CUCURBITA PUMPKIN REJUVENATES ETA CELLS, RESTORES INSULIN PRODUCTION http://www.nutritionreview.org/library/cucurbita.

php An extract derived from pumpkin (Cucurbita ficifolia) may improve blood glucose levels in diabetics and exert antioxidant effects, according to a new study. If the research by scientists from the East China Normal University can be reproduced in humans, then consuming cucurbita pumpkin extract may promote regeneration of damaged pancreatic cells, boost levels of insulin-producing beta cells and raise insulin levels in the blood. The present study provides substantial evidence to demonstrate the hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) action of Cucurbita extract, as well as its role as an antioxidant to reveal a mechanism for its cytoprotective (cell protecting) action, wrote authors Tao Xia and Qin Wang in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. Rejuvenating Beta Cells Tao Xia and Qin Wang divided diabetic rats and normal rats into two groups, one fed a normal diet and the other fed the normal diet supplemented with the pumpkin extract for 30 days. At the end of the study the researchers discovered that plasma insulin levels in the diabetic rats receiving cucurbita extract were restored to 95 percent of insulin levels in normal healthy animals. Additionally, the number of active insulin-positive (beta) cells in the treated animals was restored to 92 percent of those in the normal healthy controls. Pumpkin extract is potentially a very good product for pre-diabetic persons, as well as those who have already developed diabetes, according to lead author Xia. These remarkable benefits are believed due to actions of D-chiroinositol, a molecule isolated from cucurbita that mediates insulin activity. Additionally, a new class of compounds identified in cucurbita have been shown to confer antioxidant protection. Working together these components boost insulin levels to lower blood sugar levels and reduce production of oxidative oxygen species that damage beta-cell membranes; and prevent further damage to beta cells, allowing the cells to regenerate. Type 1 diabetes occurs when people lose the ability to produce any insulin after the cells in the pancreas have been damaged, thought to be an autoimmune response. The rats used in this study modeled Type 1 diabetes, but the researchers believe the pumpkin extract may also play a role in Type 2 diabetes. In the US, there are over 20 million people with Type 2 diabetes, equal to seven percent of the population. Patient care costs are thought to be as much as $132 billion, with $92 billion in direct costs from medications, according to 2002 American Diabetes Association figures. Thus, our studies support the notion that supplementation of Cucurbita fruit extract to diabetic patients would help in achieving good glycemic and metabolic control and prevent long-term complications as a result of the protection offered by its antioxidant actions, probably by preserving the residual beta-cell mass without further losses, they concluded. Commenting independently on the research, David Bender from Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, told Chemistry & Industry magazine that the research was very exciting. The main finding is that feeding pumpkin extract prevents the progressive destruction of pancreatic beta-cells, he said. Herbal Support for Diabetes In the late 1980s, Chinese doctors became alarmed by a huge increase in the incidence of diabetes in China. Observing that this previously rare condition appeared to be linked with newly adopted Western eating habits, they initially relied on Western diabetes drugs to treat what was perceived to be a primarily Western disorder.

