Effect of cinnamon on plasma glucose concentration and the regulation of 6‐phosphofructo‐1‐kinase activity from the liver and small intestine of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by a congenital or acquired inability to transport sugar from the bloodstream into cells (report of expert committee on the diagnosis and classification of Diabetes mellitus, 1997). It is hypothesized that the cinnamon compoundenters the cells, interacts with the intracellular kinase domainand triggers an insulin‐like response (Taylor et al , 2001). This project is concerned with the regulation of 6‐phosphofructo‐1‐kinase in the liver and small intestine of streptozotocin‐ induced diabetic rats and to demonstrate the effect of cinnamon on plasma glucose, cholesterol, triacylglycerol and insulin concentrations. In addition, the present study compares the regulation of PFK‐1of the diabetic rats with another group of diabetic rats treated with cinnamon. Results showed a decreased in glucose, cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentration and increased in insulin concentration and the liver and intestinal 6‐phosphofructo‐1‐kinase activity. In conclusion, extracts of cinnamon activated PFK‐1, increased plasma insulin concentration, and decreased plasma glucose, triacylglycerol and total cholesterol levels in streptozotocin‐induced diabetics rats. In addition, cinnamon may be beneficial for the people to prevent and control elevated glucose and blood lipid levels.