Discussion
Our findings highlight the hypoglycemic potential of SQ and its mechanisms via modulation of the gut microbiota and metabolic pathways, offering a theoretical foundation for the use of herbal medicine in diabetes management.
Methods
A Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rat model was established through a high-fat diet, followed by variable glucose and insulin injections to mimic the fluctuating glycemic conditions seen in diabetes.
Results
An eight-week regimen of SQ significantly mitigated hyperglycemia, inflammation, and insulin resistance in these rats. Notably, SQ beneficially modulated the gut microbiota by increasing populations of beneficial bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Akkermansia, while reducing and inhibiting harmful strains such as Ruminococcus and Phascolarctobacterium. Metabolomics analyses revealed that SQ intervention corrected disturbances in Testosterone enanthate and Glycerophospholipid metabolism.