Characterizing the effects of ginseng on type 2 diabetes mellitus in the male ZDF rat.

摘要

Previous data have demonstrated a marked effect of ginseng diets on physiological parameters in various rat models. This study was designed to further examine the effect of a ginseng diet in male ZDF rats. Animals were assigned to one of three diets: casein (control); rosiglitazone (TZD); and ginseng. During the 11week study, physiological boundaries and gene expression were evaluated. Furthermore, ginseng up regulated PPARgamma and RxR expression, and down regulated PPARalpha, CPT-1, and IRS-1 in various rodent tissues vs. the control. TZD showed an up regulation effect in FAS, LPL, UCP-3, and PPARgamma and down regulated PPARalpha, CPT-1, and IRS-1 expression vs. the control. Considering the heterogeneity of current therapies of type II diabetes, there is an imperative need to explore new antidiabetic remedies, including medicinal herbs. Changes in gene expression are underlying elements of diabetes and may occur as a result of genetic modifications that bring about diabetes.