Glucose Oxidase Assay for Analysis of Hypoglycemic Effects of Kaempferol in C2-C12 Myoblast Cells

Students: Lauren Toledo, Jared Diguilio-Matz

Faculty Mentor: Monica Lares

Chemistry

College of Science, Technology, and Business

Nopales, the flattened stems or pads of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica), have long been consumed for their culinary and medicinal properties and have been associated with numerous health benefits, including potential anti-diabetic effects. One of the molecules that might influence this glucose uptake is kaempferol. Studies suggest that Nopales modulate glucose metabolism, potentially influencing glucose uptake pathways. The glucose oxidase assay, a widely used enzymatic method, provides a reliable way to quantify glucose levels with high sensitivity and specificity. We first had to isolate kaempferol from Nopales, running multiple purification and identification steps. Then, by adapting this assay with C2-C12 myoblast cells, we aim to determine the glucose uptake capabilities of kaempferol in Nopales.