Metabolic Health

Mulberry (morus) bark is a multi-effective tool used to control blood sugar, lower high blood pressure, and regulate cholesterol. Studies have shown its ability to protect the pancreas (1) with focused protection of the beta cells (2). Others report on the alleviation of atherosclerosis and decreases in LDL cholesterol counts and LDL oxidation (3). Similarly, hawthorn berry is well known for regulating lipids, decreasing cholesterol in the liver, and protecting the blood vessels. One study showed that it quickly counteracted the effects of hyperlipidemia, lowering levels of triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, and glucose levels while simultaneously combatting the oxidative damage caused by hyperlipidemia (4). An article published in the International Journal of Endocrinology, summarized these same effects; lower triglyceride, VLDL, and blood sugar levels while also noting normalizing effects on insulin and improvements in insulin sensitivity. They write, "hawthorn may be one of the future optimizing medicinal plants that shows [this] dual effect against hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia among human diabetic type 2 patients" (5). Berberine is a well-known phytochemical used for a variety of metabolic and inflammatory conditions. Its whole organic plant form is either phellodendron or Coptis, both commonly used plant-based medicinals for metabolic disease. For this preparation, phellodendron was selected. In 2014 a meta-analysis of more than 27 individual studies on phellodendron and berberine showed that combined with current conventional treatments, it produced superior results with regard to lowering glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure. The authors of this same study also note, the glucose and lipid-lowering effects of phellodendron are equivalent to current pharmaceutical oral medications, and that phellodendron was superior in lowering triglycerides and increasing HDL-C (6). Alisma, atractylodes, and poria are a trifecta of metabolic assistance. Alisma improves HDL/LDL ratio, lowers triglycerides and total cholesterol, lowers glucose and HbA1c, and has anti-obesity and hepatoprotective effects (7). Atractylodes improves the metabolism of glucose and fatty acids; an innovative study from Korea shows that it also protects against muscle loss, and increases both the amount and the activity of brown fat. Through these mechanisms, treatment with atractylodes reduced weight gain, lowered glucose levels, and improved insulin sensitivity(8).  Poria, a common fungi, has been used for thousands of years in the treatment of syndromes including elevated glucose levels and excessive weight gain. It has insulin-sensitizing effects (9), triggers healthy autophagy mechanisms, and prevents the accumulation of triglycerides in the liver (10).  Cinnamon, adds a pleasant taste, but more importantly, it decreases fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride levels, and increases HDL-C levels according to a rigorous meta-analysis study (11). All of the above, briefly introduced herbs, individually are effective, but used in combination are even more powerful. In fact, the combination of alisma, atractylodes, poria, polyporus umbellatus, and cinnamon was shown to reduce hyper-glycemic kidney damage via multiple pathways (12), supporting findings from years of clinical experience with these ingredients.

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This preparation combines generations of knowledge and experience to hit all three points of the metabolic triangle; lipid metabolism, sugar metabolism, and weight gain. Protecting and promoting the return of healthy metabolism.

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1. Kavitha, Yuvaraj, and Arumugam Geetha. “Anti-inflammatory and preventive activity of white mulberry root bark extract in an experimental model of pancreatitis.” Journal of traditional and complementary medicine vol. 8,4 497-505. 2 Mar. 2018, doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.01.011

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2. Singab, Abdel Nasser B et al. “Hypoglycemic effect of Egyptian Morus alba root bark extract: effect on diabetes and lipid peroxidation of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.” Journal of ethnopharmacology vol. 100,3 (2005): 333-8. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.03.013

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3. El-Beshbishy, Hesham A et al. “Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of Morus alba L. (Egyptian mulberry) root bark fractions supplementation in cholesterol-fed rats.” Life sciences vol. 78,23 (2006): 2724-33. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2005.10.010

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4. Feng, Yicheng et al. “Hawthorn fruit acid consumption attenuates hyperlipidemia-associated oxidative damage in rats.” Frontiers in nutrition vol. 9 936229. 3 Aug. 2022, doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.936229

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5. Gheitasi, Izadpanah et al. “Molecular Mechanisms of Hawthorn Extracts in Multiple Organs Disorders in Underlying of Diabetes: A Review.” International journal of endocrinology vol. 2022 2002768. 7 Jun. 2022, doi:10.1155/2022/2002768

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6. Lan, Jiarong et al. “Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia and hypertension.” Journal of ethnopharmacology vol. 161 (2015): 69-81. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.09.049

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7. Choi, Eunsol et al. “Pharmacological Activities of Alisma orientale against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Metabolic Syndrome: Literature Review.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2019 2943162. 3 Jun. 2019, doi:10.1155/2019/2943162

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8. Song, Mi Young et al. “The Root of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidzumi Prevents Obesity and Glucose Intolerance and Increases Energy Metabolism in Mice.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 19,1 278. 17 Jan. 2018, doi:10.3390/ijms19010278

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9. Sato, Mayumi et al. “Dehydrotrametenolic acid induces preadipocyte differentiation and sensitizes animal models of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus to insulin.” Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin vol. 25,1 (2002): 81-6. doi:10.1248/bpb.25.81

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10.  Kim, Ji-Hyun et al. “Poria cocus Wolf Extract Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis through Regulation of Lipid Metabolism, Inhibition of ER Stress, and Activation of Autophagy via AMPK Activation.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 20,19 4801. 27 Sep. 2019, doi:10.3390/ijms20194801

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11. Allen, Robert W et al. “Cinnamon use in type 2 diabetes: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.” Annals of family medicine vol. 11,5 (2013): 452-9. doi:10.1370/afm.1517

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12. Yoon, Jung Joo et al. “Oryeongsan suppressed high glucose-induced mesangial fibrosis.” BMC complementary and alternative medicine vol. 15 30. 22 Feb. 2015, doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0542-6

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