Gene regulating effects of Cymbopogon citratus on glucose metabolism of normal albino rats

Cymbopogon citratus has been reported to have hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activities. This study evaluates the insulinotropic properties of C. via gene expression. was administered normal rats as pulverized leaves (2, 10 30%) mixed with animal feed for one week; aqueous ethanol extracts at a dosage 30 100 mg/kg body weight days; isolated saponins, flavonoids tannins µg/kg 7 days. Animals were sacrificed after treatment protocol organs interest removed analysis. Gene expression analysis based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1), insulin, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) potassium ion gated channel (KCNJ5), using mRNA. Results showed that phytochemicals fractions (particularly flavonoids) increased insulin expression, whereas only whole plant feeding GLP-1 in dose-dependent manner. Administration GLUT-4 while phytochemical did not alter KCNJ5 gene. It can be concluded pharmacology citratus, especially extracts, favours up-regulation some genes.   Key word: Insulinotropic properties, flavonoids, tannins.