A fenugreek extract made by Dutch ingredients company Acatris has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in both non-diabetic and type-II diabetic subjects, reported the company today.
Two separate studies on FenuLife Extract conducted in Kyourin, Japan, and Toronto, Canada tested the effects of different dosages. Both studies reported a reduction of blood sugar levels at different intake quantities. In one study a dose-response effect has been established.
FenuLife extract contains a minimum of 85 per cent galactomannan fibres, known to balance sugar absorption in the small intestine and so prevent peaks in blood sugar levels.
Dr Wolever of Glycaemic Index Testing in Toronto, Canada tested four different dosages of FenuLife Extract (1g, 2g, 4g and 8g) and compared them with two other fibre sources: psyllium husk powder 85 per cent (4g) and oat brand concentrate 15 per cent (8g). A group of 10 non-diabetic subjects consumed 50g glucose solution enriched with either of the indicated fibres. Finger prick capillary blood was taken for glucose analysis at 15, 30,45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after the start of the meal. Palatability was rated on a visual analogue scale.
A reduction in blood sugar levels was reported at all dosages, said Acatris, but most significantly at 8g of FenuLife, establishing a clear dose-response effect. Neither the psyllium husk powder nor the oat bran concentrate showed any effect at the tested dosages, according to the study results.
At Kyourin University in Japan, Dr Abe studied the effect of FenuLife in a group of type-II diabetic patients. Participants were divided into two groups: light/moderate diabetes (group A) and moderate/severe diabetes (group B). Subjects in group A were randomly administered either a placebo (lactose) or 4g of FenuLife. Group B tested a dosage of 4g FenuLife. The subjects in group A stopped taking diabetic drugs two weeks before and during the test period of eight weeks; group B could continue their medication.
The lactose group did not show any change in blood sugar level, however the 4g FenuLife subjects in group A showed a significant reduction, reports the company. In the moderate/severe diabetes (group B) a serum glucose reduction was reported, although not significant.
Acatris is a division of the Dutch Royal Schouten Group. It also produces the Pectacon, Dadex, SoyLife, and LinumLife brands.