Hypoglycemic Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L. Rhizomes) on Genetically Diabetic KK-Ay Mice

In an in vitro evaluation, the extract stimulated human adipocyte differentiation in a dose-dependent manner and showed human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ ligand-binding activity in a GAL4-PPAR-γ chimera assay.

A crucial role in the development of the metabolic syndrome is played by adipocytes, which are highly specialized cells involved in energy regulation and homeostasis. Adipocyte differentiation is a tightly controlled process, in which determinant genes such as those of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α lead to programmed adipocyte differentiation.