The effect of 3-methyl salicylic (0-cresotinic) acid on plasma insulin and glucose tolerance in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects

Abstract

Oral administration of 3-methyl salicylic acid (3MS) to diabetic and non-diabetic patients in modest doses (0.9-1.8 g/day) over several months produced a significant increase in plasma insulin levels, one hour after a glucose load. In 2 diabetic subjects, acute doses had a similar effect. - Improvement in glucose tolerance after chronic administration of 3 MS to diabetic patients was inconsistent, and could not be conclusively related to the action of the drug. Although acute doses of 3 MS caused a fall in plasma FFA after 3-6h, chronic treatment gave no predictable change in fasting plasma FFA levels. - Because of side effects, 3 MS was not considered suitable for introduction as a therapeutic agent. The results, however, are of academic interest since it is the first demonstration of increased plasma insulin after an oral salicylate. © 1971 Springer-Verlag.