Blood Sugar SupportBotanicals
Blood Sugar Support contains a synergistic blend of eight ingredients to provide support for optimal pancreatic function. American Ginseng, a well known adaptogenic herb provides support in extending cortisol levels in healthy individuals. Holy basil and gymnema sylvestre have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for similar purposes. Chromium assists with the maintenance of lean muscle mass in healthy individuals, and maintaining beneficial levels of high density lipoprotein. Used in Asia for a variety of ailments, cinnamon also has a beneficial effect in the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels in healthy people.

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Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in which the body does not use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by moving glucose from the blood into the cells for energy. By facilitating the transport of glucose into the cells, insulin reduces blood sugar. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not use insulin effectively and causes glucose levels to rise. There are two types of diabetes mellitus: Type 1 (formerly known as IDDM, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile onset) or Type 2 (formerly known as NIDDM, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, or adult onset). Over 90% of the poplulation diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes mellitus. A diagnosis of diabetes is made when fasting plasma glucose is greater than 126 mg/dl, or a 2-hour plasma glucose from an oral glucose tolerance test is greater than 200 mg/dl.

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Obesity and high blood pressure commonly occur,
predisposing people to high risk for diabetes and heart attacks

High blood sugar levels

Increased LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels

Decreased HDL cholesterol levels

Elevated triglycerides

Inability to lose weight

High levels of insulin

Blood sugar support

Diabetes

Syndrome X (Metabolic Syndrome)

Clinical Applications/Research

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American Ginseng

American Ginseng, also known as Panax quinquefolius, is considered an adaptogen in Chinese herbal medicine. An adaptogen improves the bodies resistance to stress. The ginsenosides (steroid-like compounds) found in American Ginseng have been shown to stimulate the immune system and combat fatigue and stress by supporting the adrenal glands. American ginseng also exhibits significant hypoglycemic activity in mice. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial with healthy volunteers, American ginseng was able to lower blood sugar after an oral glucose challenge over a 90 minute post-prandial (after eating) period of blood testing. Blood sugar was lower over the last 45 minutes of the test. There was little difference in results between doses of 1, 2, or 3 grams ginseng. Glycemia (blood sugar) in the last hour of the test was much lower when ginseng was taken 40 minutes before the challenge compared to 20, 10, or 0 minutes. Researchers concluded that American ginseng reduces postprandial glycemia (after eating blood sugar) in non-diabetics in a time-dependent, but not dose-dependent manner (Vuksan V, et al, American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) attenuates postprandial glycemia in a time-dependent but not dose-dependent manner in healthy individuals. Am J Clin Nutr 2001 Apr;73(4):753-8). Caution is indicated in diabetic patients taking insulin or drugs that lower blood sugar. Careful monitoring of blood sugar levels and adjustment of medicines is critical if American ginseng is used concurrently.

Gymnema Sylvestre

Gymnema sylvestre is native to the Indian tropical forests. Gymnema actually has the ability to abolish the taste of sugar and is known as the sugar destroyer. It contains gymnemic acid, which blocks the sensation of a sweet taste, that comes in contact with the tongue. This herb is best known for its treatment in diabetes and has been used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus in India for over 2000 years. Its properties make it the herb of choice for improving sugar control in diabetic conditions. Gymnema sylvestre was administered to 22 type 2 diabetics (400 mg/day), for 18-20 months, and significantly reduced blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and glycosylated proteins (Hemoglobin gets glycosylated, or adducted, to sugar in diabetics, and the resulting products can cause diabetic complications). These data suggest that the beta cells (cells that produce insulin in the pancreas) may be regenerated/repaired in type 2 diabetic patients on supplementation (J Ethnopharmacol. 1990, 30:281-94).

Fenugreek

Fenugreek (100 grams per day for ten days) was reported to reduce blood sugar, urinary sugar excretion, serum cholesterol, and triglycerides, in a randomized study of fifteen insulin dependent diabetic patients (with no change in insulin levels), compared to 10 days of placebo (Sharma RD, Raghuram TC, Sudhakar Rao N. Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type 1 diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr 1990;44:3016). In a study of 60 non-insulin dependent diabetic patients, fenugreek (25 grams per day for twenty-four weeks) was reported to significantly reduce blood glucose levels (Sharma RD, Sakar A, Hazra DK, et al. Use of fenugreek seed powder in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Nutr Res 1996;16:113139). Its lecithin content, which helps metabolize harmful fats and cholesterol, may be beneficial (Mowry D. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. 1986. Keats Publ. New Canaan, Conn.).

Holy Basil (Ocimum Sanctum)

Holy Basil, known as Ocimum sanctum in Latin, has for thousands of years been revered as Tulsi in Ayurvedic medicine. Regarded as the most sacred plant in Ayurvedic medicine, Holy Basil has also been used as an adaptogenic tonic to support and enhance the body's response to physical and emotional stress. Several animal studies and one randomized placebo controlled trial in diabetics have demonstrated a significant hypoglycemic effect with the use of holy basil (Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 1996;34:406-9).

Biotin

Biotin aids in glucose utilization. Biotin has been shown to improve glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in mice with non-insulin dependent diabetes. Several animal and human clinical trials have reported glucose lowering effects of high dose biotin in experimental and human diabetes. (Life Sci. 1988;42(13):1323-30, Med Hypotheses. May1999;52(5):401-6.)

Chromium (Polynicotinate)

Chromium potentiates the action of insulin. Chromium is an essential mineral found in the body that has been shown to be important in carbohydrate metabolism. Chromium is a critical component of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF). It increases the effectiveness of insulin, the hormone produced by the pancreas that aids in blood sugar regulation. Chromium allows insulin to bind to certain cell receptors to allow glucose to enter the cells, decreasing blood glucose levels. Chromium may also positively impact hemoglobin A1C (glycosylated hemoglobin used to monitor blood glucose over a long period of time). (Am Fam Physician (2000) 62: 1051-60, J Am Coll Nutr (1985) 4: 107-20, Hokkaido Igaku Zasshi (1987) 62: 913-32, J Am Coll Nutr. 1999;18(1):6-12, Reg Tox Pharmacol. 1997;26:S35-S46.)

Cinnamon

Extracts of cinnamon have been shown to enhance insulin activity. Recent research indicates that constituents found in cinnamon may be beneficial in the control of glucose intolerance and diabetes. One study evaluated 60 people with type 2 diabetes. After ingestion of 1-6 grams of cinnamon daily for 40 days, the mean fasting serum glucose dropped by 18-29%. Triglyceride, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels also reduced significantly. It has been suggested that the inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of type 2 diabetic patients will reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease (Diabetes Care. 2003 Dec;26(12):3215-8).

Vanadium (Vanadyl Sulfate)

Vanadyl sulfate may help maintain blood sugar balance. Vanadyl sulfate increases the rate of glucose transport, relieving the insulin mechanism. It decreases insulin requirements and aids in synthesis and retention of muscle mass. Several human studies have shown that vanadyl sulfate dropped fasting blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity in hepatic and peripheral tissue. (Chem Rec (2002) 2: 237-48, Pediatrician (1983) 12: 213-9.)