Developed based on a thorough review of the scientific evidence, NutraOrigin’s Glyconix formula includes only ingredients with documented efficacy and safety, and contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The ingredients described below will give you a better understanding of how this supports balanced blood sugar levels.*
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Green Tea Extract
Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) is made from the same plant as black tea; however, because it is less processed, it retains higher levels of active constituents. The main antioxidants contained within green tea are catechin polyphenols, and scientists have paid particular attention to a constituent called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). A recent USDA tea study noted that among all the catechins, EGCG was the most potent by a wide margin. (1)
Laboratory studies have discovered that EGCG protects insulin-secreting islet cells in the pancreas and supports the action of insulin.* (1,2) In human clinical trials, subjects who ingested 200 to 500 mg of tea catechins followed by 50 mg of starch — normally converted to glucose — showed suppressed glucose production.* (3) The reason is that catechins inhibit starch-digesting enzymes.* Other research has shown that catechins also suppress the intestinal absorption of glucose, which may account for green tea’s weight management benefits.*
Taurine
Found in meat, fish, eggs and dairy products, taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a sulfur-containing amino acid.
Taurine has been shown in an animal model to reduce fat accumulation and support a healthy response to insulin.* (4) It is a major factor in production of the bile, which is required to digest fats, absorb fat-soluble vitamins and promote the excretion of cholesterol.* (5,6) Depletion of taurine may negatively affect the nerves.* (7,8) Several human clinical trials have indicated that taurine maintains blood pressure within the normal range and benefits cardiovascular function.* (9)
D-Biotin
D-biotin is a B vitamin. As a cofactor for enzymes that metabolize and utilize sugar, fat and amino acids, biotin is essential to human metabolism.*
Laboratory studies indicate that biotin stimulates the activity of glucokinase, an enzyme required for the secretion of insulin and the uptake of glucose after meals.* (10,11) It has also been shown to support the actions of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans, which secret insulin.* (10) Two human clinical trials have confirmed biotin’s blood-sugar balancing benefits. Supplementation with biotin in human subjects was shown to aid glucose metabolism.* (12,13)
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a sulfur-containing fatty acid that acts a potent free radical scavenger.* It has the unique ability to function in both water and fat, making it extremely versatile as an antioxidant.*
For people concerned about maintaining healthy blood sugar balance, ALA has several potential benefits. First, laboratory studies have shown that ALA inhibits the abnormal attachment of sugar to protein, called glycosylation.* (13,15) Second, ALA has also been shown to support glucose transport and utilization in both laboratory and animal models.* (16) Third, two placebo-controlled human clinical trials have found that ALA helps insulin to clear glucose from the bloodstream.* (16,17) And finally, research demonstrates that ALA acts as a potent, highly versatile antioxidant that combats the oxidative stress associated with blood sugar imbalance.* (18)
Vanadium
The trace mineral vanadium plays a role in blood sugar metabolism, and it has been speculated that low levels of vanadium may negatively alter blood sugar balance.*
Animal research has shown that vanadium mimics the behavior of insulin.* (20) Several placebo-controlled human clinical trials have found that vanadium supports normal glucose metabolism and balanced blood sugar levels.* (21,22,23)
Bitter Melon Extract
Grown in parts of Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, the bitter melon or bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is a vine of the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes cucumbers and squashes.
Eighty-five different published animal studies on bitter melon are listed on the medical journal database PubMed. These studies have consistently shown that bitter melon helps balance blood glucose levels.* Several human clinical trials have yielded benefits, showing bitter melon improves glucose tolerance and supports balanced blood sugar levels.* (24,25,26)
Gymnema Sylvestre Extract
The Hindi name for Gymnema sylvestre, which grows in the tropical forests of central and southern India, means “destroyer of sugar.” Placed on the tongue, gymnema temporarily reduces the ability to taste sweetness. It also has internal benefits.
Research in animals has shown that Gymnema supports balanced blood sugar levels, making sure it doesn’t swing too far in either direction.* (27,28) Two open human trials have indicated Gymnema supports blood glucose control.* (29,30)
Banaba Extract
Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) is a medicinal plant that grows in India, Southeast Asia and the Philippines.
Banaba leaf extract contains corosolic acid, considered the active constituent. Corosolic acid has been shown in laboratory research to activate glucose uptake by the cells and in animal research to aid with the transport of glucose into muscle tissue.* (31,32) A study in mice found banaba effectively supported balanced blood sugar levels.* (33) One animal study also indicated banaba prevented weight gain.* (34)
Chinese Cinnamon Bark
Cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum), an evergreen native to southern China, Bangladesh, India and Vietnam, is related closely to Ceylon, or true cinnamon. Cassia, or Chinese cinnamon, is an herbal medicine first mentioned in Chinese texts 4,000 years ago.
