Hypoglycemic effects of aqueous extract of Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati in mice and rats

Water soluble extract of Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati (RPO) was studied for i ts hypoglycemic effect in diabetic mice and rats. Results showed that RPO s ignificantly lowered hyperglycemia caused by starch loading in both normal and diabetic mice. Four week's administration with RPO reduced fasting bloo d glucose, decreased glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb), and improved the glucos e tolerance in diabetic mice. In diabetic rats complicated with hyperlipemi a, RPO prevented and reduced both hyper-glycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. The results support the view that RPO may influence glucose or carbohydrate metabolism of diabetic animals in many ways including inhibiting the activ ity of cr-glucosidase in digestive canal, and improving the metabolism of g lucose and triglyceride. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd .