Fenugreek Oil and Metformin Improve Insulin Resistance via Increase of GLUT4 and PPARγ in Metabolic Syndrome‐induced Rats

Background: Fructose consumption and desserts sweetened with fructose increase risk of metabolic syndrome (MS). Features of MS include insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, visceral obesity, and hypertension. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of fenugreek oil and metformin in ameliorating features of MS.

Methods: MS was induced in rats by high‐fructose high‐fat fed diet for 8 weeks. They were randomly divided into five groups: normal control, MS control group treated with saline, MS groups given fenugreek oil (4 ml/kg), or metformin (100 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks. Body weight, relative organ weight, glucose, insulin, adiponectin, and lipid profiles were estimated. Also glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4) content and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma (PPAR-γ) protein expressions were determined.

Results: fenugreek oil and metformin caused decrease in both MS‐induced increase in body weight and glucose. They reduced insulin level and resistance with increased adiponectin, and correction of MS‐induced hyperlipidemia. Treatment also increased GLUT-4 and PPAR-γ protein expression compared with MS control group.

Conclusion: Fenugreek oil and metformin improve features of MS via increased GLUT4 and PPARγ expression.