Gencor taps into awareness of blood sugar management with fenugreek ingredient

23-Aug-2023 - Last updated on 23-Aug-2023 at 13:58 GMT

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Gencor’s recently launched Trigogen novel fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seed extract ingredient is meeting a need for blood glucose regulation support as we age.

The ingredient has been observed to successfully promote healthy fasting blood sugar levels and 2-hour postprandial responses in human placebo-controlled clinical trials, following consumption of 500g/day.

Maggie McNamara, marketing director at Gencor explains the benefits for its use by the aging population: “As we age, our body’s ability to produce insulin naturally decreases, which may impact our ability to process sugars properly. Managing blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health, and maintaining healthy levels can also improve your mood and energy.

“It’s been reported that worldwide nearly 540 million people have sugar related health issues, and by the year 2045, it’s estimated that 1 in 8 adults will be impacted by these series condition (International Diabetes Federation). Taking proper care of our blood glucose levels throughout life can significantly impact aging in a healthier way,” she adds.

She adds that Gencor’s preclinical in-house lab studies suggest Trigogen may cause an insulin-sensitising effect, and thus, support metabolic health, by impacting the β-cells within the pancreas and attenuating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.

The ingredient meets a global blood glucose supplement market predicted to grow at a CAGR of 10.3% from 2022-2030, reaching an estimated value of $31.42 billion (Straits Research).

Yet, McNamara emphasises that awareness of the implications of blood sugar dysregulation still needs to be increased.

“Take, for example, those with prediabetes – approximately 96 million American adults have prediabetes, but of those, 80% aren’t aware they have it. The National Diabetes Statistics Report also found that nearly 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, but about 1 in 5 people with diabetes don’t know they have it.

“Sharing these stats with everyday consumers can help increase the awareness and prevalence of this issue and, therefore, help with aging in a healthy way,” she explains.

Botanicals for health

Fenugreek has long been used as a traditional remedy to lower the glycaemic loads of foods, reducing the impact of carbohydrates and simple sugars on blood glucose responses. Evidence has highlighted its resultant effect on reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

This effect has been attributed to the presence of fibre, 4-hydroxyisoleucine (4-HIL), saponins, and the plant alkaloid trigonelline.

Tigonelline has also been observed to have neuroprotective effects, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory capabilities through the lowering of free fatty acids, TNF-α and IL-6 levels, as well as improving serum insulin, leptin, pancreatic antioxidant status.

In vitro research noted that trigonelline was able to increase actions of the insulin receptor substrate-1 and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT-4), whilst exerting an insulin secretory and mimicry effect by stimulating pancreatic beta cells.

Utilising a proprietary extraction process with ethanol and water, Gencor standardised Trigogen to trigonelline to achieve these observed benefits.

Gencor supply an extensive portfolio of botanical ingredients to support a range of multiple health areas including sports nutrition, cognitive health, metabolic and weight management, and immune health.

Regarding future innovations at Gencor, McNamara says: “We are continuously investigating botanicals, natural, and innovative other ingredients to support the changing needs of human health across our lifespan. We have a few exciting studies under peer review that should be published later this year.”