Chicoric Acid: A Natural Boost for Glucose Metabolism via AMPK Activation
Reporter: Dr. Sudipta Saha, Ph.D.
The study published in Journal of Functional Foods explores the molecular mechanisms underlying chicoric acid’s (CA) role in glucose metabolism. Chicoric acid, a natural polyphenolic compound found in plants like chicory and basil, has garnered attention for its anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties. The researchers investigated its potential to regulate glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity, focusing on the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway.
The experiments demonstrated that chicoric acid significantly enhances glucose uptake in insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant cells. This effect was primarily mediated through the activation of AMPKα, a key metabolic regulator that responds to energy stress. The phosphorylation of AMPKα triggered downstream signaling cascades, including the activation of Akt, a protein crucial for glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) translocation to the cell membrane, thereby facilitating glucose uptake.
Interestingly, the study also noted that inhibiting AMPK activity reduced CA-induced Akt phosphorylation, confirming that AMPK activation is essential for chicoric acid’s metabolic effects. Furthermore, CA showed potential in improving insulin sensitivity, which is impaired in type 2 diabetes, by mitigating cellular oxidative stress and inflammation.
The findings suggest that chicoric acid could serve as a promising therapeutic candidate for managing diabetes and metabolic disorders. By targeting the AMPKα-Akt signaling axis, CA offers a dual benefit of improving glucose metabolism and reducing insulin resistance, highlighting its potential as a natural alternative for metabolic health interventions.
References
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1756464619302774
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22436748
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11742412
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12145153
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