∙The direct effect of TQ on imidazoline receptors (I-Rs) was identified in CHO-K1 cells overexpressing imidazoline receptors (I-Rs).∙Enhances GLP-1 secretion by intestinal NCI-H716 cellsTQ may promote GLP-1 secretion through I-R activation to reduce hyperglycemia. The gene discussed is GCG; the disease is Hyperglycemia.