Scientists from the Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine have found that Peucedanum japonicum Thunb., a member of the parsley family found in southern Japan, can reduce body fat percentage and HbA1c levels, making it beneficial for people with diabetes. Their findings were published in the Japanese Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
For the study, the team looked at the effects of P. japonicum in lipid and glucose metabolism using both clinical and in vitro tests.
The researchers involved 21 people, all of whom were diagnosed with dyslipidemia.
During the 12-week trial, the participants took a lyophilized powder of P. japonicum. The daily intake was set at 9 grams per day, taken thrice a day in approximately 150 mL of water.
Researchers took note of changes in body composition and conducted biochemical tests to determine its effects on the following markers:
Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
Glucose and adiponectin
From the results, the researchers observed that those who took P. japonicum exhibited lower Hb1Ac values compared to baseline values taken before the test.
In addition, body fat percentage also decreased, eight weeks into the clinical trial. Meanwhile, adiponectin levels had significantly increased after eight weeks in obese participants.
From these results, the researchers concluded that taking P. japonicum could improve glucose metabolism.
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Journal Reference:
Sakaue M, Yasueda A, Ito T, Ohno S. EFFECT OF PEUCEDANUM JAPONICUM THUNB ON BODY COMPOSITION AND BIOCHEMICAL EXAMINATION OF BLOOD. Japanese Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2018;15(2):121–125. DOI: 10.1625/jcam.15.121