Studies: Peptide's Role in Joint Health and Purslane's Effect on Diabetes

A study showed collagen peptides’ role in supporting joint health, and a study on blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes showed improved blood glucose control.

An in vivo study suggested Peptan® collagen peptides’ role in supporting joint health. The study provided scientific documentation of the mechanisms behind cartilage regeneration and joint inflammation reduction. Carried out in collaboration with scientists at the University of Rochester, the study performed in an in vivo model for osteoarthritis provided support for Peptan’s ability to stimulate chondrocyte cells, increase the synthesis of new cartilage matrix and to reduce inflammation.

The study was presented at the annual meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society and at the World Congress on Osteoarthritis, and analyzed the effects of Peptan collagen peptides on joint health in mice. Peptan collagen peptides were administered daily at either low dosage (3.8 mg/kg BW) or high dosage (38 mg/kg body weight), corresponding to around 0.7 g and 7 g /day in a human, while a separate group received an empty control. Five weeks after the start of supplementation, post-traumatic osteoarthritis was induced by administering injury to the meniscus and medial collateral ligament in the right knee.

 Joint biology was assessed in early (three weeks) and mid-stage disease (12 weeks following induction of osteoarthritis). Reporting visible tibial cartilage regeneration, research findings highlighted Peptan’s capacity to dose-dependently preserve cartilage and to support extracellular matrix regeneration stimulating the production of proteoglycans, the matrix components involved in lubrication of the joint.

A clinical study published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods confirmed positive effects of Portulaca oleracea L., an extract of the herb purslane (as Portusana® by Frutarom) on blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes.

In the double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 63 adults with Type 2 diabetes received either 180 mg/d or matching placebo for a period of 12 weeks. Glucose homeostasis was assessed by measuring Hb1Ac levels, a long-term marker for blood glucose control which is dependent on the blood glucose concentration and reflects the average glucose levels over the prior two to three months.

After 12 weeks of treatment, subjects experienced significant HbA1c reduction. Findings concluded purslane extract may be effective in improving blood glucose control in Type 2 diabetic patients, as demonstrated by the reduction in HbA1c.

Frutarom will demonstrate a drink with Portusana, as well as its CitroT, ingredients at its taste bar at Vitafoods Europe, Geneva, May 10 to 12.