Keishibukuryogan ameliorates glucose intolerance and hyperlipidemia in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats

Keishibukuryogan, one of the traditional herbal formulations, is used clinically to improve blood circulation. In this study, we examined the effects of keishibukuryogan on glucose and lipids metabolism in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats, an animal model of type 2 diabetes. Forty-five-week-old male OLETF rats were divided into three groups: diabetic control rats given a standard chow; diabetic rats given keishibukuryogan (3%, w/w in chow); diabetic rats given pioglitazone (0.01%, w/w in chow). Oral administration of keishibukuryogan produced significant improvement against impaired glucose tolerance. On the other hand, fasting serum glucose and insulin levels, and the homeostasis index of insulin resistance did not change by keishibukuryogan treatment. Against lipid parameters, keishibukuryogan significantly lowered serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and the hepatic total cholesterol level. Keishibukuryogan treatment also significantly reduced the serum leptin level, but it had no effect on the serum adiponectin level. Additionally, keishibukuryogan showed significant effects on epididymal adipose tissue by decreasing the size of fat cells and on skeletal muscle by reducing TNF-alpha protein content. From these results, it was suggested that keishibukuryogan exerts beneficial effects on the features associated with type 2 diabetes.