Product Description:  GlucoBrium,™ provided by Douglas Laboratories, supplies a synergistic combination of Gymnema sylvestre, fenugreek and cinnamon extracts designed to support healthy blood sugar metabolism.

GlucoBrium may be a useful dietary supplement for individuals wishing to support healthy blood sugar metabolism with this unique blend of ingredients.

Glucose metabolism that is associated with abnormally high blood glucose can lead to high levels of glycation. Glycation is the non-enzymatic attachment of sugars to major molecules in the body, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Glycation reactions generate advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and glycotoxin intermediates. AGEs cause abnormal and destructive functioning of body proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. AGE-associated damage is suspected in the pathogenesis of many diseases and age-related deteriorations.

Gymnema sylvestre is an Ayurvedic botanical that may assist in the normal regeneration and repair of healthy pancreatic beta cells. Gymnema is also suspected of reducing intestinal glucose absorption. Native to India, this woody, climbing plant has been used traditionally in India to treat madhu meha, or “honey urine.” Gymnemic acid, an active component of Gynema sylvestre, has been identified in numerous animal studies as having anti-hyperglycemic effects.

Human studies have indicated it may be useful in healthy glucose metabolism. Fenugreek, a popular spice in Asia and Europe, contains a high percentage of mucilage, a soluble dietary fiber. Soluble dietary fiber plays important roles in the digestive system, helping to inhibit the absorption of sugars and fats and causing blood sugar levels to rise at a slower rate. In studies using diabetes-induced rats, preparations of fenugreek caused a reduction in postprandial elevation in blood glucose, mainly by delaying the digestion of sucrose.

Other animal studies indicate that the active ingredient, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, may also play important roles in supporting pancreatic beta-cells during insulin secretion. Human studies have also indicated that fenugreek plays supportive roles in blood sugar and cholesterol metabolism. Recently, cinnamon, a well-known spice and flavoring, has been gaining attention for its roles that it plays in supporting the body’s metabolism of glucose. In one study, patients given cinnamon showed significant decreases in fasting glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol.

Another study has indicated that cinnamon may be a strong potentiator of insulin. Interestingly, while preliminary studies have identified methyl hydroxyl chalcone polymer(MCHP) as the primary active ingredient, more recent studies have indicated that this molecule may have been incorrectly identified. The active ingredients are now believed to be primarily water-soluble proanthocyanidin type-A polymers. Since proanothocyanidins have excellent antioxidant potential, cinnamon may offer both the benefits of supporting blood sugar metabolism, as well as providing significant antioxidant protection to the cell.

While the safety of whole cinnamon spice is well known, there is some concern that long term use of amounts greater than that used in cooking may lead to potential toxic buildup. GlucoBrium contains Cinnulin PF™, a patented water-soluble cinnamon extract that is processed using a unique extraction method to remove any potential toxins that whole cinnamon may contain.