Attenuation of palmitate induced insulin resistance in muscle cells by harmala, clove and river red gum.

The present study aimed to decipher the mechanism of action of selected anti-diabetic plants extracts on palmitic acid mediated insulin resistance in muscle cells. Our results showed that extract from Peganum harmala seeds, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Syzygium aromaticum leaves, showed significant antioxidant activity. We found that these extracts were able to affect stress signalling by reducing p-38 MAP kinase phosphorylation. They also reduced phosphorylation of substrate for insulin receptor (IRS) at serine residues and increased its phosphorylation at tyrosine residues and also enhanced PKB phosphorylation. Glucose uptake was also enhanced in muscle cells after treatment with these extracts. Extracts from Lantana camara, Psidium gujava fruit and different parts of Cassia alata did not affect FFA mediated down-regulation of insulin signalling. The study conclude that seeds of Peganum harmala and leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Syzygium aromaticum enhanced insulin signal transduction and glucose uptake in muscle cells via reducing oxidative stress. As a result, these herbal extracts may be considered useful to protect from insulin resistance.