New antidiabetic compounds, mangiferin and its glucoside.

Mangiferin (MF) and its glucosides (mangiferin-7-O-beta-glucoside) (MG) isolated from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge rhizome, were tested for their antidiabetic activity in KK-Ay mice, an animal model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). MF and MG lowered the blood glucose level of KK-Ay mice after oral administration. However, no affect on the blood glucose level in normal mice was seen, indicating that MF and MG are useful in treating NIDDM. In addition, MF or MG improved hyperinsulinemia in KK-Ay mice. From these findings, it seems likely that MF and MG exert their its antidiabetic activity by increasing insulin sensitivity.