In conclusion, our study indicated that neferine promotes GLUT4 expression via the G protein-PLC-PKC and AMPK pathways, thus promoting both GLUT4 fusion with the plasma membrane and glucose uptake in L6 cells. Neferine also increases intracellular Ca2+ concentration through the G protein-PLC-IP3-IP3R signaling pathway (Figure 10). Lastly, neferine-induced GLUT4 fusion with the PM and glucose uptake are Ca2+-dependent. Besides, previous studies on pharmacokinetics of neferine have shown that neferine has a good utilization rate in animals (Zhao et al., 2007). Based on these findings, our study further explained the molecular mechanism of neferine-induced glucose uptake in L6 cells. Therefore, we believe that neferine has the potential to become an effective agent in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. This is promising news for patients with type 2 diabetes.