Effect of Adaptogens on Glycemic Index in Stress- induced Mice

[摘要] Diabetes mellitus is a common name for a group of chronic diseases whose common symptoms is theinability to regulate blood sugar levels. It occurs with an uncontrolled increase in post - meal glucose (hyperglycemia) and a possible decrease to unconsciousness (hypoglycemia) when injected with insulin.There are two basic types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is theautoimmune – white blood cell of the patient destroying Langerhan’sPancreatic β – cells which areresponsible for insulin production.Type 2 diabetes is caused by the pancreas producing insulin, but thetissue does not respond to it, they react poorly. When stressed, the body prepares itself by ensuring thatenough sugar or energy is readily available. Insulin levels fall, glucagon and epinephrine (adrenaline) levelsrise and more glucose is released from liver. At the same time, growth hormones and cortisol levels rise,which causes body tissues (muscle and fat) to be less sensitive to insulin. As a result, more glucose is availablein the bloodstream. In type 2 diabetes low blood sugars from too much medication or insulin are a commoncause of stress. The hormonal response to a low blood sugar includes a rapid release of epinephrine andglucagon, followed by a slower release of cortisol and growth hormone. These hormonal responses to the lowblood sugar may last for 6-8 hours – during that time the blood sugar may be difficult to control. Thephenomena of a low blood sugar followed by a high blood sugar is called a “rebound’ or ‘somogyi’ reaction.Inthe present study, we have evaluated the efficacy of ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum 47 mg/kg p.o,Withania somnifera 23 mg/kg p.o and Bacopa monnieri 23 mg/kg p.o on blood glucose level in mice subjectedto swim endurance test and cold restraint stress. The standard group was administered water soluble rootpowder of Panax ginseng 100 mg/kg p.o and the stress control group was administered distilled water orallyfor 7 days. It was found that mice pretreated with ethanolic extracs of Ocimum sanctum, Withania somniferaand Bacopa monnieri showed reduced blood glucose level. The standard group also showed significantdecrease in blood glucose level when subjected to stress.

[学科分类] 工程和技术（综合）

[关键词] Diabetes mellitus;β-cells;Cortisol;Epinephrine;Glucagon;Hyperglycemia;Hypoglycemia.