RESUMEN
Aim To study the effect of different extracts from pomegranate flower on improving insulin resistance. Methods The rat model of type 2 diabetes was established by high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin (35 mg · kg-1). Metformin and pomegranate flower extracts were extracted by gavage for four weeks, and serum insulin content and other biochemical indexes were determined. The effects of extracts from different parts of pomegranate flower on glucose intake and related protein expression in insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocyte were assessed. Results After four weeks of administration, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, lipid level, oxidative damage degree and insulin resistance index of type 2 diabetic rats decreased, while insulin sensitivity index increased. Different extracts of pomegranate flowers increased the glucose intake of insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes to varying degrees, increased the protein expression of pakt, PI3K and Glut4, and water extracts could increase the expression of PPAR7 protein. Conclusions The extracted parts of pomegranate flower can improve the insulin resistance of 3T3-L1 adipocytes in type 2 diabetic rats and insulin resistance model by activating the Akt/PI3K signaling pathway. Water extracts can also improve insulin sensitivity by activating the PPARγ receptor.