Salutary Effects of Germinated Glycine max Seeds on Post Prandial Hyperglycemia and Dyslipidemia - Evidence from In-vivo and In-vitro Studies

Abstract

Background: Germinated Glycine max seeds have been known to have anti-hyperglycemic effects; however, a comprehensive study pertaining to this has never been experimentally determined. Methods: The aqueous extract of 12 h germinated Glycine max seeds (gGmax) were orally administered to Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats for 28 days and the effects were observed on glycemic index, lipid profile, antioxidant parameters alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase activity. Further the histomorphological changes were seen in the rat’s pancreas. Finally, the metabolite profiling was done. Results: There was a significant improvement in FBG and OGTT in diabetic rats treated with gGmax after a period of 28 days. The extract also led to a substantial increase in the levels of insulin and c-peptide as compared to diabetic control rats with marked improvement in insulin resistance. Lipid profile and atherogenic factors were significantly improved. Histomorphological examination of pancreatic tissue revealed increased number of islets and β-cells in treated rats as compared to diabetic controls. Subsequently, marked suppression in the activity of alphaamylase and alpha- glucosidase was observed. Conclusion: The antidiabetic property of the extract is attributed through the improvement in insulin secretion, suppression of post- prandial hyperglycemia and β-cell regeneration. Besides its antidiabetic properties, Glycine max seeds also demonstrated salutary effects on the management of dyslipidemia which may be mediated through scavenging of free radicals as well as suppression of atherogenic lipid variants and apolipoproteins. Overall this study represents Glycine max seeds as a promising therapeutic agent for diabetes and dyslipidemia.