Nutraceutical company NutraStar said last week that its scientists have received a second diabetes patent (US Patent No. 6,350,473 B1), demonstrating that its stabilised rice bran derivatives reduce blood glucose levels, glycosylated hemoglobin levels and improve insulin synthesis in type 1 and type 2 diabetic subjects. The patent is owned by The RiceX Company, and is exclusively licensed to NutraStar, it said.
Rice bran, once discarded as a useless by-product of the commercial rice milling industry, is proving to be a beneficial food for those who battle with diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis.
"In short, studies are demonstrating stabilised rice bran derivatives can be a major factor in diminishing glucose and cholesterol levels. This new patent is broader than our first diabetes patent in that it has allowed claims for reducing glycosylated hemoglobin levels and improving insulin synthesis in Type 1 diabetes," said Patricia McPeak, CEO and founder of NutraStar.
"We're thrilled to have been awarded a second patent for the treatment of diabetes, which is at epidemic levels, and for reduction of key factors that cause heart disease. We know of no other food or supplement that has received such a patent," added McPeak.
In addition to a claim for lowering fasting blood glucose levels in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, another claim was allowed for the improvement of insulin synthesis in Type 1 diabetics, as well as a claim for the reduction of glycosylated hemoglobin levels in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The findings were reported in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, March 2002, Vol. 13, 175-187.
NutraStar claims that nearly one out of four Americans suffer from diabetes. The National Institute of Health reports that obesity, particularly in school children, results in serious cardiovascular problems for millions of people.
Based in California, US, NutraStar's main products are its proprietary stabilised rice bran "super foods," natural arthritic relief products for humans and animals and "all natural" cosmeceuticals and beauty aids.