Research Article

The In Vivo Antidiabetic Activity of Nigella sativa Is Mediated through Activation of the AMPK Pathway and Increased Muscle Glut4 Content

Figure 5

NSE activates AMPK in the liver and muscles to improve glucose metabolism. NSE mediates its action by stimulating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme essential. It also reduces the enzymatic pathway involved in increasing fatty acid production by the liver (ACC = acteyl-CoA carboxylase); thus, it increases the sensitivity to insulin. The activation of AMPK can inhibit the pathway of gluconeogenesis in the liver. In the muscle, NSE activates AMPK towards allowing the increased synthesis and translocation of Glut4 and consequently increases glucose transport in muscle. NSE also acts on the pancreas by increasing the secretion of insulin.
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