Core structure of flavonoids precursor as an antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic agent: an in vivo study in rats

trans-Chalcone is the core structure of naringenin chalcone, located halfway in the biosynthesis pathway of flavonoids. Flavonoids have been reported as mammalian alpha-amylase inhibitors, a property which could be useful in the management of postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetes and related disorders. As a mammalian alpha-amylase inhibitor in vitro, the putative beneficial effect of trans-chalcone on diabetes was tested in a streptozotocin-induced rat model of diabetes type 1, and the results analyzed with commonly used statistical methods. Significant reduction of blood glucose levels and beneficial effect on dyslipidemia were observed in diabetic rats, as well as reduction of disturbing consequences of diabetes such as high urine volume and water intake. trans-chalcone was observed to have a weight loss-inductive effect, alongside with a reduction in food intake, which is suggestive of a therapeutic potential of this compound in overweight and obese patients.