Formononetin suppresses hyperglycaemia through activation of GLUT4-AMPK pathway

Background: Formononetin (FMN) is a flavonoid that has different pharmacological effects. Thus, the anti-diabetic effects of FMN has been investigated in a high-fat diet/Streptozotocin-(HFD/STZ)-induced diabetes mice model. Methods: Mice were fed with HFD followed by STZ. Diabetic mice were treated orally with FMN or metformin for 28 days before collecting plasma and soleus muscle for further analysis. Results: FMN reduced serum glucose (p>0.001) and increased serum insulin in diabetic group compared to the vehicle control. Additionally, FMN decreased homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Fasting glucose level was also reduced with FMN during the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT). GLUT4 and p-AMPK-α1 were upregulated following treatment with FMN. LDL, triglyceride, and cholesterol were reduced in diabetic mice treated with FMN. FMN reduced MDA, increased GSH levels , and reduced GSSG levels in diabetic mice. Conclusion: FMN could represent a promising therapeutic agent to treat T2D