Planta Med 2000; 66(3): 228-230
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-8561
Original Paper
Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Caffeic Acid as Active Principle from the Fruit of Xanthiumstrumarium to Lower Plasma Glucose in Diabetic Rats

Feng-Lin Hsu1 , Yun-Chueh Chen2 , Juei-Tang Cheng2,*
  • 1 Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical College, Taipei City, Taiwan, R.O.C.
  • 2 Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

Abstract

The antihyperglycemic effect of caffeic acid, one of the phenolic compounds contained in the fruit of Xanthium strumarium, was investigated. After an intravenous injection of caffeic acid into diabetic rats of both streptozotocin-induced and insulin-resistant models, a dose-dependent decrease of plasma glucose was observed. However, a similar effect was not produced in normal rats. An insulin-independent action of caffeic acid can thus be considered. Otherwise, this compound reduced the elevation of plasma glucose level in insulin-resistant rats receiving a glucose challenge test. Also, glucose uptake into the isolated adipocytes was raised by caffeic acid in a concentration-dependent manner. Increase of glucose utilization by caffeic acid seems to be responsible for the lowering of plasma glucose.

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Prof. Juei-Tang Cheng

Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine National Cheng Kung University

Tainan City

Taiwan 70101

R.O.C.

Email: jtcheng@mail.ncku.edu.tw

Phone: +886-6-238-6548