Endocrine Abstracts

Punica granatum peel has long been used in traditional medicine for managing metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, it may offer therapeutic benefits in alleviating diabetes associated complications. This study evaluated the insulin-releasing and glucose-lowering effects of ethanol extract of Punica granatum (EEPG) peel using both in-vitro and in vivo models. In BRIN-BD11 pancreatic β-cells, EEPG significantly enhanced insulin secretion in the presence and absence of known insulin modulators such as IBMX and tolbutamide, while its effect was partly inhibited by diazoxide and verapamil, indicating involvement of K_ATP and calcium channel-dependent pathways. EEPG also promoted β-cell proliferation as confirmed by Ki67 immunostaining. In high-fat-fed (HFF) diet-induced obese mice, oral administration of EEPG (150 and 250 mg/kg) improved glucose tolerance at 30, 60, and 120 min, lowered fasting blood glucose, and reduced food intake over 21 days, with the higher dose demonstrating superior efficacy in normalizing body weight and fluid consumption. The glucose-lowering effect of EEPG was comparable to that of glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). Additionally, EEPG enhanced gut motility and improved the lipid profile by increasing HDL levels and reducing total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, suggesting its potential role in supporting digestive and metabolic functions. Preliminary phytochemical screening indicated that EEPG contains flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids, which may be responsible for these beneficial effects. Overall, these findings demonstrate that EEPG exerts insulinotropic and antihyperglycemic effects through β-cell stimulation, enhanced proliferation, and regulation of glucose metabolism in diet-induced obese mice. Further studies are warranted to elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms and active phytoconstituents contributing to its anti-diabetic potential.