AbstractsBiology & Animal Science

In vitro and in vivo effect of aspalathus linearis and its major polyphenols on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in insulin resistant models

by Sithandiwe Eunice Mazibuko




Institution: University of Zululand
Department:
Year: 2014
Keywords: Insulin resistant
Record ID: 1448688
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/10530/1319


Abstract

High levels of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), such as palmitate, are associated with insulin resistance of muscle, fat and liver. Skeletal muscle, which accounts for up to 80% of peripheral glucose disposal, is particularly vulnerable to increased levels of SFAs. Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and its unique dihydrochalcone C-glucoside, aspalathin, shown to reduce hyperglycemia in diabetic rats, could play a role in preventing or ameliorating the development of insulin resistance. This study aims to establish whether rooibos and its major phenolic compounds (aspalathin, orientin, isoorientin and rutin) can ameliorate palmitate-induced insulin-resistance in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells, 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in C3A liver cells. The efficacy of rooibos will also be assessed in an obese insulin-resistant (OB/IR) rat model.