Adaptogenic Herb Supports Blood Sugar Control

By CP Staff

Researchers have reported that an Ayurvedic botanical can lower blood sugar levels in diabetic animals. According to the American Diabetes Association, 10.7 percent of Americans age 20 or older have diabetes and over 23 percent of adults age 60 and older are affected with this disease.

In this new study, scientists investigated the potential effect of Withania somnifera, also known as Ashwagandha, on blood sugar control in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in the rats using a chemical known as alloxan. The rats then received Withania somnifera root, Withania somnifera leaf, or the diabetes drug glibenclamide for 8 weeks.

After 8 weeks, the rats were evaluated for levels of sugar in the urine, blood glucose and liver glycogen, which is the storage form of glucose. The researchers also measured markers of antioxidant status including plasma vitamin C and vitamin E and antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and reduced glutathione in liver, kidney and heart.

The results showed that compared to healthy control rats, the diabetic rats had higher levels of glucose and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, which is a marker of oxidative stress. There was also a significant reduction in glycogen, plasma vitamin C and vitamin E, glutathione and antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase compared to healthy rats. Furthermore, when Withania somnifera root, Withania somnifera leaf or glibenclamide were given to the diabetic rats,  these abnormal levels returned to normal.

The researchers concluded, “In the light of aforesaid facts, it is suggested that the presence of phenolic compounds including flavonoids in Withania somnifera root and leaf extracts and their antioxidant activity may play a vital role in reduction of blood glucose level in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.”

Reference:

Udayakumar R, Kasthurirengan S, Vasudevan A, Mariashibu TS, Rayan JJ, Choi CW, Ganapathi A, Kim SC. Antioxidant Effect of Dietary Supplement Withania somnifera L. Reduce Blood Glucose Levels in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2010 Feb 26. Published Online Ahead of Print.

A special patented form of Withania somnifera known as Sensoril® is found in Cortisol Control. Withania somnifera also is found In AdaptaPhase® 1.