Japanese Study Finds That Ficus Pumila L. Extract Boosts Insulin Secretion and Insulin Resistance in Post-COVID-19 Diabetes
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 16, 2025 9 hours, 57 minutes ago
Medical News: Diabetes has emerged as one of the alarming aftereffects of COVID-19. Researchers have observed a growing trend of individuals developing diabetes after contracting the virus, even in cases with mild to moderate symptoms. Understanding and treating this form of diabetes, which mimics type 2 diabetes mellitus but originates from COVID-19 complications, has become a global medical priority. A breakthrough in this field comes from an innovative study focusing on the extract of Ficus pumila L., a plant with deep-rooted traditional significance in Okinawa, Japan.
Japanese Study Finds That Ficus Pumila L. Extract Boosts Insulin Secretion and Insulin
Resistance in Post-COVID-19 Diabetes
This
Medical News report unpacks how the study, conducted by a collaboration of researchers from the Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery at Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Fukushima Medical University, and Daido Central Hospital in Okinawa, Japan, provides hope for those battling post-COVID-19 diabetes. The findings reveal the promising therapeutic potential of Ficus pumila L. extract in improving insulin secretion and combating insulin resistance.
The Plant’s Healing Legacy
Ficus pumila L., commonly known as creeping fig or climbing fig, is a plant native to East Asia, particularly abundant in Okinawa. Traditionally consumed as a tea for over 500 years, the plant’s extract is celebrated for its health benefits. Known to combat hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia, the extract’s potential in addressing diabetes has recently come to light.
The Okinawan region, known for its longevity and robust traditional medicine, provided the perfect backdrop for this exploration. Researchers harvested fresh leaves and branches from the Motobu region of Okinawa, a practice rooted in centuries-old methods. The extract preparation involved boiling these leaves and branches in water derived from coral-enriched soil. This method ensured the retention of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols like Rutin, Apigenin, Luteolin, Quercetin, and Kaempferol, which play vital roles in health restoration.
Study Methodology and Participants
The study involved 128 elderly patients, aged 80 and above, who had developed diabetes within a year of recovering from COVID-19. These individuals exhibited signs of impaired insulin secretion and increased insulin resistance, two hallmark features of type 2 diabetes. Among them, 59 patients consumed the Ficus pumila L. extract for three months, while 69 served as a control group.
The evaluation employed the Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA), a tool used to measure β-cell function (HOMA-β) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Pre- and post-consumption values provided crucial insights into the extract’s effects.
Key Findings
-Improvement in Insulin Secretion: Patients who consumed the extract showed a significant rebound in
HOMA-β values, from 11.3 to 65.7, indicating enhanced insulin secretory capacity. This improvement contrasts sharply with the control group, which experienced a decline from 13.5 to 11.9.
-Reduction in Insulin Resistance: The HOMA-IR values for the extract group dropped from 4.96 to 0.92, marking a substantial decrease in insulin resistance. Conversely, the control group saw no meaningful change, with their HOMA-IR remaining elevated at 3.72.
-Polyphenol Power: The polyphenols in Ficus pumila L. emerged as key players. Quercetin, Rutin, and other compounds interfered with mechanisms exacerbated by COVID-19, such as ACE2 receptor activity. These compounds also facilitated GLUT4 translocation in muscle cells, improving glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity.
Mechanisms of Action
The study identified multiple pathways through which the extract operates. SARS-CoV-2 proteins are known to interact with ACE2 receptors in pancreatic tissues, impairing insulin secretion and increasing resistance. The polyphenols in Ficus pumila L. inhibit these interactions, protect pancreatic β-cells, and restore GLUT4 expression in muscle cells. This multifaceted approach not only addresses immediate symptoms but also promotes long-term metabolic health.
Implications for Global Health
The implications of these findings are far-reaching. With diabetes cases surging globally post-COVID-19, a natural, low-cost intervention like Ficus pumila L. could revolutionize treatment protocols. The study’s emphasis on a traditional remedy underscores the importance of exploring indigenous knowledge systems for modern healthcare solutions.
Conclusion
The study underscores the potential of Ficus pumila L. extract in addressing post-COVID-19 diabetes, particularly among elderly populations. By enhancing insulin secretion and reducing insulin resistance, the extract offers a promising alternative to conventional treatments. The findings also highlight the importance of preserving and studying traditional medicines, which hold untapped solutions to modern health challenges. Further research is needed to confirm these results in broader populations and to explore the extract’s applicability in other forms of diabetes.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Nutrients.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/2/290
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