Tunisian pomegranate stimulates glucose transport in muscle: via the insulin dependent Akt pathway and independent AMPK

Pomegranate, Punica granatum, has been used as a remedy for diabetes. Studies have demonstrated a hypoglycemic effect of pomegranate extracts via various mechanisms. However, to date, no study has demonstrated the effect of pomegranate on glucose transport in muscle. The aim of this project is to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of pomegranate extracts on glucose transport in muscle cells according to the variety and stage of fruit ripeness and to elucidate the mechanisms of action. The results showed that only the Gabsi pomegranate variety significantly stimulates glucose transport compared to the control, without being toxic. This effect is more pronounced at the ripe fruit stage (at 6 months) than at the flower stage. In addition, the flower extract stimulates the insulin-independent AMPK pathway and increases the expression level of specific glucose transporters (GLUT-4). On the other hand, the ripe fruit extract, in addition to these two mechanisms, also strongly activates the insulin-dependent AKT pathway. In conclusion, this study presents a new variety-dependent mechanism of antidiabetic action in pomegranates.