Planta Med 2013; 79 - PN83
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1352425

Glucose uptake stimulation of Portulaca oleracea extract in L6 myotube cells

P Poungcho 1, K Noipha 2, N Towatana 3, N Nualkaew 1
  • 1Khon Kaen University, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
  • 2Thaksin University, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Phatthalung 93110, Thailand
  • 3Prince of Songkla University, Faculty of Sciences, Songkla 90112, Thailand

Portulaca oleracea (Portulacaceae) is a Thai local vegetable which its aerial part has been reported for its ability to decrease blood glucose in vivo. This study is aimed to investigate the glucose uptake stimulation effect of P. oleracea extract in L6 myotube cells. The dried aerial part of P. oleracea was macerated in 80% ethanol, and then it was concentrated and lyophilized to obtain crude extract (7.58% dry weight). The glucose uptake stimulation effect was determined by using 2-deoxy glucose assay. It was found thatP. oleracea extract stimulated glucose uptake in dose-dependent manner with the highest level of 90% stimulation at the concentration of 300 µg/mL while the 500 nM insulin (positive control) showed 95% stimulation when incubated for 48 hrs without toxicity effect to cells. The increasing of glucose transporter mRNA (GLUT1 and GLUT4) level was obtained which could be inhibited by 3.5µM cycloheximide. It can be concluded that P. oleracea extract exhibited glucose uptake stimulation into L6 myotubes via the up-regulation of GLUT1 and GLUT4 synthesis. These results suggest the possible promotion of P. oleracea as vegetable for reducing blood sugar level.

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