Metabolic Actions of a Supplement of Ilex Paraguariensis (An Extract of the Leaf Standardized to 2% I-Deoxinojirimcina), White Mulberry and Chromium Picolinate in Nondiabetic Subects with Dysglycemia: A Randomized Trial

The role of selected nutraceuticals in management of prediabetes and diabetes: An updated review of the literature

Dysglycemia is a disease state preceding the onset of diabetes and includes impaired fasting glycemia and impaired glucose tolerance. This review aimed to collect and analyze the literature reporting the results of clinical trials evaluating the effects of selected nutraceuticals on glycemia in humans. The results of the analyzed trials, generally, showed the positive effects of the nutraceuticals studied alone or in association with other supplements on fasting plasma glucose and post-prandial plasma glucose as primary outcomes, and their efficacy in improving insulin resistance as a secondary outcome. Some evidences, obtained from clinical trials, suggest a role for some nutraceuticals, and in particular Berberis, Banaba, Curcumin, and Guar gum, in the management of prediabetes and diabetes. However, contradictory results were found on the hypoglycemic effects of Morus, Ilex paraguariensis, Omega-3, Allium cepa, and Trigonella faenum graecum, whereby rigorous long-term clinical trials are needed to confirm these data. More studies are also needed for Eugenia jambolana, as well as for Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus which glucose-lowering effects were observed when administered in combination, but not alone. Further trials are also needed for quercetin.

Yerba Mate-A Long but Current History

Bearing in mind the growing interest in Yerba Mate, a comprehensive study has been prepared containing the most important aspects and possibilities of its use. The introduction of the work contains the species characteristics of Yerba Mate, as well as information about the origin and places of cultivation. The next part focuses on the analysis of the composition, pointing to purine alkaloids, polyphenols, saponins, and minerals as groups of active compounds responsible for the clinical activity of Yerba Mate. The review of the results of preclinical and clinical studies indicates activity in relation to the stimulating effect, reducing weight by stimulating lipolysis, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The information about the action of Yerba Mate is supplemented by the characteristics of its potential toxicity in terms of PAHs content (in particular benzo[α]pyrene) and preparation as a determinant of increased irritation. The current data on the effects of Yerba Mate and the wide safety margin of its use position this raw material as a valuable component of functional food. The growing frequency of consuming Yerba Mate, conditioned by the availability resulting from the globalization of the market and the information provided about it's the pro-health effects, will position Yerba Mate's popularity among wider population groups.