Eventually medical experts turned away from this approach after noting that, in addition to serious side effects, modern pharmaceuticals also failed to address the underlying cause of the problem. A central tenet of Chinese healing is to treat both acute symptoms and the underlying cause of an illness. Based on this principal, leading Chinese researchers turned their attention to traditional herbal remedies used in China for thousands of years. Researchers soon identified some 200 species of herbs that exhibited hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) properties. Some contained polysaccharides capable of restoring pancreatic tissues to enhance insulin output from functioning beta cells. Others were found to enhance microcirculation, and to increase availability of insulin and facilitate cellular metabolism. One of the most promising herbs to come out of this research was the lowly pumpkin, Cucurbita ficifolia, which is widely regarded throughout China as a health food especially suited to aid diabetics by regulating blood sugar levels. Modern Herbal Solution After ten years of clinical research, a team of doctors led by Dr. Chuang of Shanghai Peoples Hospital, introduced a unique herbal blend to counter insulin resistance, lower blood sugar levels and restore pancreatic function. Cucurbita (pumpkin) is one of the primary active ingredients in Dr Chuang's formula. In addition to being a medical researcher with experience in treating diabetes with both Western drugs and Chinese herbs, Dr. Chuang is also a Type 2 diabetic who has successfully brought his own blood sugar levels into normal range using his new formula. By restoring healthy blood sugar regulation and normalizing insulin production Dr Chuang's formula has been shown to aid in reversing chronic metabolic and chemical disturbances caused by long-term exposure to elevated insulin and blood glucose levels. Additionally, by curbing carbohydrate cravings Dr Chuang's formula has been shown to support safe and natural weight loss. Based on his clinical experience, Dr. Chuang recommends taking three capsules of his formula, three times daily, 30 minutes prior to meals. The combination of herbs in the formula will stimulate a steady improvement that becomes most noticeable in 7 to 10 days. Once blood sugar and insulin levels have returned to normal commonly within 1 to 3 months Dr. Chuang recommends a daily maintenance program consisting of one capsule in the morning and one in the afternoon before meals to sustain optimal results. References 1. Tao Xia, Qin Wang. Hypoglycaemic role of Cucurbita ficifolia (Cucurbitaceae) fruit extract in streptozotocininduced diabetic rats. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, Vol. 87, Num. 9, pgs 1753-1757. 2. L. Richards, Eating pumpkins helps diabetics. Chemistry & Industry, July 9, 2007, pg 9.

PUMPKIN COULD HOLD KEY TO DIABETES TREATMENT http://kaleidoscope.cultural-china.com/en/121Kaleidoscope6629.html Pumpkin could "drastically" reduce the need for daily insulin injections for diabetics, according to recent research. Scientists found a compound in pumpkin that has been found to promote the regeneration of damaged insulinproducing beta cells in diabetic rats, thereby improving the level of insulin in their blood. Laboratory data showed that diabetic rats that had been fed pumpkin extract had only 5 percent less plasma insulin and 8 percent fewer insulin-positive cells than normal healthy rats, according to a research paper published this week in the US-based Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. The researchers fed 12 diabetic rats and 12 normal rats either a normal diet or a diet supplemented with pumpkin extract for 30 days. On average, the rats receiving the pumpkin supplements experienced a 36 percent increase in plasma insulin compared to the untreated rats, according to Xia Tao, the paper's lead author and a teacher at Shanghai's East China Normal University. However, Xia, a professor at the College of Life Science, emphasized that further research was needed to evaluate the effects in human beings. "But I tend to believe pumpkin extract could also promote regeneration of pancreatic beta cells in humans," he told the newspaper. "It is certain pumpkin can benefit diabetics by lowering blood sugar levels." The professor added that the results were in line with the traditional Chinese idea that "pumpkin is a good food for diabetics". "However, no scientific proof was ever provided," he said. Last year, Xia and his colleagues published a paper in the England-based Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology about D-chiro-inositol, a molecule that mediates insulin activity, in pumpkin. The newest research has further strengthened his belief in the potential benefits of a pumpkin-rich diet. Though they only experimented on rats with Type I diabetes, the researchers believe pumpkin extract will also help treat Type II because "it can allow regeneration of beta cells, which is also important in type II recovery," Xia said. David Bender, sub-dean at the Royal Free and University College Medical School in London, told the US-based science magazine Chemistry & Industry that the research is "very exciting" in that "pumpkin may be a source of medicine to take by mouth." Xia said he and his research group had also discovered the health benefits of several other plants and would soon release their findings. Diabetes is a disorder in which the body has trouble regulating blood glucose levels. The disease affects more than 230 million people, almost 6 percent of the world's adult population, according to the World Diabetes Foundation.

