Carb blocking: Extracts from mulberry, green coffee, and white bean show metabolic benefits

Using the newly developed product Tribitor ​by Warsaw-based MarMar Investments, researchers found that extracts from white bean and mulberry could inhibit key carb-related enzymes called alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, and that green coffee extract enhanced these effects.

Data published in Nutrients​​ showed that the supplement was associated with reduced blood sugar and insulin levels after consuming different meals throughout the day.

“This can be especially helpful for people who have problems adhering to dietary restrictions,”​ wrote the researchers, led by Edyta Adamska-Patruno from the Medical University of Bialystok in Poland.

“The long-term efficacy and safety outcomes of Tribitor, as well as its efficacy and safety in people with impaired glucose metabolism and T2DM, must be confirmed in further studies. ​

“However, our experiments suggest that Tribitor […] can be used as an effective dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of overweight, obesity, glucose intolerance, prediabetes, and T2DM, together with other dietary or medical recommendations,” ​they added.

Study details​

The researchers recruited 150 people who consumed the supplement (600 mg of white mulberry extract, 1,200 mg of white bean extract, and 400 mg of green coffee extract per dose) or a placebo before five different standardized meals: A cola beverage and popcorn; breakfast cereal with vanilla milk; raspberry muffin and blueberry yoghurt; French fries with ketchup; or cheese pasta.

Results showed that the supplement was associated with lower blood glucose and insulin levels from 20-35 minutes after the meals, compared to placebo, but levels were similar between the groups at longer times after the meals.

“There are multiple benefits of controlling postprandial glucose concentrations after the intake of high-GI/GL [glycaemic index/glycaemic load] meals,” ​wrote the researchers. “Acute hyperglycemia can adversely affect endothelial function, arterial walls, and the coagulation cascade, through mechanisms including oxidative stress. Thus, setting appropriate postprandial targets for blood glucose peaks is important for reducing the risk of arterial and microvascular disease. ​

“Moreover, since hyperglycemia and glucose toxicity affect [beta]-cell secretion, lower postprandial glucose concentrations may have a protective effect on pancreatic [beta]-cells. In our studies, we observed beneficial effects on postprandial glucose concentrations after all of the investigated high-GI/GL meals except fries with ketchup.”​

“The combined formulation decreases the adverse consequences of high-GI/GL meal consumption. It can be an effective dietary supplement for the management of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus,” ​they concluded.

Celebrity partnership​

Tribitor was developed by MarMar Investments (Poland) and is marketed in the U.S. by Adiuvo Investments Inc. Earlier this year, the company announced it was partnering with celebrity fitness star and Biggest Loser Coach, Dolvett Quince.

“Dolvett is an excellent fit for this product – as he appreciates the discipline it takes to get and stay in top shape – and that includes understanding that once in a while everyone stumbles,” ​said Rob Insinger of Adiuvo Investments.

Source: Nutrients​
2018, 10(8), 956; doi: 10.3390/nu10080956​
“A Synergistic Formulation of Plant Extracts Decreases Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Peaks: Results from Two Randomized, Controlled, Cross-Over Studies Using Real-World Meals”
Authors: E. Adamska-Patruno, et al.