An extract from Nitraria roborowskii, a desert shrub used in traditional Chinese medicine, improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic markers in diabetic mice by reactivating the PI3K/AKT pathway, according to a peer‑reviewed study in the Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy and a summary posted on ScienceDaily.
Researchers report that a fruit extract from Nitraria roborowskii (sometimes called “desert cherry”) improved insulin responsiveness and helped stabilize several metabolic indicators in diabetic mice. The work is described in the Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy and highlighted by ScienceDaily. (sciencedaily.com)
According to ScienceDaily, the study was carried out by scientists from Qinghai University and the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Mice with diabetes received a concentrated fruit extract, referred to as NRK‑C, for seven weeks. Reported outcomes included a 30–40% reduction in fasting blood glucose, roughly a 50% improvement in insulin sensitivity versus untreated animals, and improvements in cholesterol balance alongside declines in oxidative‑stress markers of up to 60%. Tissue analyses suggested healthier liver and pancreatic structure in treated animals. (sciencedaily.com)
The team attributed these effects to reactivation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, a central insulin pathway that is often impaired in diabetes. (sciencedaily.com)
Huilan Yue, a researcher on the project at the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, said the findings point to a more holistic approach to diabetes care than glucose‑lowering alone, while stressing that human trials are still needed. (sciencedaily.com)
Context: The ScienceDaily summary cites materials from Zhejiang University and links to the journal record for the paper (DOI: 10.13748/j.cnki.issn1007‑7693.20240613), listed as appearing in the journal’s April 2025 issue. (sciencedaily.com)
Diabetes burden: Earlier figures in some reports suggest 750 million people by 2045, but the International Diabetes Federation’s 10th‑edition analysis projects about 783 million adults by 2045; the IDF’s latest data also project 853 million by 2050. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Caveats: These results are from mouse experiments and have not been tested in people; any use in supplements or functional foods remains speculative pending clinical evidence. (sciencedaily.com)
