Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Juglans regia (JR) extract on hyperglycaemia and insulin sensitivity.

Methods

Forty rats were divided into 4 groups: Control (C), Diabetes Control (DC), Diabetes + Juglans regia (D + JR) and Diabetes + Metformin (D + M).

Results

In the D + JR group, Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels decreased from day 14 onwards. There was a significant decrease in plasma levels of Fibronectin Type III Domain Containing 5 (FNDC5) and adiponectin (ADP) in the DC group compared to the C group (p < .01, p < .001 respectively). In the D + JR group, there was a significant increase in plasma FNDC5 and ADP (p < .05), while the plasma Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were decreased compared to the DC group (p < .001).

Conclusions

In conclusion, the present study found that JR and its bioactive components alleviated insulin resistance by increasing ADP and FNDC5 and decreasing FBG in a rat model of streptozotocin (STZ) + nicotinamide (NAD)-induced type 2 diabetes (T2D).

• Highlights

• Juglans regia extract increased insulin sensitivity.

• Juglans regia extract significantly reduced the level of fasting blood glucose.

• Juglans regia extract reduced TNF-α levels in rats with type 2 diabetes.

• Juglans regia extract prevent weight loss in type 2 diabetes.