SHIME study supports gut health potential of lemon flavanoids in prediabetic patients
“The combination of our patented Eriomin with metformin constitutes a promising supplement to aid in prediabetes management, which is an overwhelming issue in the US,” said Rob Brewster, president of Ingredients by Nature.“Because of the positive outcomes, our R&D team will now conduct a study in humans to test this potent combination.”
The SHIME model, which mimics the physiological, chemical and microbiological properties of the human gastrointestinal tract, was fed microbiota obtained from the feces of pre-diabetic human volunteers. Researchers then evaluated the effect of Eriomin alone and in combination with anti-diabetic medication metformin.
Eriomin and blood glucose
Ingredients by Nature, a supplier of science-backed citrus-derived flavonoids and ingredients, launched Eriomin in 2019 as a high-potency blend of lemon flavonoids (70% eriocitrin, 5% hesperidin, 4% naringin and 1% didymin).
Two clinical trials in pre-diabetic patients support its effectiveness in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels, managing inflammation and reducing oxidative stress. In 2020, the company announced patent approval of eriocithin as “a method of reducing blood glucose levels in a human subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a composition comprising 100-200 mg eriocitrin once per day.”
It is currently sold as main active ingredient in Eriomin Glucose for prediabetes management and in Eriomin Esport to support healthy blood glucose levels and inflammation response, increase antioxidant activity in the macula and minimize hearing damage among gamers.
The SHIME test
Dr. Thais Cesar and Dr. Katia Sivieri, professors at Sao Paulo State University, led the SHIME experiment. Cesar, who is also chief scientific advisor to Ingredients by Nature, confirmed that both Eriomin alone and in combination with anti-diabetic metformin increased the abundance of bacteria genus Sutterella, Subdoligranulum and Bifidobacterium in the simulated gut.
“These microorganisms are associated with the improvement of the host's glycemic metabolism, reducing of insulin resistance and production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA),” she explained. “In addition, Eriomin increased propionic acid, and in association with metformin, also increased acetic acid. Both SCFA are important sources of energy and stimulate the growth of microbiota and benefit the host health.”
Ingredients by Nature notes research confirming metformin’s efficiency in reducing hyperglycemia but cites a 2019 mention in the Journal of the American Medical Association that it "causes adverse effects in as many as 25% of patients, particularly diarrhea and nausea.”
The pre-clinical results from the SHIME analysis will be presented at the 2nd International Congress of Bioactive Compounds (ICBC) conference on Nov. 9-10 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
