http://english.cas.cn/newsroom/research_news/life/202602/t20260205_1149812.shtml

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874126001339

Researchers from the CAS Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden have identified tectograndone TG1, a rare natural compound derived from the Teak tree (Tectona grandis) as a potential agent to combat diabetes and lipid disorders.

They have shown that TG1 could both increase glucose absorption in fat cells and block pancreatic lipase. TG1 activated 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase, a key cellular energy sensor implicated in metabolic regulation. This activation induced the translocation of the glucose transporter GLUT4 to the plasma membrane, facilitating cellular glucose uptake. This effect occurred independently of insulin signaling pathways, suggesting potential therapeutic efficacy in insulin-resistant conditions.

TG1 also acted as a “mixed-type inhibitor” of pancreatic lipase, forming a stable complex with the enzyme and suppressing its ability to digest fats. When given to normal mice, TG1 significantly improved glucose tolerance, confirming its glucose-lowering effect in a living organism.