Influence of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Peptides on Insulin Resistance

Biomolecules from cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) can be beneficial in the reduction of hyperglycemia and strengthening the antioxidant status of individuals with diabetes. L6 rat skeletal muscles were exposed to various doses of cowpea peptides (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 ng) for 20 hours or insulin (100 nM) for 30 minutes. Proteins were isolated from the treated cells and analyzed by Western blot for the phosphorylation of Akt (a form of protein kinase B; PKB). Study findings show that the cowpea peptides can induce Akt phosphorylation in the cell culture. This indicates that administering the cowpea peptides to the skeletal muscle cells can activate the insulin signaling cascade. It is probable that cowpea peptides can mimic the actions of insulin by activating the same signaling cascade.