ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The root of the plant Rosa rugosa has been reported to have an anti- hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effect in experimental animals. But its definite anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic substance has not yet been identified. In this study, we found the hydrolysable tannins of the hot water extract of the Rosa rugosa root had those effects, and named it as Rosanin. And its mode of actions were evaluated. METHODS: Three groups of streptozotocin-injected rats and two groups of buffer-injected control rats were given 10 mg/Kg/ml of Rosanin, or glibenclamide, or water by nasogastric tubes for three weeks. Blood sugar, insulin, triglyceride and GLUT4 mRNA levels were checked in the fasting state. Liver, kidney and pancreatic specimens were observed by light microscopy. RESULTS: All the water-treated, glibenclamide-treated and Rosanin-treated diabetic rats had significantly higher blood sugar levels compared to that of normal control rats (p4 gulcoside bonds and phenolic acids, such as ellagic and gallic acid1).