The effectiveness of extract of Phaseolus vulgaris (Phaseoli vulgaris pericarpium) in the control of postprandial hyperglycaemia

In the search for new pharmaceuticals which could be safe and effective in the control of metabolic deteriorations characteristic for diabetes type 2, the extract of Phaseoli vulgaris pericarpium was considered. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the extract from the pods stimulates changes in glycaemia, insulinaemia and peripheral insulin resistance. Extract of Phaseoli vulgaris pericarpium has not been examined previously regarding its anti-diabetic profile and has not been used in monotherapy; however, a component of it is currently used in combined therapeutic preparations. The experiment was carried out in 2 steps. In the first one the animal model of diabetes type 2 in Wistar rats was induced. The next step included the estimation of the Phaseoli vulgaris pericarpium extract activity. The examined substance was given by intragastric administration within 28 consecutive days. Fasting and postprandial glycaemia, as well as insulin fasting concentration in serum were estimated on the 1st, 7th and 28th day of the experiment. The peripheral insulin resistance index was calculated: fasting glycaemia/fasting insulinaemia. It was found that chronic treatment with Phaseoli vulgaris pericarpium extract decreases significantly postprandial hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance, while it does not influence fasting glycaemia. The results may allow the study to be continued in humans, because the anti-diabetic profile of the examined extract seems to be especially useful in correction of metabolic problems characteristic for early phase of type 2 diabetes.