Pumpkin Compound May Reduce Intake of Insulin

Recent research reveals that pumpkin extract promotes regeneration of damaged pancreatic cells in diabetic rats, increasing levels of insulin-producing beta cells and insulin in the blood, according to new data published in the June 25, 2007, issue of Chemistry & Industry, and the Journal of the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

A group of researchers, led by Dr. Tao Xia of the East China Normal University (Shanghai, China), discovered that diabetic rats fed the extract had only 5% less plasma insulin and 8% fewer insulin-positive (beta) cells compared to normal healthy rats. They also published their data in the August 2007 issue of the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.

Dr. Xia stated, "pumpkin extract is potentially a very good product for pre-diabetic persons, as well as those who have already developed diabetes.” He added that even though insulin injections will probably always be necessary for these patients, pumpkin extract could drastically reduce the amount of insulin they need to take.

Dr. David Bender, sub-dean at the Royal Free and University College Medical School (London, UK), said, "this research is very exciting... the main finding is that feeding pumpkin extract prevents the progressive destruction of pancreatic beta-cells...but it is impossible to say whether pumpkin extract would promote regeneration in humans. I think the exciting thing is that this may be a source of a medication that could be taken by mouth.”

The protective effect of pumpkin is thought to be due to both antioxidants and D-chiro-inositol, a molecule that mediates insulin activity. Boosting insulin levels has the effect of lowering blood sugar levels, which reduces levels of oxidative oxygen species that damage beta-cell membranes, preventing further damage and allowing for some regeneration.

Beta cells levels in the diabetic rats are, however, unlikely ever to reach that of controls, because some of the cells will have been damaged beyond repair.

Diabetes affects more than 230 million people, nearly 6% of the world's adult population, according to the World Diabetes Foundation. The rats used in this study represent type I diabetes, but the researchers believe the pumpkin extract may also play a role in type II diabetes.


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