Grapefruit and helichrysum act against diabetes and obesity. This is one of the conclusions of the thesis of Ana Laura de la Garza (Monterrey, 1983), doctor of the department of Food Science and Physiology of the School of Pharmacy of the University of Navarra.

His work 'Anti-obesity and anti-diabetic properties of two natural extracts rich in flavonoids (Helichrysum and Grapefruit): physiological and molecular mechanisms', has been directed by Full Professor Alfredo Martínez and co-directed by Senior Associate Professor Fermín Milagro, both from Nutrition at the University of Navarra.

The study, conducted in in vitro, ex vivo and animal model assays, provides three main conclusions: natural extracts of grapefruit and helichrysum, rich in flavonoids, have hypoglycemic properties in the intestine, improve hyperglycemia by regulating glucose metabolism in the liver, and present beneficial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties against diabetes and obesity.

Benefits of Mediterranean fruits and plants

According to the new doctor, "the study of the physiological and molecular mechanisms of the grapefruit and the helichrysum plant, both Mediterranean, has provided hopeful clues to combat diabetes and obesity in their possible application in humans". This statement responds to the results of the research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry and Food & Function, two of the most important scientific journals in their field.

To learn about the hypoglycemic properties of these natural extracts, De la Garza observed that supplementing them to rats and mice inhibits the activity of two specific enzymes of carbohydrate digestion (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and decreases glucose absorption in the intestine. In the improvement of hyperglycemia in diabetic mice, the researcher perceived that they regulate glucose metabolism in the liver (glucokinase) and reduce obesity-associated inflammation in liver and adipose tissue. In turn, these natural extracts stand out for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities since, in overweight rats with insulin resistance, the expert found that they increased the beneficial metabolic effects associated with calorie restriction.

To carry out this study, within the research center in Nutrition of the University of Navarra and in partnership with the biotechnological company Biosearch Life, the doctor first did the Master's Degree European School in Foo d, Nutrition and Metabolism of the of Pharmacy and, later, a research stay in the department of Nutritional Sciences of the University of Vienna. She was supported by the scholarship of the association de Amigos and the Foundation business, both of the University of Navarra.