PUMPKIN: A FAIRYTALE END TO INSULIN INJECTIONS? http://www.physorg.com/news103170537.html July 9, 2007 Compounds found in pumpkin could potentially replace or at least drastically reduce the daily insulin injections that so many diabetics currently have to endure. Recent research reveals that pumpkin extract promotes regeneration of damaged pancreatic cells in diabetic rats, boosting levels of insulin-producing beta cells and insulin in the blood, reports Lisa Richards in Chemistry & Industry, the magazine of the SCI. A group, led by Tao Xia of the East China Normal University, found that diabetic rats fed the extract had only 5% less plasma insulin and 8% fewer insulin-positive (beta) cells compared to normal healthy rats (Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 87(9) 1753-7 2007). Xia says: pumpkin extract is potentially a very good product for pre-diabetic persons, as well as those who have already developed diabetes. He adds that although insulin injections will probably always be necessary for these patients, pumpkin extract could drastically reduce the amount of insulin they need to take. David Bender, sub-dean at the Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, says: this research is very exciting the main finding is that feeding pumpkin extract prevents the progressive destruction of pancreatic betacells but it is impossible to say whether pumpkin extract would promote regeneration in humans. He added: I think the exciting thing is that this may be a source of a medication that could be taken by mouth. The protective effect of pumpkin is thought to be due to both antioxidants and D-chiro-inositol, a molecule that mediates insulin activity. Boosting insulin levels has the effect of lowering blood sugar levels, which reduces levels of oxidative oxygen species that damage beta-cell membranes, preventing further damage and allowing for some regeneration. Beta cells levels in the diabetic rats are, however, unlikely ever to reach that of controls, because some of the cells will have been damaged beyond repair. Diabetes affects more than 230m people, almost 6% of the world's adult population, according to the World Diabetes Foundation. The rats used in this study represent type I diabetes, but the researchers believe the pumpkin extract may also play a role in type II diabetes. (Source: Society of Chemical Industry)

PUMPKIN EXTRACT MAY PROTECT AGAINST DIABETES http://www.blpublications.com/html/august07archive.html by Beth Ley, Ph.D. www.blpublications.com NHL Ministries August 2007 Newsletter An extract from pumpkin (Cucurbita ficifolia) may improve blood glucose levels in diabetics, and exert antioxidant effects, suggests an animal study from China. If the research, by scientists from the East China Normal University, can be reproduced in humans, then feeding on a pumpkin extract may promote regeneration of damaged pancreatic cells in diabetic rats, boosting levels of insulin-producing beta cells and insulin in the blood. "The present study provides substantial evidence to demonstrate the glucose lowering action of pumpkin extract as well as its role as antioxidant agent and thus reveals a mechanism for its cytoprotective action," wrote authors Tao Xia and Qin Wang in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. "Perhaps this is the first report showing the antioxidant role of pumpkin extract and suggesting its utility in the control of diabetes," added the authors. The rats used in this study modelled type-1 diabetes, but the researchers believe the pumpkin extract may also play a role in type-2 diabetes. Type-1 diabetes occurs when people are not able to produce any insulin after the cells in the pancreas have been damaged, thought to be an autoimmune response. "Pumpkin extract is potentially a very good product for pre-diabetic persons, as well as those who have already developed diabetes," lead author Tao Xia from told Chemistry & Industry magazine. The mechanism behind the potential benefits was proposed to be due to both antioxidants and D-chiro-inositol, a molecule that mediates insulin activity. Boosting insulin levels has the effect of lowering blood sugar levels, which reduces levels of oxidative oxygen species that damage beta-cell membranes, preventing further damage and allowing for some regeneration. Sources: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture Volume 87, Issue 9, Pages 1753-1757 "Hypoglycaemic role of Cucurbita ficifolia (Cucurbitaceae) fruit extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats" Authors: Tao Xia and Qin Wang Chemistry & Industry 9 July 2007, Page 9 "Eating pumpkins helps diabetics" Author: L. Richards

Probiotics may help against stomach ulcers

People with stomach ulcers may benefit from probiotics to speed up recovery, suggest results from an animal study from Hong Kong. The report, published in the European Journal of Pharmacology, looked at the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, one of the most extensively studied strains of probiotics, on gastric ulcer induced in rats.

