Licorice in diabetes

Licorice contains substances that work against diabetes. That's what a research team found out in Berlin. Is thus a well-tolerated cure for diabetes found?

02/05/2012

The licorice root Glycyrrhiza has been used for decades for respiratory or gastric diseases. Now, a research team from the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin recognized that the plant may also be able to help with adult onset diabetes (type II diabetes). They have identified in the root of the licorice plant a new group of natural products with antidiabetic effects: the amorfrutins.

Hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory
As the researchers have shown in diabetic mice, the Amorfrutine unfold not only hypoglycemic properties, but also have anti-inflammatory. In addition, they even prevent a fatty liver. The health-promoting effects are based on the fact that the amorfrutin molecules targeted to a receptor called PPARγ dock in the nucleus. PPARγ plays an important role in the fat and glucose metabolism of the cell. The binding of the amorfrutin molecules activates various genes that reduce the plasma concentration of certain fatty acids as well as those of glucose. The reduced glucose level prevents the development of insulin resistance - the leading cause of old-age diabetes.

Well tolerated
The Amorfrutine are according to previous studies extremely well tolerated. That sets them apart from other remedies, including PPARγ-Receptor act, but cause side effects such as weight gain or cardiovascular problems.

High concentration required
In the fight against diabetes, however, the uptake of Amorfrutine by licorice tea or licorice is not enough. The concentration of the substance in it is unfortunately too low. In order to extract the amorfrutins in sufficient concentration from the plant, the researchers have therefore developed special extraction methods to produce natural amorfrutin extracts industrially. (Pm)

Also read:
Licorice medicinal plant of the year 2012
Plant substances of licorice root against diabetes
Phytotherapy for digestive problems

Picture: Erin Silversmith