Ellagic acid regulates hyperglycemic state through modulation of pancreatic IL-6 and TNF- α immunoexpression

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder. Although therapeutic pharmaceutical agents continue to advance, herbal medicines are potential complementary treatments for the promotion of glucose homeostasis, with minimal adverse effects. Conventionally, ellagic acid (EA) has been utilized for the therapy of a range of pathologies owing to its anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic actions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the activity of EA on serum α-amylase and lipase titers, and on pancreatic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations using the streptozocin-induced T2DM rodent model. METHODS: EA extract synthesized from fresh strawberry fruit was employed for therapy. 50 adults male Wistar rats were randomized into either control, EA, diabetic, co-treated or post- treated cohorts. RESULTS: EA diminished fasting blood glucose levels, altered lipase, amylase, IL-6, PCNA and TNF- α expression and enhanced islet cell renewal, insulin, and immunoreactivities. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory indicators are elevated in the presence of T2DM. Extract of EA has overall tissue reparative and safeguarding properties, as indicated by the augmented β- cell population and enhanced glucose homeostasis. Thus, EA may be an innovative treatment approach for the maintenance of normoglycemia in individuals with T2DM.