"In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that a probiotic strain L. rhamnosus GG is capable of accelerating gastric ulcer healing," wrote lead author Emily Lama from the University of Hong Kong. Stomach or peptic ulcers are a small hole or erosion in the gastrointestinal tract. Most stomach ulcers are caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, with some studies already showing that probiotics may have benefits against these types of bacteria. According to statistics from the US National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, peptic ulcers affect 14.5 million Americans. The new research, if it can be reproduced in humans, suggests that probiotics may also offer benefits for people already suffering from stomach ulcers. The research showed that the probiotics successfully colonised in the stomach lining, especially around the ulcer and suggested that the probiotics influenced protein expression in the stomach wall cells, which led to increases in the formation of new blood cells and increased healing of the ulcer. Source: European Journal of Pharmacology (Elsevier) Volume 565, Issues 1-3, Pages 171-179 "Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG enhances gastric ulcer healing in rats" Authors: Emily K.Y. Lama, L. Yua, H.P.S. Wonga, W.K.K. Wuc, V.Y. Shina, E.K.K. Taia, W.H.L. Soa, P.C.Y. Woob and C.H. Cho

High GI Diet Linked to Poor Eye Health

Eating a diet with a high glycemic index (sugar, white flour and processed foods) may increase the risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), says a new study from Tufts University. Writing in the current issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, adds to earlier studies that reported a diet with high GI increased the risk of early AMD. "Men and women who consumed diets with a higher glycemic index than average for their gender and age-group were at greater risk of developing advanced AMD," said corresponding author Allen Taylor. "The severity of AMD increased with increasing dietary glycemic index." AMD affects the central part of the retina called the macula, which controls fine vision, leaving sufferers with only limited sight. AMD affects over 30m people worldwide, and is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50. Taylor and co-workers report that consumption of a diet with a glycemic index above that of the average for the sex (77.9 for women, 79.3 for men) was associated with a 49% increase in advanced AMD risk. "Our findings suggest that 20% of the cases of advanced AMD might have been prevented if those individuals had consumed a diet with a glycemic index below the average for their age and gender," he added. The glycaemic index measures how quickly certain foods release carbohydrates into the body, which then raise consumers' blood glucose levels. High GI foods cause blood sugar levels to rise more rapidly. The interest in the GI of foods and the digestibility of carbohydrates has increased considerably in recent years. A number of studies suggest that a low GI and slowly digestible carbohydrates can contribute to the prevention of obesity and diabetes. "Our results support our hypothesis that dietary glycemic index, which has been related to the risk of diabetes, is also associated with the risk and severity of AMD," said Taylor. The researchers suggested that reduction of dietary glycemic index may be a relatively simply way of reducing the risk of AMD. Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition July 2007, Volume 8, Number 1, Pages 180-188

"Association between dietary glycemic index and age-related macular degeneration in nondiabetic participants in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study." Authors: C.-J. Chiu, R.C. Milton, G. Gensler, A. Taylor For a list of foods and their Glycemic Index rating go here: Glycemic Index

DID YOU KNOW:

Eating daily small amounts of dark chocolate lowers blood pressure: If youre worried about high blood pressure, you may want to add dark chocolate to your diet. A new study suggests that eating daily, small amounts of dark chocolate can help lower some peoples blood pressure. Researchers at University Hospital of Cologne, Germany, studied 44 otherwise healthy people with high blood pressure for 18 weeks. Half the people got about a quarter-ounce of daily dark chocolate, half got the same amount of daily white chocolate. No one gained weight, but only the dark-chocolate eaters saw their blood pressure come down. On average, systolic blood pressure, the upper number, came down by almost three units, and the diastolic blood pressure, or bottom number decreased by almost two units. The researchers say their study provides sufficient evidence to recommend low amounts of dark chocolate as an addition to a healthy diet. JAMA Advisory July 3, 2007

IN BETH'S KITCHEN

Energizing Green Spinach Smoothie serves 2 Option 1: Fresh spinach 1/2 large papaya, mango or 1 nectarine or peach 1 handful of parsley, mint or cilantro (I used mint, of course (my favorite), from my herb garden) 1 banana The freshly squeezed juice of 2 oranges or 1/4 cup frozen concentrate with a splash of water of some ice cubes.

