Blood Sugar Support—Botanicals
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.

Ingredients per 2 vcapsules:

• American Ginseng Root . . . . . . . 450mg
• Ocinum sanctum Extract (Holy Basil) . . . . . . . 400mg
• Fenugreek Seed Fibers . . . . . . . 400mg
• Gymnema sylvestre Extract 75% . . . . . . . 100mg
• Biotin (pure powder) . . . . . . . 4.5mg
• Chromium (polynicotinate) . . . . . . . 500mcg
• Cinnamon Extract 5:1 . . . . . . . 200mg
  (Equal to 1000mg of Cinnamon powder)
• Vanadium (vanadyl sulfate) . . . . . . . 250mcg

   

  Other Ingredients:
  May contain Ascorbyl Palmitate and\or Silica.

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 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 (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;44:301–6). 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;16:1131–39). 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, 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 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 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.)

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).

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.