Prevention of dexamethasone- and fructose-induced insulin resistance in rats by SH-01D, a herbal preparation

Objective: To investigate the preventive effect of SH-01D, a herbomineral preparation, on the development of insulin resistance induced by dexamethasone and fructose, in rats.
Materials and Methods: Two models of insulin resistance were used (dexamethasone 10 mg/kg, s.c. once daily and fructose 10% w/v, p.o., ad libitum ) in rats for a period of 10 and 20 days, respectively. Two doses of SH-01D (30 mg and 60 mg/kg, p.o.) were used. At the end of the experimental period, serum biochemical parameters like insulin, glucose, triglycerides, LDL, HDL and cholesterol were studied. Liver and muscle glycogen were estimated in the fructose model after sacrificing the animals.
Results: In both the models, SH-01D at 60 mg/kg showed significant effect. Fructose feeding increased serum biochemical parameters and decreased liver and skeletal muscle glycogen levels. Dexamethasone caused an increase in serum glucose, triglyceride levels and a decrease in body weight. In fructose-fed rats, SH-01D at 60 mg/kg significantly prevented (a) the increase in serum biochemical parameters and (b) the decrease in glycogen levels. In the dexamethasone model, SH-01D prevented the rise in serum glucose and triglycerides and improved the body weight.
Conclusion: The present study indicates that SH-01D may be useful in the management of insulin resistance.