Option 2: Fresh spinach - large handful 1 handful mint and/or cilantro (yes, I used mint) 1 small avacado 1 Apple or about 1 and 1/2 cups honeydew melon cubes 1/2 cup orange juice couple of ice cubes Splash of Lime juice

Directions: To make it, fill your blender about halfway with fresh spinach. Add your fruit, your greens (and dandelion root if you've got it). Add at least one banana. Pour in fresh-squeezed orange juice, or use the "fresh frozen" type and add some water until the blender is about 3/4 full. Then blend until smooth. You can also add a tablespoon of Spirulina, wheat grass or barley grass powder Pumpkin Extract Can Improve Blood Glucose Levels for Diabetics Results from a new study shows that an extract from pumpkin (Cucurbita ficifolia) may improve blood glucose levels in diabetics, exert antioxidant effects and prevent the progressive destruction of pancreatic betacells.

If the research, by scientists from the East China Normal University, can be reproduced in humans, then feeding on a pumpkin extract may promotes regeneration of damaged pancreatic cells in diabetic rats, boosting levels of insulin-producing beta cells and insulin in the blood. "The present study provides substantial evidence to demonstrate the hypoglycaemic action of C. ficifolia fruit extract as well as its role as antioxidant agent and thus reveals a mechanism for its cytoprotective action," wrote authors Tao Xia and Qin Wang in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. "Perhaps this is the first report showing the antioxidant role of C. ficifolia fruit extract and suggesting its utility in the control of diabetes," added the authors.

The rats used in this study modelled type-1 diabetes, but the researchers believe the pumpkin extract may also play a role in type-2 diabetes. Type-1 diabetes occurs when people are not able to produce any insulin after the cells in the pancreas have been damaged, thought to be an autoimmune response. Tao Xia and Qin Wang divided 12 diabetic rats and 12 normal rats into two groups, one fed a normal diet and the other fed the normal diet supplemented with the pumpkin extract for 30 days. At the end of the study, the researchers report that diabetic rats fed the extract had only five per cent less plasma insulin and eight percent fewer insulin-positive (beta) cells compared to normal healthy rats. "Pumpkin extract is potentially a very good product for pre-diabetic persons, as well as those who have already developed diabetes," lead author Tao Xia from told Chemistry & Industry magazine. The mechanism behind the potential benefits was proposed to be due to both antioxidants and D-chiro-inositol, a molecule that mediates insulin activity. Boosting insulin levels has the effect of lowering blood sugar levels, which reduces levels of oxidative oxygen species that damage beta-cell membranes, preventing further damage and allowing for some regeneration. The researchers note however, that beta cells levels in the diabetic rats are unlikely ever to reach that of controls, because some of the cells will have been damaged beyond repair. "Thus our studies support the notion that supplementation of C. ficifolia fruit extract to diabetic patients would help in achieving good glycaemic and metabolic control and prevent long-term complications as a result of the protection offered by its antioxidant action; probably preserving the residual -cell mass without further loss," they concluded. "The main finding is that feeding pumpkin extract prevents the progressive destruction of pancreatic betacells," he said. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture: Volume 87, Issue 9, Pages 1753-1757 "Hypoglycaemic role of Cucurbita ficifolia (Cucurbitaceae) fruit extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats" Authors: Tao Xia and Qin Wang Cucurbita Ficifolia http://diabetesinfoandtreatment.com/diabetes/cucurbita-ficifolia-1125334a ArticlesBase - 475 days ago Common names Asian pumpkin fig-leaf gourd (also fig-leafed or fig-leaved gourd) Malabar gourd or squash pie melon (in Australia and New Zealand)

