Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is characterized by insulin resistance leading to postprandial hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Patients with IGT are commonly overweight or obese and are at significant risk for developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
There are many herbs that have been used and some even clinically studied. These include bitter melon, cinnamon and fenugreek. A double-blind, randomized, controlled, crossover trial aimed to investigate the effects of β-glucan supplementation from whole oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotaceae) fruiting bodies on postprandial glucose, lipids, GI hormones, and appetite. This was published in the HerbalGram of the American Botanical Council
The authors conclude that meal fortification with oyster mushroom powder may help attenuate repeated postprandial metabolic deterioration and reduce the associated long-term consequences. Factors such as β-glucans/available CHO ratio, dosage, and preparation, should be a focus in future trials. The authors report no conflicts of interest.
Until tomorrow…
Dicks L, Jakobs L, Sari M, et al. Fortifying a meal with oyster mushroom powder beneficially affects postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1, non-esterified free fatty acids and huger sensation in adults with impaired glucose tolerance: A double-blind randomized controlled crossover trial. Eur J Nutr. Mar 2022;61(2):687-701. doi: 10.1007/s00394-021-02674-1.