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Pumpkin seeds and their extracts, including Trigonelline, Nicotinic acid, and D-chiro-inositol, offer potential for controlling blood sugar levels in diabetes patients.
The study investigated the hypoglycemic properties of pumpkins, specifically focusing on the seeds. A variety of biologically active ingredients found in pumpkins were analyzed, these include polysaccharides, para-aminobenzoic acid, fixed oils, sterols, proteins, and peptides, with an emphasis on the macromolecules such as Trigonelline, Nicotinic acid, and D-chiro-inositol. A key aspect of the methodology was examining the role these chemicals play in maintaining glycemic control, by investigating the effects of fruit pulp, ungerminated seed oil, and protein from germinated seeds.
In the discussion of results, the study indicated that chemicals within pumpkins do have hypoglycemic properties, suggesting the potential use of pumpkins, particularly their seeds, in controlling or managing blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. Specific macromolecules within the seeds, Trigonelline, Nicotinic acid, and D-chiro-inositol, also suggested hypoglycemic properties. These results underline the potential that pumpkin and its biologically active ingredients could offer an innovative approach to dealing with diabetes mellitus.
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Pumpkin seeds are recognised for their medicinal, nutritional, and cosmetic benefits, including anti-diabetic, heart disease prevention, anti-cancer, and antioxidant qualities.
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The review article undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the nutraceutical importance of pumpkin seeds. The methodology includes an examination of the various known substances in the seeds, such as phytoestrogens, unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin E. The study then delves into the different benefits and therapeutic uses of these components stretching from medicinal to nutritional to cosmetic applications.
The results of this research are diverse and impressive, with implications for several major health sectors. Their potential anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic properties could suggest a significant role in the management and prevention of diabetes. Meanwhile, the seeds' potential in cardiovascular disease prevention could help to address one of the most pressing global health issues. Moreover, potential anti-cancer properties imply that these seeds could even have a part to play in cancer prevention. The review also described potential additional qualities, such as antidepressant, anti-helminthic (parasite-removing), and antioxidant effects.
Tart cherry juice shows promise in aiding blood sugar control and supporting heart health, highlighting its potential as a natural dietary addition.
2022 Complementary Therapies in Medicine Effects of tart cherry juice consumption on cardio-metabolic risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials Moosavian SP, Maharat M, Chambari M, Moradi F, Rahimlou M
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Tart cherry juice was found to lower fasting blood sugar but didn't have a significant impact on blood pressure, insulin, cholesterol, body fat, or weight. It is rich in antioxidants, which may be why it's beneficial for the heart. Changes in gut bacteria might also play a role. More research with larger and varied groups of people is needed to confirm these findings and understand them better. In the meantime, healthcare professionals may consider suggesting tart cherry juice for heart health.
Raspberry consumption can help to reduce blood glucose levels and stabilize the blood lipid profile due to its bioactive compounds.
2022 Journal of Medicinal Food Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), a Promising Alternative in the Treatment of Hyperglycemia and Dyslipidemias Piña-Contreras N, Martínez-Moreno AG, Ramírez-Anaya JDP, Espinoza-Gallardo AC, Valdés EHM
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The researchers conducted a systematic review of original articles and enzyme inhibition studies involving animal models and human clinical studies, extracting data from the PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases. The mechanisms of action investigated focused on how consumption of raspberry in different forms (like frozen, lyophilized, infusion of leaves, seed oil) and compounds extracted from it could inhibit enzymes and increase insulin production and sensitivity, thereby affecting blood glucose levels.
The findings revealed that raspberry consumption, regardless of its form, consistently aided in reducing blood glucose levels. The mechanisms involved included inhibition of specific enzymes and enhancement of insulin production and sensitivity. On the other hand, the effects on the lipid profile were varied. While a decrease in cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels was recorded, the impact on triglyceride levels was less consistent and manifested mainly as stabilization rather than reduction. However, an increase in levels of beneficial high-density lipoproteins was reported, suggesting an overall beneficial effect on lipid profile.
Pumpkin seeds, in combination with other plants, show potential as an alternative treatment method for diabetes mellitus.
2022 Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences Pumpkin Seed Intervention to Control Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review Tasya Z, Amiruddin R, Syam A, Thamrin Y
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Using a comprehensive review of literature, the study identified the interventions and impacts of incorporating pumpkin seeds in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. A series of experiments on lab animals were performed where the consumption of pumpkin seeds was combined with other plant supplements. The objective of these experiments was to observe any potential hypoglycemic activity that could then be utilised in controlling diabetes.
The results derived from these experiments showed that pumpkin seeds present significant advantages in promoting and maintaining health, particularly in relation to diabetes mellitus. The evidence suggests that the unique combination of pumpkin seeds with other plant substances resulted in hypoglycemic activity. This finding posits pumpkin seeds as a viable option for complementary therapy in treating individuals with diabetes mellitus, by providing a more natural alternative to conventional drugs.
Pumpkin seed supplementation can significantly reduce fasting blood glucose levels in Indian women suffering from metabolic syndrome.
2022 Arabian Journal of Chemistry Chemical composition of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seeds and its supplemental effect on Indian women with metabolic syndrome Jane Monica S, John S, Madhanagopal R, Sivaraj C, Khusro A, Arumugam P, et al.
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The researchers initially assessed the antioxidant activities of pumpkin seed extract using standard in vitro methods. There was also an investigation into the antidiabetic effects of the seed extract by conducting alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibition effects tests as well as a glucose uptake assay using 3T3-L1 cell lines. Identification of fatty acids and various plant compounds in the seed extract was accomplished with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Indian women aged between 30-50 years who had metabolic syndrome were then recruited, divided into two groups: intervention and control. The women in the intervention group received 5g of pumpkin seeds for 60 days while both groups followed certain dietary guidelines throughout the study period.
The results demonstrate that the pumpkin seeds had sharp reducing power and acted as scavengers of DPPH and ABTS free radicals. They also inhibited certain enzymes and notably, improved glucose uptake by a significant percentage. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry further identified the presence of certain compounds within the seed extract. Comparing the changes between the intervention and control groups showed a significant reduction of fasting plasma glucose in the intervention group after 60-day supplementation with pumpkin seeds, thus suggesting its beneficial effect on metabolic syndrome.
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