Effects of flavonoid-rich extract from seeds of Eugenia jambolana (L.) on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in diabetic mice

Eugenia jambolana (EJ) is long known for its antidiabetic activities in traditional medicines. The aim of this study was to determine the probable mechanism of action of a flavonoid-rich extract from seeds of EJ on streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Various biochemical parameters, e.g. glucose tolerance, lipid profile, glycogen biosynthesis, glucose uptake and insulin release in vivo and in vitro, were significantly improved in the extract-treated diabetic mice. Similarly, differential regulation and expression of glucose homeostatic enzymes, e.g. glucose-6-phosphatase and hexokinase, were also changed significantly in response to the flavonoid-rich extract, which clearly demonstrated the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in treated animals. Further, analysis of the extract using HPLC, demonstrated the presence of different flavonoids and their derivatives which are known for their antidiabetic and antioxidant potential. The data showed that this flavonoid-rich seed extract has a remarkable dual hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect.