The plasma glucose lowering action of Hei-Shug-Pian, the fire-processed product of the root of Aconitum (Aconitum carmichaeli), in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The anti-hyperglycemic action of Hei-Shug-Pian, the fire-processed product of the root of Aconitum (Aconitum carmichaeli), was investigated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic (STZ-diabetic) rats. At 120 min following oral administration of Hei-Shug-Pian at doses ranging from 12.5 to 50 mg/kg, plasma glucose of STZ-diabetic rats was found to be decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Under treatment conditions wherein plasma glucose was lowered, the uptake of glucose into soleus muscle was increased and the incorporation of glucose into glycogen of hepatocytes was enhanced. The plasma glucose-lowering effect of Hei-Shug-Pian was eliminated by blockade of opioid μ-receptors. Moreover, Hei-Shug-Pian treatment failed to lower plasma glucose in opioid μ-receptor knockout diabetic mice. The findings obtained in this study support the conclusion that Hei-Shug-Pian lowers the plasma glucose concentrations of STZ-diabetic rats through activation of opioid μ-receptors of peripheral tissues, resulting in enhanced glucose utilization.