Project R-11251

Aspalathus Linearis: a new type 2 diabetes antidote in humans? (Research)

Physical activity and a healthy diet are excellent modifiers of obesity and type 2 diabetes in humans. Excercise increases sensitivity of insulin in tissues and enhances glycaemic control. Interestingly, foods that contain flavonoids also have positive effects on diabetes and obesity because of their reported anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Aspalathus Linearis, a plant rich in flavonoids could be such a food supplement. Despite the various potential health benefits associated with Aspalathus Linearis, limited studies exist on its dose-response activity and its therapeutic effects on the glycaemic variability and fat oxidation among diabetic and obese people with/without excercise. First, a dose-repsponse study will assess the actual dose at which Aspalathus Linearis elicits a response in humans. Second, we investigate the therapeutic effect of Aspalathus Linearis on glycaemic variability and body composition either or not in combination with excercise. As such, a better understanding about the dose-response and therapeutic effects of Aspalathus Linearis, either or not in combination with excercise, on fat oxidation and glucose metabolism can further help to optimize treatment of important chronic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

01 September 2021 - 31 December 2024