Effect of Tangzhiqing on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Genetically Type 2 Diabetes KK-Ay Mice

The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Tangzhiqing (abbreviated TZ) a mixture of Mulberry Leaf, Lotus Leaf, Danshen Root, and Hawthorn Leaf, were investigated in KK-Ay mice, an animal model of type 2 diabetes. TZ reduced blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels of KK-Ay mice at 4 weeks after oral administration. TZ also improved sucrose or maltose tolerance. Maltase activity in small intestine significantly decreased in the TZ-treated KK-Ay mice. These results support the hypothesis that TZ improves glucose metabolism by reducing α-glycosidase activity. Therefore TZ might have beneficial effects on hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in type 2 diabetes.