Antidiabetic Effects of Salacia reticulata (Kothala himbutu), Emblica officinalis (Anmaroku) and Ipomoea batatas (Suiou) on KK-Ay Mice

We have examined antidiabetic effects of water-extracts of the stems of Salacia reticulata (kothala himbutu) and the fruits of Emblica officinalis (anmaroku), and of homogenates of the stalks and leaves of Ipomoea batatas (suiou) using KK-Ay mice, which develop type 11 diabetes spontaneously. Male KK-Ay mice were fed solid CE-2 diets containing 3% (W/W) of each sample ad libitum for 5 weeks. Intake of Kothala himbutu significantly inhibited elevation of non-fasting blood glucose levels, and decreased food and water intake. Moreover, Kothala himbutu significantly suppressed blood insulin levels and HOMA-IR. In Suiou-fed mice, significant suppression of fasting blood glucose levels and HOMA-IR was observed, although the suppressive effect was lower than that of Kothala himbutu. At 5 weeks, only Kothala himbutu supplementation significantly decreased levels of HbA1c, compared with those of the control group. Histopathologically, degeneration of pancreatic islets and renal glomerular sclerosis were remarkably suppressed by Kothala himbutu supplementation. Suppression of renal glomerular sclerosis was also seen to a lesser extent in the Anmaroku and Suiou-fed mice. Thus, for its strong antidiabetic effect, Kothala himbutu may improve the disorders associated with diabetes. Our results further suggest that Suiou is an excellent daily food for regulating blood glucose due to the antidiabetic effect observed following use of the homogenates of its stalks and leaves.