Purslane extract ideal for blood sugar control

A DOUBLE-BLIND, placebo-controlled clinical trial proved the efficacy and safety of Portusana® in improving glucose control, blood pressure, and lipid profile in adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The clinical trial involved 63 subjects who received either 180 mg/day or matching placebo for a period or 12 weeks.

The glucose homeostasis was assessed by measuring Hb1Ac levels, a long-term marker for blood glucose control and which depend on the blood glucose concentration and reflect the average glucose levels over the prior two to three months. Based on findings, Frutarom’s purslane extract is effective in improving blood glucose control in Type 2 diabetic patients, as demonstrated by the reduction in HbA1c. After 12 weeks of treatment, subjects experienced significant HbA1c reduction. The new results were published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods by Wainstein, et al.[i].

“With regards to the staggering statistics on diabetes presented by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the World Health Day, Portusana’s study results are highly promising,” says Rudy Simons Ph.D., product manager for Frutarom Health BU. The WHO report revealed a dramatic increase from 108 million adult cases of diabetes in 1980 (4.7 percent of the global population) to 422 million in 2014 (8.5 percent of the population). Unhealthy lifestyles, as well as an unbalanced diet and lack of exercise, are considered the primary reasons for this alarming increase.

Portusana is an herbal extract made from the common plant purslane, Portulaca oleracea, an herb with long traditional use as both food and medicine in the Mediterranean region. It is offered by Frutarom as a product for controlling blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 Diabetes.

Scientists at Frutarom derive the Portusana extract from the highest quality purslane, concentrating its active compounds. “We control the quality of Portusana throughout its manufacturing process, from the raw material sourcing to the final product,” explains Mr Simons. “By using our proprietary EFLA® HyperPure technology during the manufacturing process, we also ensure the compliance of Portusana with the new 2015/1933 PAH regulation for maximum levels of PAHs in food supplements.”

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)

The outcome of this study confirms earlier findings of a previous, open-application trial demonstrating Frutarom’s purslane herb extract for short- and long-term support for the control of blood glucose levels as evidenced by the blood glucose marker HbA1c.

“In the light of the increasing concerns over the global rise of diabetes, this recent publication supports the findings that Frutarom’s purslane herb extract fits perfectly in a healthy diet for those needing to control and maintain healthy glucose levels,” Mr Simons adds. “It requires a very small dosage—180 mg per day—and has a very mild taste.”

At Vitafoods in Geneva, Frutarom will demonstrate a drink with Portusana, as well as its CitroT, ingredients at its taste bar in booth No. K10.

Frutarom will demonstrate a drink with Portusana, as well as its CitroT, ingredients at its taste bar at Vitafoods, Geneva, booth No. K10.