins: GFP) zebrafish model, we showed that C1, C4, and C5 protected pancreatic β-cells by reducing ERS-mediated apoptosis and restoring cellular function. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of quinoa saponins for managing T2DM and its complications.
Related Concept Videos
Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
Insulin and C-peptide are...
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...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment...
Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors

