Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is an endocrine disease caused by inadequate secretion or improper utilization of insulin. Studies have shown that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) dysregulation is contributed to the development of T2DM. Urtica dioica (UD) may have anti-hypoglycemic activities in T2DM patients. However, the underlying mechanism is remained unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the UD effect on serum levels of glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin concentration, and AMPK levels in diabetic patients. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of Urtica Dioica hydro-alcoholic extract on glycemic index and AMPK levels in diabetic patients. Methods: This randomized single-blind clinical trial was conducted in the endocrinology clinic of Rohani hospital (Babol. Iran). Convenience sampling and simple random allocation were used in the study. Sixty diabetic patients were randomly divided into the two drug and control groups. The drug group received 20 mg/kg/d of hydro-alcoholicUDextract three times for 8 weeks and control group received placebo. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, insulin and AMPK were measured and compared at the beginning and end of the study. Results: FBG levels of the drug group were significantly decreased compared with the placebo group (P = 0.032). Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) increased significantly in drug group compared with the other group (P < 0.001). The insulin and AMPK levels in the drug group after taking UD extract increased by 62.5% and 8.0 %, respectively. However, there was no significant changes compared with the placebo group (P = 0.222 and P = 0.542, respectively). Conclusions: According to the results, UD is able to decrease glucose level and improve insulin release in T2DM. In addition, as UD is able to induce a small increase in AMPK activity, it is possible that the anti-hyperglycemic effect of UD is mediated by insulin secretion and the possible changes in AMPK levels.

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