Ethno-pharmacological insulin signaling induction of aqueous extract of Syzygium paniculatum fruits in a high-fat diet induced hepatic insulin resistance

The ethnopharmacological significance of the fruits of Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn (Magenta Cherry) is widely recognized in the Indian traditional medicine system to treat various disorders, such as diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular problems. This research work investigated the supplementation of the aqueous extract of S. paniculatum fruit (AESPF) on liver function; the molecular effects on the expression of the protein of insulin receptor (IR) and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) in high-fat diet-induced hepatic insulin resistance in the rat model. High-fat diet was used to induce obesity in albino Wistar for 120 days. Biochemical, enzymatic, and histopathological analysis, as well as analysis of hepatic insulin resistance proteins and expression of IRS-1, were performed. The supplementation of AESPF with a dose of 100 mg/kg bw significantly reduced bodyweight, blood sugar, insulin, lipid profiles, and liver enzymes. Hepatic insulin resistance was improved with a reduced level of IR and IRS-1 to protein levels. HFD alters the sensitivity of hepatocytes to insulin due to the down-regulation of insulin receptor proteins. The fruits of S. paniculatum possess biological activities to alleviate all risky effects by regulating hepatic lipogenesis activity that can be used in the progress of medication for HFD-induced hepatic insulin resistance and metabolic disorders. [Display omitted] •Insulin signaling of AESPF in HFD-induced hepatic insulin resistance.•HFD alters the sensitivity of hepatocytes to insulin due to the IR down-regulation.•AESPF reduced the blockage of insulin signaling by enhanced IR and IRS-1 functions.•AESPF reduced the body weight, blood sugar, insulin, lipid profile and liver enzyme.•AESPF also exhibited a hepatoprotective effect against HFD.