The antidiabetic effect of dietary persimmon (Diospyros kaki L. cv. Sangjudungsi) peel in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The phytochemical composition of persimmon (Diospyros kaki L. cv. Sangjudungsi) peel (PP), a waste by product of dried persimmon, and its possible antidiabetic influence in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were examined. Dietary fiber was found to be the major component of PP, with a high content of 40.35% (w/w). PP also contains high levels of antioxidants including total carotenoids, vitamin C, and total phenolics. A 2-wk dietary supplementation of PP at both 5% and 10% (w/w) significantly lowered food intake, blood glucose, plasma triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels in diabetic rats. Dietary PP also restored the reduced plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels in diabetic rats. Although regression of the hypertrophies of liver and kidney was not observed in diabetic rats, dietary PP showed the partial or complete restoration of plasma aspartate amino transferase (AST), and creatinine levels, which serve as indicators of liver and renal dysfunctions, respectively. Therefore, PP containing high levels of dietary fiber and antioxidants with antidiabetic properties represents a potential dietary supplement for improving hyperglycemia and diabetic complications.