Based on initial laboratory and animal research, which showed that cinnamon extract supports the action of insulin, several human clinical studies have been conducted on the herb. The results of this research indicate that cinnamon extract supports blood sugar, cholesterol, triglyceride and blood pressure levels already within a healthy range.* (35,36,37,38) One study additionally found it may increase lean body weight.* (37)
Cassia is still used in traditional Chinese medicine, in which it is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs. (39)
Huckleberry Extract
Huckleberry, also known as bilberry, grows in North America and northern Europe. It contains anthocyanoside, a flavonoid complex that acts as a potent antioxidant.
Huckleberry supports the normal formation of connective tissue, strengthens capillaries, improves capillary and venous blood flow and supports blood vessel flexibility.* (40,41) Several animal studies have found that huckleberry supports healthy blood sugar levels and helps maintain triglyceride levels that are already within a normal range.* (42)
Resveratrol
An antioxidant found in some fruits and their derivatives, especially mulberries, grapes, and red wine, resveratrol has received a tremendous amount of scientific and media attention over the past decade.
Resveratrol has been shown to support glucose metabolism in animal models and is currently being investigated to see if it can produce the same results in humans.* (43) It is believed to activate the SIRT1 gene, which plays a role in glucose control, mitochondrial function, fat accumulation, exercise tolerance and weight management.* (44)
Produced naturally by plants, resveratrol levels in foods and wines vary greatly, making it a good compound for standardized supplementation.
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- Hara Y, et al. Green-tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate provides resistance to apoptosis in isolated islets. J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg. 2007;14(5):493-7.
- Zhong L, Furne JK, Levitt MD. "Green-tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate provides resistance to apoptosis in isolated islets." Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Sep;84(3):551-5.
- Yutaka Nakaya, et al. "Taurine improves insulin sensitivity in the Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty rat, a model of spontaneous type 2 diabetes." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2000) Jan; 71(1): 54-58.
- Bouckenooghe T., Remacle C., Reusens B. "Is taurine a functional nutrient?" Curr Opin Clin Nutr (2006) 9(6): 728-733.
- Brosnan J., Brosnan M. "The sulfur-containing amino acids: an overview." J Nutr (2006) 136(6 Suppl): 1636S-1640S.
- Pop-Busui R., Sullivan K.A., Van Huysen C., Bayer L., Cao X., Towns R., Stevens M.J. "Depletion of taurine in experimental diabetic neuropathy: implications for nerve metabolic, vascular, and functional deficits." Exp Neurol (2001) Apr; 168(2): 259-272.
- Li F., Abatan O.I., Kim H., Burnett D., Larkin D., Obrosova I.G., Stevens M.J. "Taurine reverses neurological and neurovascular deficits in Zucker diabetic fatty rats." Neurobiology of Disease (2006) Jun; 22(3): 669-676.
- Militante, J.D. and Lombardini J.B. "Treatment of hypertension with oral taurine." Amino Acids (2002) 23(4): 381-93.
- Romero-Navarro G., Cabrera-Valladares G., German M.S., Matschinsky F.M., Velazquez A., Wang J., Fernandez-Mejia C. "Biotin regulation of pancreatic glucokinase and insulin in primary cultured rat islets and in biotin-deficient rats." Endocrinology (1999) 140(10): 4595-600.Close window
- McCarty M.F.. "High-dose biotin, an inducer of glucokinase expression may synergize with chromium picolinate to enable a definitive nutritional therapy for type II diabetes." Med Hypotheses (1999) 52(5): 401-6.
- Maebashi M, Makino Y, Furukawa Y, et al. Therapeutic evaluation of the effect of biotin on hyperglycemia in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 1993;14:211-218
- Coggeshall JC, Heggers JP, Robson MC, et al. Biotin status and plasma glucose in diabetics. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1985;447:389-392.
- Kawabata T, Packer L. Alpha-lipoate can protect against glycation of serum albumin, but not low density lipoprotein. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1994;203:99-104.
- Suzuki YJ, Tsuchiya M, Packer L. Lipoate prevents glucose-induced protein modifications. Free Radic Res Commun. 1992;17:211-217.
- Jacob S, et al. Enhancement of glucose disposal in patients with type 2 diabetes by alpha-lipoic acid. Arzneimittelforschung. 1995;45:872-874.
- Jacob S, et al. Oral administration of RAC-alpha-lipoic acid modulates insulin sensitivity in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled pilot trial. Free Radic Biol Med. 1999;27:309-314.
