In this HerbClip issue, various diabetes-related ailments are discussed, including a neem (Azadirachta indica, Meliaceae) extract (PhytoBGS^®; Natreon, Inc.; New Brunswick, New Jersey), which may benefit individuals with metabolic syndrome,¹ consumption of fresh mango (Mangifera indica, Anacardiaceae) which improved postprandial glucose and insulin responses in overweight participants, as well as promoting satiety,² and a combination product of aronia (black chokeberry; Aronia melanocarpa, Rosaceae) berry, Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng, Araliaceae) root, and shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes, Omphalotaceae) which was shown to improve insulin sensitivity, maintain β-cell function, and reduce liver damage and inflammation in pre-diabetic adults after 12 weeks of intake.³

Researchers from Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia, along with Paul Stamets of Fungi Perfecti, LLC (Olympia, Washington) and Francoise Bourzat of the Center for Consciousness Medicine (Redwood City, California) examine the microdosing of psilocybin (from Psilocybe spp., Strophariaceae) and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD, from lysergic acid in ergot [Claviceps purpurea, Clavicipitaceae]) in regard to cognition, anxiety, and depression.⁴ The phenomenon of “stacking”, adding other substances to the psilocybin microdose such as cacao (Theobroma cacao, Malvaceae), other mushrooms, including lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus, Hericiaceae), and Syrian rue (Peganum harmala, Nitrariaceae) is covered as some microdosers think that certain additions to the microdose will enhance its benefits. While there is historical evidence of cacao being added to psilocybin, there is no published scientific evidence that stacking does provide additional benefits. The authors call for further research on microdosing in general and the various practices that occur in a real-world setting to determine possible benefits.

Other HerbClips include systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses on ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, Solanaceae) and sleep, the safety of ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba, Ginkgoaceae) leaf extracts as an add-on therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss, curcumin from turmeric (Curcuma longa, Zingiberaceae) as an adjuvant treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and polyphenols from fruit to benefit cognition and lung function.

Lori Glenn

HerbClip™ Managing Editor

References

¹Pingali U, Vuppalanchi B, Nutalapati C, Gundagani S. Aqueous Azadirachta indica (neem) extract attenuates insulin resistance to improve glycemic control and endothelial function in subjects with metabolic syndrome. J Med Food. November 2021;24(11):1135-1144. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2020.4838.

²Pinneo S, O'Mealy C, Rosas M Jr., et al. Fresh mango consumption promotes greater satiety and improves postprandial glucose and insulin responses in healthy overweight and obese adults. J Med Food. April 2022;25(4):381-388. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2021.0063.

³Park S, Kim CJ, Ha KC, et al. Efficacy and safety of aronia, red ginseng, shiitake mushroom, and nattokinase mixture on insulin resistance in prediabetic adults: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Foods. July 5, 2021;10(7):1558. doi:10.3390/foods10071558.

⁴Rootman JM, Kryskow P, Harvey K, et al. Adults who microdose psychedelics report health related motivations and lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to non-microdosers. Sci Rep. November 18, 2021;11(1):22479. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-01811-4.