Extracts of the Chinese Herbal Remedy Gymnema sylvestre Inhibit the Sodium-Dependent Glucose Transporter 1

摘要

Hyperglycemia is seen as a major pathogenic factor in the development of acute and chronic diabetic complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, retinopathy, nephropathy and stroke. Lowering post-prandial blood sugar excursions is a focus in diabetes research and prevention programs. Glucose is transported through biological membranes via the facilitative (GLUT) and sodium-dependent (SGLT) glucose transporters. Both kinds of glucose transporters are currently targets in diabetes therapy. Inhibitors of SGLT2 have been developed that effectively increase glucose excretion via urine, and for this purpose are in clinical use. To date, there are only a handful of studies published on natural SGLT1 inhibitors. Several medicinal herbs have been used in Asia for many centuries as hypoglycemic agents, their bioactive phytochemicals as well as their mechanisms of action remain elusive however. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the SGLT1 inhibiting activity of Gymnema sylvestre, one of a number of herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine as hypoglycemic agents.