Comparison of the Effects of Acarbose and TZQ-F, a New Kind of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Treat Diabetes, Chinese Healthy Volunteers

Abstract EN

Ethnopharmacological Relevance.

TZQ-F has been traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a formula for the treatment of diabetes.

Aim of the Study.

This study aims to compare the pharmacologic effects and gastrointestinal adverse events between TZQ-F and acarbose.

Methods.

The double-blind randomized placebo-controlled fivefold crossover study was performed in 20 healthy male volunteers.

Plasma glucose, plasma IRI, and plasma C-peptide were measured to assess the pharmacologic effects.

Flatus and bowel activity were measured to assess the adverse event of gastrointestinal effect.

Results.

3 and 4 tablets of TZQ decreased the Cmax of plasma glucose compared with that of the previous day and with placebo.

3 tablets also decreased Cmax of plasma C-peptide compared with placebo.

4 tablets increased Cmax of plasma insulin after breakfast and the AUC of plasma C-peptide after breakfast and dinner.

2 tablets did not decrease plasma glucose and elevated the Cmax and AUC of C-peptide after breakfast and dinner, respectively.

Acarbose 50 mg decreased the Cmax of plasma insulin and C-peptide after breakfast and the Cmax of plasma glucose and C-peptide after dinner.

The subjects who received TZQ did not report any abdominal adverse events.

Conclusions.

3 tablets of TZQ have the same effects as the acarbose.