Prunella vulgaris L. extract decreasing mRNA expressions of α-glucosidase SGLT-1, GLUT-2 and Na+-K+-ATPase in Caco-2 cells.

Purpose To examine the mechanism by which Prunella vulgaris L.extract affects the carbohydrate hydrolysis and absorption of glucose.Methods Caco-2 cells were treated with or without the decoction of water of Prunella vulgaris L.(0.75 μg/mL),the sodden ointment of(0.25 μg/mL),and the sodden ointment of(0.5 μg/mL),respectively.Acarbose(25 μg/mL) served as positive control.mRNA expression of α-glucosidase,SGLT-1,GLUT-2,Na+-K+-ATPase were examined by RT-PCR.Results The data showed that Prunella vulgaris L.extract significantly decreased the expression of α-glycosidase,SGLT-1,GLUT-2 and Na+-K+-AT enzyme,respectively,in Caco-2 cells.Acarbose has a similar inhibitory effect.Conclusion Prunella vulgaris L.extract inhibits the α-glucosidase,SGLT-1,GLUT-2,Na+-K+-ATP enzyme mRNA expression in Caco-2 cells.The data indicate that Prunella vulgaris L.extract could reduce the blood sugar levels after meal through affecting the glucose hydrolysis and the absorption of carbohydrates.