Abstract:
High levels of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), such as palmitate, are associated with insulin resistance of muscle, fat and liver. Skeletal muscle, which accounts for up to 80% of peripheral glucose disposal, is particularly vulnerable to increased levels of SFAs. Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and its unique dihydrochalcone C-glucoside, aspalathin, shown to reduce hyperglycemia in diabetic rats, could play a role in preventing or ameliorating the development of insulin resistance. This study aims to establish whether rooibos and its major phenolic compounds (aspalathin, orientin, isoorientin and rutin) can ameliorate palmitate-induced insulin-resistance in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells, 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in C3A liver cells. The efficacy of rooibos will also be assessed in an obese insulin-resistant (OB/IR) rat model.
Description:
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry at the Faculty of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, South Africa, 2014.
