Diabetes (Types I & II) (Congenital & Dietary) Research & Treatment Strategies

[Diggie's Friend]

Pycnogenol Research for Diabetes

From the Cambium layer of French Maritime Pine.

(The Cambium Layer of tree bark of various trees in the natural habitats of tree squirrels, is an essential source in the diets of tree squirrels.)

http://abc.herbalgram.org/site/DocServer/Pycnog_FullMono120809_LOW.pdf?docID=1741


Pg. 8 - Diabetes and Complications

In vitro (under glass)

In vitro experiments with alpha-glucosidase were conducted to determine how Pycnogenol clinically-reduces blood sugar in type 2 diabetics.57 Alpha-glucosidase is an enzyme secreted in the duodenum that hydrolyses glucose residues from polysaccharides (starches). Inhibition of the enzyme diminishes absorption of glucose and reduces the post prandial blood glucose peaks. The activity of Pycnogenol was compared to acarbose, a prescription alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. Pycnogenol was found to be a potent inhibitor of alpha-glucosidase, more potent than acarbose (IC50 5.3 μg/mL and 1 mg/mL, respectively).57

Animal (in vivo) (in the animal)

Pycnogenol’s effect on diabetes was evaluated in 2 in vivo studies. Healthy rats and rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were treated with 10 mg/kg Pycnogenol intraperitoneally (IP) for 14 days. Pycnogenol significantly reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats by 28% (p < 0.05), but not to normal levels.58 In contrast, another study treated streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with Pycnogenol 5 mg/kg orally for 8 weeks and found no significant reduction in blood sugar.59 However, it is noteworthy that the streptozotocin rat model represents type 1 diabetes.

A study evaluating diabetes-related eye disorders treated normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with a low-carbohydrate diet plus Pycnogenol (10 mg/kg, IP for 14 days). The combination treatment reduced the risk of diabetic retinopathy and cataract formation.

https://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2012/03/keeping-blood-sugar-slow-and-steady.aspx?pg=3

in Human studies


Another tree-derived ingredient, French maritime pine bark, is also known for its blood-glucose controlling properties. A 2006 German study on the branded extract Pycnogenol (from Horphag Health Sciences) found it may offer a new treatment of diabetic ulcers;12 diabetes can lead to lower limb ulcers that are very slow to heal. In this study, Pycnogenol taken both orally and topically produced 89-percent complete healing at six weeks versus 61 percent healing in the group that received prescription drugs. A 2006 Italian study found 50-mg capsules tid of Pycnogenol for four weeks decreased skin flux at rest in the foot (indicating a reduction of ulcers), decreased capillary filtration and improved venoarteriolar response in patients with diabetic ulcers compared to controls.13

Beyond diabetic ulcers, research has shown combining 100 mg/d Pycnogenol and conventional diabetes treatment lowered glucose levels and improved endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes after 12 weeks.14 In 2007, German researchers explored Pycnogenol's anti-diabetic effects, even though an increased insulin secretion was not observed after administration of the extract to patients.15 They analyzed the inhibitory activity of Pycnogenol, green tea extract and acarbose (as GlucobayŽ from Bayer Vital, a synthetic inhibitor of the carbohydrate alpha-glucosidase) , and found Pycnogenol exhibited the most potent inhibition of alpha-glucosidase compared to the two other compounds. Pycnogenol also lowered fasting blood glucose levels dose dependently (until 200 mg/d) without affecting insulin levels in a separate study.16

[Diggie's Friend]

Also from the woodland habitat, the humble acorn.

http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/nut-and-seed-products/3083/2

An acorn still attached to the tree, that has no holes in it, is a sealed capsule.


Abstract

Acorn tannins may affect food preferences and foraging strategies of squirrels through effects on acorn palatability and digestibility and squirrel physiology. Captive eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) were fed 100% red oak (Quercus rubra) or white oak (Quercus alba) acorn diets to determine effects on intake, digestion, and detoxification activity. Red oak acorns had higher phenol and tannin levels, which may explain the lower dry matter intakes and apparent protein digestibilities and the higher glucuronidation activities observed in squirrels. Although the white oak acorn diet had lower apparent protein digestibilities than the reference diet, it did not suppress dry matter intake for a prolonged period or stimulate glucuronidation. Negative physiological effects of a 100% red oak acorn diet suggest gray squirrels may require other foods to dilute tannin intake and provide additional nutrients. To distinguish the roles of different tannin types in the observed effects of acorn diets on squirrels, squirrels were fed rat chow containing no tannins, 4% or 8% tannic acid (hydrolyzable tannin), or 3% or 6% quebracho (condensed tannin). Apparent protein digestibilities were reduced by tannic acid and quebracho diets. Only the 8% tannic acid diet tended to increase glucuronidation. Specific effects of tannins may largely depend on tannin type, composition, and source and on other nutritional and physiological factors.


QUOTE]Diabetes Prevention: One of the most important benefits of acorns is their ability to regulate sugar levels in the body, thus preventing the dangerous spikes and plunges of glucose that can lead to diabetes, or endanger those already suffering from that disease. The fiber content and relatively complex carbohydrates found in these nuts are the reason for this regulatory benefit.[/QUOTE]

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/seed-and-nut/acorns.html