Anti-Diabetic and Anti-Lipidemic Activities of Metformin-Ascorbic Acid Combination

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate the pharmacological effects of metformin-ascorbic acid combination on glycemic and lipids control in glucose-induced insulin resistance rats and elucidate its possible mechanism(s) of action. The anti-hyperglycemic and anti-lipidemic activities of metformin, ascorbic acid, and metformin-ascorbic acid combination were studied in 5 groups consisting of 6 rats per group and weighing 100-130 g, by administering daily oral dosing of 20 g/kg of D - glucose in addition to 10 ml/kg of water, 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg/day of the drugs, respectively, for 42 days. Results of the study showed that metformin and metformin-ascorbic acid combination induced significant and comparable anti-hyperglycemia. This effect was mediated through enhanced sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin action. Metformin-ascorbic acid also lowered plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c), VLDL-cholesterol (VLDL-c) significantly. The results of this study suggest that the drug combination has antidiabetic and anti-lipidemic effects and therefore, could be a novel combination in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Keywords: Metformin-ascorbic acid combination, fasting plasma glucose and lipids, glucose-induced insulin resistance

West African Journal of Pharmacology and Drug Research Vol. 22/23 2007: pp. 10-15