shark fin melon (in Asia) Siam pumpkin Thai marrow sambo (in Ecuador) Description Like most members of the Cucurbita species, it is a climbing vine that is an annual in temperate climates and a perennial in tropical zones. The plant stem can grow five to fifteen meters and produces tendrils that help it climb adjacent plants and structures. The vine can become semiwoody if left to grow perennially, although most commercial plants are annual. Its leaves resemble fig leaves, hence its most common name in English - fig-leaf gourd - and its Latin species name (C. ficifolia which means fig leaf). The flowers are monoecious (meaning its flowers are either male or female but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by insects, especially bees. The color is yellow to orange. The fruit is oblong with a diameter of eight inches or 20 centimeters, weighs eleven to 13 pounds (5 to 6 kilograms), and can produce up to 500 seeds. Its skin can vary from light or dark green to cream. One plant can produce over 50 fruits. Origin and distribution It is native to the Americas, although the exact center of domestication is unclear. Linguistic evidence suggests Mexico, because of the wide use of names based on the Nahuatl name "chilacayohtli" as far south as Argentina. However, while archaeological evidence suggests Peru, because the earliest remains have been found there. Biosystematics have been unable to confirm either hypothesis. Archeological records show that it was the most widespread variety of Cucurbita in the Americas, cultivated from northern Chile and Argentina to Mexico. Now it is grown as far north as southern California. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Europeans introduced it to the Mediterranean regions of Europe (specifically France and Portugal) as well as India. From there it has spread to many other parts of the world and picked up more names. Cultivation Nowadays, Cucurbita ficifolia is the least cultivated of the Cucurbita species[citation needed]. The natural range of fig-leaf gourd areas altitudes of 1,000 to 3,000 meters that have heavy rains. However, it is grown successfully in other climates, probably due to its hardy root system and resistance to viruses. In fact it is often used to graft other less resistant squash varieties. However, fig-leaf gourd can only be propagated through planting seeds. It is not resistant to frosts and so should be planted after the risk of frost has passed. Uses The flowers and tender shoots are used in Mexico and other countries as greens. The most nutritional part of Cucurbita ficifolia is its fat- and protein-rich seeds, which can vary in color from white to black. They are used in Mexico to make palanquetas, a sweet similar to peanut brittle. Another use is for its fruit or pulp. The immature fruit is cooked as a vegetable, while the mature fruit is sweet and used to make confectionery and beverages, sometimes alcoholic. The fruit has a low beta-carotene content, as can be seen from its white flesh. It has a moderate content of carbohydrates and a relatively low content of vitamins and minerals.

In Chile, marmalade is often made out of the fruit of "alcayota". In Costa Rica, it is traditional to make empanadas stuffed with sugared "chiverre" filling at Easter time. In Asia the pulp strands are used to make soup, quite similar to shark fin soup, hence the name "shark fin melon". The cultivation and this usage feature briefly in the film Grow Your Own. Across Asia eating this melon is also said to help people with diabetes. Several scientific studies have confirmed its hypoglycemic effect. The flowers, leaves and young shoots are used as greens. The vine and fruit are used for fodder. In Asia it is used effectively to treat diabetes due to its high D-Chiro-Inositol content. References ^ Neglected crops: 1492 from a different perspective (ch 10) ^ http://www.scielo.br/pdf/cr/v32n4/a28v32n4.pdf "Origin and Evolution of Cultivated Cucurbits" External links Hypoglycemic action of Cucurbita ficifolia on Type 2 diabetic patients with moderately high blood glucose levels Neglected crops: 1492 from a different perspective (ch 10) Multilingual taxonomic information from the University of Melbourne Categories: Cucurbitaceae | Edible nuts and seeds | Fruit | Flora of Mexico | Flora of PeruHidden categories: All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements from October 2009