Possible mechanism of hypoglycemic effect of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, a constituent of Pandanus odorus root

We studied the hypoglycemic effect of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, a constituent of the root of Pandanus odorus Ridl. (Pandanaceae, Thai name: Toei-hom), in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Oral administration of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid caused a decrease in plasma glucose levels dose-dependently in the diabeti c rat. The constituent did not affect serum insulin level and liver glycoge n content in the diabetic model, but increased glucose consumption in norma l and diabetic rat diaphragms. These results suggest that 4-hydroxybenzoic acid produces a hypoglycemic effect mediated by an increase in the peripher al glucose consumption.