Anti-hyperglycemic activity of Aegle marmelos (L.) corr. is partly mediated by increased insulin secretion, α-amylase inhibition, and retardation of glucose absorption

BACKGROUND: Aegle marmelos (commonly known as Bael, golden apple) was formerly described to have anti-hyperglycemic activity. The present study aimed to explore the possible effects, in depth, of A. marmelos extracts on carbohydrate absorption, glucose utilization, and α-amylase inhibition and insulin content in pancreases of type 2 diabetic rats. METHODS: This research begins with fasting blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to evaluate the primary anti-hyperglycemic effect in chemically induced type 2 diabetic rats. Furthermore, the plasma insulin concentration and serum glucose level were studied, which include measuring the sucrose content in six different segments of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the rats following oral sucrose feeding. An in situ, perfused, intestinal model in rats and glucose-fiber binding…