Plant substances of licorice root against diabetes

Livery root plant matter helps to prevent diabetes in mice

04/17/2012

A team of German and US scientists found that a natural substance from licorice root protects overweight mice from diabetes. So-called Amorfrutins are intended to strengthen the sensitivity of the tissue to insulin and thus lower the blood sugar level. In addition, the content of fatty acids in the blood is reduced. Amorfrutins are generally well tolerated and should also have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Plant substance has no undesirable side effects
As the scientists in "Proceedings of the National Academy of Science of the United States of America" ​​report, there are no undesirable side effects such as an increase in weight by the Amorfrutine. This was a key advantage over synthetics with comparable effects, which would often cause side effects such as liver damage. According to researchers, the natural product could be offered in the form of a dietary supplement.

The scientists led by Christopher Weidner of the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin examined about 8,000 substances from edible plants to find a possible antidiabetic effect. They came across the Amorfrutine, which they obtained from two plants, which included the root of licorice Glycyrrhiza foetida and the fruits of the bastard indigo, Amorpha fruticosa. "The health-promoting effects are based on the fact that the amorfrutin molecules target a receptor called PPARγ in the nucleus," explains Sascha Sauer from the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin. PPARγ plays a crucial role in the fat and glucose metabolism of the cell. The binding of amorfrutin molecules activates several genes that would decrease the plasma concentration of certain fatty acids as well as glucose. The reduced glucose level prevents the development of insulin resistance, which is considered to be the main cause of adult-onset diabetes, the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics reports on its website.

A similar effect would have synthetic drugs, called glitazones, which are used to treat type 2 diabetes. Activation of the receptor subsequently activates a number of genes involved in different processes of the metabolic processes. However, glitazones are considered controversial and are only partially approved in Germany. "Although there are already drugs on the market, which act on the PPARγ receptor. However, these are not selective enough and cause side effects such as weight gain or cardiovascular problems, "reports Sauer.

Amorfrutins are liver protective
For the study, the scientists administered the mice Armorfrutine, after initially numerous cell experiments were performed. The animals showed an increased insulin sensitivity. The tissue responded much better to the insulin released by the pancreas. The cells were able to absorb more blood sugar and metabolize. This reduced the blood sugar content and the amount of harmful blood lipids.

Fortunately, the researchers were unable to detect any liver damage that is often caused by synthetic agents as an undesirable side effect. The Amorfrutine seemed even in contrast to have a hepatoprotective effect. The researchers report that further investigations are now necessary. In the opinion of the scientists, amorfrutins could in the future represent a side-effect-free alternative for consumers.

95 percent of diabetics suffer from type 2 diabetes
According to the German Diabetes Foundation, around 95 percent of all diabetics suffer from type 2 diabetes. In 80 percent of the cases there is additionally an obesity, a strong overweight. Deficient, high-fat and unhealthy diets create insulin resistance in the body. The effect of the hormone insulin is reduced. Scientists have recently discovered that a strict diet with early detection of diabetes can even cure the condition. However, most people find it difficult to replace old habits with a new healthy lifestyle. Many prefer to swallow pills with numerous side effects. Sufficient exercise and a drastic change in diet, however, could in many cases prevent the constant use of medication.

Only about five percent of those affected suffer from type 1 diabetes. This type often occurs in childhood. Type 1 diabetes is similar to autoimmune disease because the immune system destroys the pancreatic cells that produce the insulin. Patients have to inject insulin continuously throughout their lives. A cure is not possible. (Ag)

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