Influence of Mulberry Leaf Extract on the Blood Glucose and Breath Hydrogen Response to Ingestion of 75 g Sucrose by Type 2 Diabetic and Control Subjects

In Asia, type 2 diabetes is treated with mulberry leaf.Studies supporting this usage include the demonstration that mulberry leaf 1) reduced blood glucose in normal rats (1) and rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin (2) or alloxan (3), 2) reduced fasting blood glucose and A1C concentrations in 12 subjects with type 2 diabetes (4), and 3) relative to glybenclamide therapy, reduced fasting blood glucose, serum lipids, and lipid peroxidation indicators in subjects with type 2 diabetes (5).In the present study, we determined whether co-ingestion of mulberry extract with 75 g sucrose influenced the blood glucose response and sucrose absorption of type 2 diabetic and control subjects. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS-Participants included 10 healthy control subjects (aged 24 -61 years) and 10 type 2 diabetic subjects without complications who were receiving oral hypoglycemic agents (aged 59 -75 years; glycohemoglobin 7.1 Ϯ 0.9% [normal Ͻ6.2%]).The study was approved by the Minneapolis VA Medical Center Human Studies Committee.Mulberry leaf extract was provided by Nature-Gen (San Diego, CA).Placebo (red dye #40 and caramel) was similar in color and taste to the mulberry.At 8 A.M., subjects randomly ingested mulberry extract (1 g) or placebo plus 75 g sucrose in 500 ml hot water.The test