Abstract

Excessive intake of a high-fat diet (HFD) is profoundly linked with various diseases, including dyslipidemia, inflammation, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and inflammation. Meanwhile, Mentawai taro, a variety of taro in the Colocasia esculenta species, has traditionally served as a daily staple food for the local people in the Mentawai Islands (West Sumatra, Indonesia). However, it remains unclear whether Mentawai taro corm can effectively counteract the detrimental effects of an HFD. This study investigated whether Mentawai taro corm flour (MTF) can significantly prevent HFD-induced T2DM and leukocytosis. The experimental study involved adult male mice (n = 27) divided into three groups: normal diet, HFD, and HFD supplemented with 20% MTF. After a 12-week treatment, the levels of blood glucose, plasma insulin, glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as well as leukocyte counts were determined. Results showed that supplementation of 20% MTF in the HFD substantially improved blood glucose profiles, reduced blood glucose levels (P < 0.01), enhanced glucose and insulin tolerance (P < 0.01) and prevented hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. Additionally, Mentawai taro flour effectively reduced pancreatic tissue MDA (P < 0.05) and regulated leukocyte profiles, including total leukocyte number (P < 0.01), and numbers of lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes (P < 0.01). Hence, our study suggests that MTF supplementation in the context of an HFD exerts beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, oxidative stress, and inflammation. It implies potential antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties of MTF to manage diet-induced diseases