Abstract
An extraction method was optimized to get a flavonoid-rich ethanol extract from Angelica keiskei leaves (FREE-AK). Trace elements and total flavonoid content of FREE-AK were identified, and the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of FREE-AK were studied in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. For FREE-AK extraction the optimal conditions were 65% ethanol, 45 °C and 15 min, resulting in a total flavonoid content up to 10.18% and K, Mg, Na, and Ca, content of about 36.59, 1.52, 14.51 and 7.486 mg/g, respectively. FREE-AK uptake could cause a marked decrease of fasting blood glucose and a significant improvement on glucose tolerance in diabetic mice. In addition, FREE-AK treatment with a dose of 800 mg/kg b.w. resulted in a reduction in the total triglyceride level (TC) in serum. Results demonstrated the effectiveness of FREE-AK for hypoglycemia and hypolipidemia in streptozotocin-induced mice and FREE-AK may be a potential dietary treatment for type 2 diabetes.