Study the effect of s-methyl L-cysteine on lipid metabolism in an experimental model of diet induced obesity.

BACKGROUND: S-methyl L-cysteine (SMC) is a hydrophilic cysteine-containing compound naturally found in Alium plants such as, garlic and onion. OBJECTIVES: The present study was aimed to evaluate the hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic properties of SMC in high fructose induced diabetic rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study was designed to evaluate the hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic properties of SMC in high fructose induced diabetic rats. Blood samples were collected and the fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, total antioxidant status (TAS) aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were estimated using standard procedures. Differences between the groups were assessed by using One way Analysis of Variance with (ANOVA) Tukey post hoc test. RESULTS: Oral administration of SMC at a dose of 100 mg/kg bodyweight/day to HFD-treated rats for a period of 60 days showed significant reduction in the animal weight, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), VLDL-C and elevation in the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and TAS compared with fructose fed group. The effects of SMC was compared with metformin; a well-known antihyperglycemic drug. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, SMC found to be effective in improving the high fructose induced hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. It may possibly provide a potential adjuvant for the treatment and management of diabetes.