New research in The FASEB Journal suggests that
abscisic acid taken at very low doses affords
glycemic conrtrol in both rats and humans.
A treatment for managing blood sugar levels might be
as close as the local health food store, suggests a
new research report published in the December 2015
issue of The FASEB Journal. Specifically scientists
from Italy have found that when the plant and mammal
hormone, abscisic acid, is taken in low doses,
glycemia in both rats and humans is reduced.

This suggests that by reducing the chronic
stimulation by hyperglycemia of ß-cells to the
release of insulin, chronic low-dose abscisic acid
administration may prolong the survival and function
of these cells.
"These results warrant further studies, aimed at
developing new pharmacologic approaches to diabetes
prevention and/or treatment," said Mirko Magnone,
Ph.D., a researcher involved in the work from the
Department of Experimental Medicine at the
University of Genova School of Medicine in Genova,
Italy.
Scientists examined the presence of abscisic acid in
plants and fruits and explored the effect of
abscisic acid-rich vegetable extracts on glycemia in
rats and in humans.
Synthetic abscisic acid, an abscisic acid-rich fruit
extract, or placebo were administered to rats
together with an oral glucose load.
Then glycemia and insulinemia profiles were
compared.
Then a fruit extract or placebo was administered to
human volunteers together with an oral glucose load
or with a standard breakfast and lunch.
Glucose and insulin levels were then compared with
and without abscisic acid. Glycemia and insulinemia
profiles from the human oral glucose tolerance tests
were also compared with those from 12 normal
subjects undergoing a standard oral glucose
tolerance test.
"Mom always said, 'eat your veggies,' and now
science backs up this advice," said Gerald Weissmann,
M.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal. "High
blood sugar levels predict the later consequences of
diabetes, and while this hormone may not be a cure
for diabetes, it should prove very useful in helping
to control progression of the disease."
For more information
Mirko Magnone, Pietro Ameri, Annalisa Salis,
Gabriella Andraghetti, Laura Emionite, Giovanni
Murialdo, Antonio De Flora, and Elena Zocchi.
Microgram amounts of abscisic acid in fruit extracts
improve glucose tolerance and reduce insulinemia in
rats and in humans.
FASEB J. December 2015 29:4783-4793;
doi:10.1096/fj.15-277731 ;
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