Type 2 diabetes: Ginkgo biloba extract and magnetized water found effective in new research

27 Aug 2019 --- Popular dietary supplement ginkgo biloba extract and magnetized water may offer some therapeutic benefit in fighting Type 2 diabetes, according to a study led by the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine. In the study, both ginkgo biloba and magnetized water were found to improve the antioxidant status associated with Type 2 diabetes, as well as reduce the oxidative stress caused by the condition.

“In diabetic rats, ginkgo biloba had a very good effect on the beta cells of Langerhans – cells in the pancreas responsible for insulin secretion – by creating a restorative effect similar to what we see in healthy non-diabetic rats,” says Helal Fouad Hetta, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow and Scientist in the UC Division of Digestive Diseases.

Extracts derived from ginkgo biloba have been frequently used in traditional medicine and have been shown to exhibit antioxidant potency, notes Dr. Hetta. “Magnetized water, which has been passed through a magnetic field, has also been reported to reduce blood glucose, improve antioxidant status and lipid profiles in diabetic rat models,” he adds.

“Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living tree species,” says Dr. Hetta. “Most ginkgo biloba products are made with extract prepared from leaves. Most research on the plant focuses on its effects on dementia and age-related memory impairment such as Alzheimer’s disease and pain caused by too little blood flow or claudication. It is commonly available as an oral tablet, extract, capsule or tea. It is not toxic when used in low dosages, but can interact with other medicines.”

Both ginkgo biloba extract and magnetized water were found similarly beneficial in treating diabetic symptoms.Research method
In this study, Type 2 diabetes was induced by feeding rats a high-fat-diet for eight weeks followed by intraperitoneal injection of a single low dose of streptozotocin, which is toxic to the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas in mammals, explains Hetta. Following the induction of diabetes, pancreatic beta cells of the rats are reduced and insulin secretion is curtailed.

Forty rats were randomly assigned to four groups: a non-diabetic control group and three diabetic groups. One diabetic group served as a positive control, while the other two groups were orally administered a water extract of ginkgo biloba leaves and magnetized water for four weeks, respectively.

After having ginkgo biloba and magnetized water added to their diets, the mass of the pancreatic beta cells and the amount of insulin in these cells was shown to increase markedly, almost back to normal levels, particularly in the ginkgo biloba-treated group, says Dr. Hetta.

In addition, both ginkgo biloba and magnetized water improved the antioxidant status and reduced oxidative stress associated with Type 2 diabetes. This was through the downregulation of the two antioxidant enzymes, glutathione and superoxide dismutase 2, in the pancreatic tissue, the researchers highlight.

These findings for ginkgo biloba's impact on Type 2 diabetes are preliminary, notes Dr. Hetta. “We still need more evidence about possible benefits for Type 2 diabetes so there is ongoing research. Our findings need to be tested in human clinical trials of large sample size.”

The researchers advise exercising caution when taking ginkgo biloba supplements. “I would not recommend eating raw or roasted ginkgo seeds because they can be poisonous,” says Dr. Hetta. “It should be taken as a capsule or in tablets if used. Also, if you are currently taking medications, please consult with your physician before considering ginkgo biloba.”

The need for transparency and scientific backing became clear once more when Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) encouraged consumers to avoid ginkgo supplements based on a study that showed that products with ginkgo are often adulterated, lack effectiveness and have a risk for bleeding.

The study was published in the online journal Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy.

By Benjamin Ferrer