There has been research showing the effects of a
pumpkin extract on Pancreatic beta cells.
An article published in the “Nutrition Review” (undated) newsletter
indicated that a study performed in East China found Cucurbita
ficifolia pumpkin extract to have a promising role in the
rejuvenation of pancreatic beta cells.
According to this study, this extract has a potential to lower blood
sugar and serve as an antioxidant in its efforts to protect the insulin producing
pancreatic beta cells.
The experiment included two groups containing
diabetic rats and normal rats. One group
was fed a normal diet while the other group received a normal diet supplemented
with the pumpkin extract. The duration
of this study was 30 days. At the end of
the study, the researchers noticed that plasma insulin levels in the diabetic
rats whose diet was supplemented with the pumpkin extract were restored to 95%
of insulin levels in normal healthy animals.
In addition, the number of insulin producing beta cells in these diabetic
animals was restored to 92% of those in normal healthy controls.
The researchers concluded that these remarkable
benefits are attributed to the actions of D-chiroinositol, a molecule isolated
from Cucurbita ficifolia. Additionally,
a new class of compounds with anti-oxidative properties was also
identified. These compounds work
together to generate a hypoglycemic effect and prevent further damage to
pancreatic beta cells, allowing these cells to regenerate.
The diabetic rats used
in this study modeled Type 1 diabetes.
Researchers believe that this extract may also play a role in the
reversal of Type 2 diabetes.
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