Nopal Cactus is native to the southwestern desert regions of the United States and Mexico, and has a whole range of health benefits (all proven in numerous studies, both animal and human). These include the ability to:
Like nopal cactus, konjac mannan benefits the human body in numerous ways. Studies have shown that it can:
Gymnema sylvestre may be the classic "anti sugar" herb. In India, its name literally means "The Sugar Destroyer." Gymnema sylvestre offers several unique benefits in this dietary supplement.
Historically, fenugreek has been used to help both respiratory and stomach ailments. Specifically it is used for allergies, bronchitis, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, digestive ailments, emphysema, intestinal gas, gastrointestinal spasms, headaches, lung problems, mucous congestion and skin eruptions.
As far back as ancient Egypt, fenugreek extract was prized for its healing properties. However, its strong bitter taste and its tendency to produce strong odors in sweat and urine made it less than optimal as a substantial component of any health supplement - until now. Recently, a tasteless, odorless fenugreek extract with a 60-80% galactomannan content was developed. This allows access to all of fenugreek's benefits, with none of the downside. Benefits include:
At least three different groups of constituents in bitter melon have been reported to have blood-sugar lowering actions of potential benefit in diabetes mellitus. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. It is still unclear which of these is most effective, or if all three work together. Already, some clinical trials have confirmed the benefit of bitter melon for people with diabetes. (Raman A, Lau C. Anti-diabetic properties and phytochemistry of Momordica charantia L (Curcurbitaceae). Phytomed 1996;2:349–62.)
Early studies suggest that one of the components of bitter melon extract may be helpful in slowing the growth or spread of some types of malignant cells.
Note: There is some evidence that couples looking to conceive should not use bitter melon. One study in particular showed that bitter melon may have antispermatogenic activity. The study is far from conclusive, and even if true, the results are temporary -- with spermatogenic activity quickly returning to normal upon ceasing ingestion.
A Cinnulin PF is a water soluble polyphenol Type A polymer that is the only cinnamon extract validated in studies by the USDA to:
The blood sugar regulating properties of banaba leaf have been demonstrated in cell culture, animal and human studies. In isolated cells, the active ingredient in banaba leaf, corosolic acid, is known to stimulate glucose metabolism. In diabetic mice, rats and rabbits, banaba feeding reduces elevated insulin and blood sugar levels to normal. In humans with type II diabetes, banaba extract, at a dose of 16-48mg per day for 4-8 weeks, has been shown to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels (5%-30% reduction) and maintaining tighter control of blood sugar fluctuations. An interesting "side-effect" of tighter control of insulin and blood sugar levels is a significant tendency of banaba leaf to promote weight loss (an average of 2-4 lbs. per month) - without significant dietary alterations. It is likely that modulation of glucose metabolism and insulin levels reduces total caloric intake somewhat and encourages moderate weight loss.