Plant hormone associated with healthy blood sugar levels, finds Euromed study

04 Sep 2019 --- Fig extract containing standardized plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) could be used as a supplement to maintain healthy blood sugar levels or as an adjunctive treatment for chronic metabolic disorders, such as prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. This is according to researchers from the University of Sydney, Australia, who found that the extract improves glucose tolerance, assists insulin release and may help to lower post-prandial blood glucose levels, as well as having anti-inflammatory and adaptogen properties. The study used ABAlife, a patented extract developed by the funding company, botanical extract manufacturer Euromed.

“The findings were a confirmation of published pre-clinical studies. It was surprising to see how quickly the extract was able to reduce glycemic and insulinemic responses after a glucose load, indicating a high bioavailability and potency of the extract,” Andrea Zangara, Euromed’s Scientific Marketing Manager, tells NutritionInsight.

He adds that the effect on insulin response was also above expectations, suggesting an improvement of the whole glucose metabolism homeostasis, and not only a glucose-lowering effect. “Clearly, a sparing effect on insulin production by the pancreas is of great interest in the management of insulin resistance and related health issues. Besides, higher insulin levels lead to the storage of dietary calories as fat, which can result in overweight and obesity – both risk factors for diabetes.”

The randomized, double-blind crossover study investigated the effects of two different ABA doses in fig extracts (100mg and 200mg) on post-prandial glucose and insulin responses in ten healthy people. Zangara says that the small sample size does not impede the result’s significance and that the researchers are now completing a second trial with 20 participants.

The post-prandial administration of the extract reduces the negative consequences of high blood sugar.It was found that the 200mg dose of ABAlife added to a glucose drink lowered overall blood glucose and insulin levels and peaks between 30 and 120 minutes post-dose. It also significantly improved glycemic index (GI) levels compared with a reference glucose solution alone. The 100mg also had a GI effect but did not reach statistical significance. However, both doses did significantly lower the post-prandial insulinemic index, a measure that shows how much insulin is released in response to a meal. 

A figging breakthrough
Figs are known for having one of the highest ABA concentrations found in nature, although Zangara notes that ABA from other fruits would have comparable effects. The most challenging aspect of research was ensuring that the effects were due to a standardized amount of the key compound, which is active in micrograms. “Therefore, Euromed developed a specific protocol for extracting this compound, called abscisic acid, in such tiny but standardized amounts, from figs. This process is patent-pending,” says Zangara. 

He continues that the researchers tested two different fig extracts, one being more purified than the other, but both with the same amount of abscisic acid. This was to be able to confirm that the expected effects were due mostly to the abscisic acid and not to other compounds in the fig. “Since the results were comparable with both extracts, the researchers were able to confirm the effect is due to this compound, and the matrix is less relevant.”

Although ABA is naturally present in several fruits, only 8 percent of the US adult population eats the recommended portions of fruits and vegetables, according to Zangara. “At present, about 92 percent of the population is consuming diets low in ABA, which could affect overall health outcomes. It should also be considered that eating large quantities of sugary fruits like the figs would increase glucose and calories intake.”

Therefore, the post-prandial administration of the extract reduces the negative consequences of high blood sugar, which is especially important for those at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. “Health industries could develop natural medicines, functional foods and drinks that could effectively improve global health by safely and effectively reducing the dramatic health impact of excessive sugar consumptions. Perhaps even health insurances could consider this topic. Moreover, it would be a perfect companion for ketogenic diets,” flags Zangara. 

Euromed recently partnered with the American Botanical Council Extrasynthese, Botanicert and Hylobates to organize a symposium looking at how best to tackle adulteration of botanical ingredients. 

By Katherine Durrell