Pterocarpus Marsupium clinical trials
HEARTWOOD OF INDIAN KINO HERB
Pterocarpus marsupium demonstrates some very unique features, which include beta cell protective and regenerative properties as well as blood glucose lowering activity. These effects have been reproduced in numerous animal and human trials for over half a century.
The majority of the animal studies use several different types of test species that have been make diabetic by the use of selected toxins and then given various extracts of Pterocarpus marsupium. In all of these studies Pterocarpus marsupium was able to reverse the damage to the beta cells and actually repopulate the islets.[i], [ii], [iii], [iv], [v], [vi] This also caused the almost complete restoration of normal insulin secretion.
Almost all of those that did not receive any type of treatment remained severely hyperglycemic or did not survive during the testing period. Again, as compared to the control groups, the Pterocarpus marsupium groups had a significant percentage of subjects that did not become diabetic or hyperglycemic.12, 17 So, it appears that the uses of Pterocarpus marsupium will not only repair or regenerate beta cells in animals, but it may also act in a protective manner preventing beta cells from destruction by nullifying the effects of a toxic exposure.
This ability to offer protection to beta cells in this fashion may be of particular benefit to newly diagnosed Type I diabetics that are still experiencing an autoimmune activity.
Another property displayed by Pterocarpus marsupium is an insulin like activity.[vii], [viii] This is completely separate from the stimulation of insulin production from the repair of beta cells. Pterocarpus marsupium may lower blood sugar through an unrelated pathway of that of insulin. It seems that there are different cellular binding sites for insulin and Pterocarpus marsupium, which means that glucose lowering can occur regardless of the presence of insulin. This characteristic of Pterocarpus marsupium would be beneficial to both types of diabetics. In Type II diabetics, that suffer from primarily insulin resistance, it would completely bypass the normally ineffective insulin pathway allowing for glucose uptake, while in Type I diabetics it could supplement in part for the absence of insulin.
One study even demonstrated that Pterocarpus marsupium may also lower blood lipid levels. The uses of an extract produced a reduction in serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and, low density lipoproteins (LDL) and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) cholesterol.[ix]
Now, in the human trials Pterocarpus marsupium performed amazingly, especially given the testing criteria. In these two clinical trials diabetics were given no other treatment, except an extract of Pterocarpus marsupium.
The first study evaluated both newly diagnosed and untreated Type II diabetics. In this study 97 patients were given varying doses of an extract of Pterocarpus marsupium ranging from 2 to 4 grams a day in attempts to achieve blood sugar control.[x] The trial continued for 12 weeks before evaluation of all monitored parameters. The results showed that 67% of all those tested were able to reduce and maintain glucose levels by using various amounts of Pterocarpus marsupium extract. The dose required for control for 73% of the patients was 2 grams a day, 16% of the patients needed 3 grams a day and 10% required 4 grams a day. There was significant decrease in both fasting and postprandial glucose levels. The average fasting blood sugar fell from 151mg/dl to 119mg/dl and postprandial glucose dropped from 216mg/dl to 171mg/dl. There was also a reduction of mean hemoglobin A1c from 9.8% to 9.4%. There were improvements noted in common diabetic symptoms without any adverse side effects reported during the treatment period.
In the second study 22 diabetics, mostly Type II, with ages ranging from 29 to 70 years old were given a decoction of either 2 or 4 ounces three times daily made from 36 or 72 grams of dry bark of Pterocarpus marsupium respectively for 7 days.[xi] There were four parameters that were monitored during this study including fasting blood sugar, glucose tolerance, urine sugar content and diabetic symptoms. They were divided into two groups, Group A with 10 participants and Group B with 12. Group A received a decoction of 2 ounces three times a day while Group B received 4 ounces three times a day. In Group A only 3 out of10 diabetics showed improvement in any of the areas of testing, which was glucose tolerance. While in Group B, 9 of the 12 patients experienced benefits in all testing areas. There was significant improvement in glucose tolerance and glucose uremia and also a decrease in fasting blood sugar and amelioration of some symptoms.
During the study there were no unwanted side effects
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