Comparative Study of the Effects of Curcumin and Nanocurcumin Intake on Insulin Resistance, Serum Levels of Apelin and Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Introduction: Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has many therapeutic effects such as anti-diabetic effects. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of curcumin and nanocurcumin intake on insulin resistance, serum levels of apelin and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic rats (T2DM).Materials & Methods: 48 male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups: control, diabetic, diabetic treated with 2 doses of curcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) and diabetic treated with 2 doses of nanocurcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight ). T2DM was induced by fasting intraperitoneal injection of 110 mg/kg Nicotineamid and 45 mg/kg Streptozotocin. The rats received different doses of nanocurcumin and curcumin by gavage (daily) for 28 days. At the end of the intervention period, insulin resistance, serum Apelin levels and lipid profile were measured.Results: Serum levels of Apelin were significantly increased in diabetic control group compared to control group, and decreased with curcumin and nanocurcumin intake (P <0.05). so that there was no significant difference between curcumin, nanocurcumin and control groups (P <0.05). Serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL in the curcumin and nanocurcumin groups were significantly decreased In comparison with the diabetic control group (P <0.05). Insulin resistance was significantly decreased in the curcumin and nanocurcumin groups compared with the diabetic control group (P <0.05).Conclusion: According to the results, therapeutic effect of curcumin and nanocurcumin in T2DM can be considered.