Ginsenoside Rb1 increases insulin sensitivity through suppressing 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I.

Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) is a major component of ginseng, which has been shown to ameliorate hyperglycemia in rodents and in humans with undetermined mechanisms. Here, we analyzed the molecular mechanisms by which GRb1 reduces the insulin resistance in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mouse model for type 2 diabetes (T2D). HFD was applied for 4 weeks to induce T2D in mice, after which GRb1 was administrated and the effects on the fasting blood glucose, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were analyzed. We found that HFD increased fasting blood glucose, glucose tolerance and reduced insulin sensitivity, which were all ameliorated by GRb1. GRb1 seemed to reduce the levels of 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I (11β-HSD1) in liver and adipose tissue, to exert its anti-diabetes effects. Overexpression of 11β-HSD1 completely abolished the effects of GRb1 on HFD-induced increases in fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerance, and decreases in insulin sensitivity. Together, our data suggest that GRb1 may increase insulin sensitivity through suppressing 11β-HSD1 in treatment of T2D.