A new study published in the FASEB Journal shows that a plant hormone could help with hyperglycemia. Abscisic acid is a plant hormone that is useful in a variety of plant processes. When this compound is taken in low doses, is appears to help the functioning of B-cells of the pancreas, to release insulin.
Researchers examined the effects of this compound by taking extracts of abscisic acid-rich fruits and administering them to individuals following a glucose load. Glycemic and insulinemia profiles were then compared to a control group given a placebo. Results showed that this compound appeared to improve glucose tolerance in patients with diabetes, and who were previously resistant to or deficient in insulin. This research provides new options for patients to help improve their glucose control.
M. Magnone, P. Ameri, A. Salis, G. Andraghetti, L. Emionite, G. Murialdo, A. De Flora, E. Zocchi. Microgram amounts of abscisic acid in fruit extracts improve glucose tolerance and reduce insulinemia in rats and in humans. The FASEB Journal, 2015; 29 (12): 4783 DOI: 10.1096/fj.15-277731
