The Effect of Consuming Artichoke Extract with Aerobic Training on Blood Glucose and Insulin Resistance and Its Relationship with the Cognitive Status in Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of aerobic training and consumption of artichoke extract on blood glucose and insulin resistance and its relationship with the cognitive status in elderly with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

40 elderly people who obtained a score between 21 and 25 from the MMSE questionnaire were randomly selected, and randomly divided into 4 groups: aerobic training, artichoke, aerobic training + artichoke, and placebo (each group 10 People) were placed. The interventions were performed for 12 weeks. The aerobic training consisted of eight minutes of running with intensity of 75 to 85% of the maximum stored heart rate in the first session. After two sessions added one minute to the running time, so that after 12 weeks, the running time reached 26 minutes. Artichoke extract was taken in capsules at a dose of 300 mg / kg body weight per day.

Blood glucose and insulin resistance decreased significantly in two groups of training and training + artichokes (P <0.05). Cognitive status increased significantly in the three intervention groups compared with the placebo group, which was higher in the training + artichoke group (P <0.05). As cognitive status increased, blood glucose and insulin resistance decreased (P <0.05).

Consumption of artichoke extract along with aerobic training for 12 weeks can possibly slow the progressive course of mild cognitive impairment and may stop and prevent the onset of diabetes due to this disorder.