- Packer L., Witt E.H., Tritschler H.J. "Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant." Free Radic Biol Med (1995) 19: 227-50.
- Nandhini, S., et al. Vanadium Monograph. Pharmacists Letter / Prescribers Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Facility. 1993.
- "Insulin-like effects of bis-glycinato oxovanadium complex on experimental diabetic rats." Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics 30: 73-76.Close window
- Boden G, Chen X, Ruiz J, et al. Effects of vanadyl sulfate on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Metabolism. 1996;45:1130-1135.
- Halberstam M, Cohen N, Shlimovich P, et al. Oral vanadyl sulfate improves insulin sensitivity in NIDDM but not in obese nondiabetic subjects. Diabetes. 1996;45:659-666.
- Cohen N, et al. "Oral vanadyl sulfate improves hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus." J Clin Invest. 1995 Jun;95(6):2501-9.
- Welihinda J, Arvidson G, Gylfe E, et al. The insulin-releasing activity of the tropical plant Momordica charantia. Acta Biol Med Ger. 1982;41:1229-1240.
- Welihinda J, Arvidson G, Gylfe E, et al. The insulin-releasing activity of the tropical plant Momordica charantia. Acta Biol Med Ger. 1982;41:1229-1240.
- Ahmad N, Hassan MR, Halder H, et al. Effect of Momordica charantia (Karolla) extracts on fasting and postprandial serum glucose levels in NIDDM patients. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull. 1999;25:11-13.
- Sugihara Y, et al. Antihyperglycemic effects of gymnemic acid IV, a compound derived from Gymnema sylvestre leaves in streptozotocin-diabetic mice. J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2000;2(4):321-7.
- Shimizu K, et al. Suppression of glucose absorption by some fractions extracted from Gymnema sylvestre leaves. J Vet Med Sci. 1997 Apr;59(4):245-51.
- Shanmugasundaram ER, Rajeswari G, Baskaran K, et al. Use of Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract in the control of blood glucose in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Ethnopharmacol. 1990;30:281,294.
- Baskaran K., Kizar Ahamath B., Radha Shanmugasundaram K., Shanmugasundaram E.R. "Antidiabetic effect of a leaf extract from Gymnema sylvestre in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients." J Ethnopharmacol (1990) Oct; 30(3): 295-300.Close window
- Murakami C., Myoga K., Kasai R., Ohtani K., Kurokawa T., Ishibashi S., Dayrit F., Padolina W.G., Yamasaki K. "Screening of plant constituents for effect on glucose transport activity in Ehrlich ascites tumour cells." Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo; 1993) Dec; 41(12): 2129-31.
- Miura T, et al. Corosolic acid induces GLUT4 translocation in genetically type 2 diabetic mice. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2004;27:1103-5.
- Kakuda T., et al. "Hypoglycemic effect of extracts from Lagerstroemia speciosa L. leaves in genetically diabetic KK-AY mice." Biosci Biotechnol Biochem (1996) Feb; 60(2): 204-8.
- Suzuki Y., Unno T., Ushitani M., Hayashi K., Kakuda T. "Antiobesity activity of extracts from Lagerstroemia speciosa L. leaves on female KK-AY mice." J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo; 1999) Dec; 45(6): 791-5.
- Khan A, Safdar M, Ali Khan MM, et al. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2003;26:3215-3218.
- Mang B, Wolters M, Schmitt B, et al. Effects of a cinnamon extract on plasma glucose, HbA, and serum lipids in diabetes mellitus type 2. Eur J Clin Invest. 2006;36:340-344.
- Ziegenfuss TN, Hofheins JE, Mendel RW, et al. Effects of a water-soluble cinnamon extract on body composition and features of the metabolic syndrome in pre-diabetic men and women. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2006;3:45-53.
- Wang JG, Anderson RA, Chu MC, et al. The effect of cinnamon extract on insulin resistance parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome: a pilot study. Fertil Steril. 2007 Feb 9. [Epub ahead of print]
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- Boniface R., Miskulin M., Robert L., Robert A.M. "Pharmacological properties of myrtillus anthocyanosides: Correlation with results of treatment of diabetic microangiopathy." Flavonoids and Bioflavonoids (1985) 293-301.
- W. Cignarella A, et al. "Novel lipid-lowering properties of Vaccinium myrtillus L. leaves, a traditional antidiabetic treatment, in several models of rat dyslipidaemia: a comparison with ciprofibrate." Thromb Res. 1996 Dec 1;84(5):311-22.
- Ramadori G, et al. "Central administration of resveratrol improves diet-induced diabetes." Endocrinology. 2009 Dec;150(12):5326-33.
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