Examination of the autidiabetic effects of mulberry leaves on a rat model of spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus (OLETF rats) and the contents of trace elements in the living body

Spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus model rats (OLETF rats) and control rats were each divided into two groups: one treated with feed containing 2.5% mulberry leaves and the other given a standard diet. After 3 weeks, the contents of 7trace elements were determined in each organ, namely zinc, magnesium, calcium, phosphrus, iron, manganese and copper. I then conducted a comparative study of the blood glucose levels and the effects of the trace elements in vivo on the kinetics associated with the intake of mulberry leaves. As a result, I discovered a slight inhibitory action of mulberry leaves on hyperglycemia. In comperison with the control group, the OLETF-standard diet rats showed a lower content of zinc in the liver but higher contents in the spleen, pancreas, fat and urine, whereas the mulberry leaves-supplemented OLETF rats exhibited no significant differences from the control group in the zinc contents in the liver, spleen or urine. In comparison with the control group, the OLETF-standard diet rats showed less magnesium in the lungs, liver, and pancreas but larger amounts in the urine and spleen, whereas the mulberry leaves-supplemented OLETF rats exhibited no significant differences from control group in the magnesium contents of the lungs and urine. I also detected changes in each of the other trace elements in some of the organs, resulting from the administration of mulberry leaves. This study suggests that mulberry leaves may effectively replenish trace elements that the body lacks in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, and lower blood glucose possibly by maintaining insulin secretory functions and/or improving insulin action.

trace element

mulberry leaves

diabetes mellitue