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

Abstract

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 theCmaxof plasma glucose compared with that of the previous day and with placebo. 3 tablets also decreasedCmaxof plasma C-peptide compared with placebo. 4 tablets increasedCmaxof plasma insulin after breakfast and the AUC of plasma C-peptide after breakfast and dinner. 2 tablets did not decrease plasma glucose and elevated theCmaxand AUC of C-peptide after breakfast and dinner, respectively. Acarbose 50 mg decreased theCmaxof plasma insulin and C-peptide after breakfast and theCmaxof 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.