Hadley, MA—Delta-tocotrienol from annatto has been shown in a new clinical study to improve glycemic control, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, according to a press release from American River Nutrition.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was published inPhytotherapy Research.It was performed on 110 patients with T2 diabetes. For 24 weeks, the patients received either a placebo or 250mg/day of DeltaGold tocotrienols. The participants were encouraged to perform regular physical activity, and continued using their typical hypoglycemic agents without insulin usage.

Researchers found improved glycemic control, reduction in the inflammation marker C-reactive protein, and a lower oxidative stress in the participants taking tocotrienols, as compared to patients on placebo.

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The study also points to secondary endpoints, which found significant reductions in fasting blood glucose, insulin, and the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance in the test group, while these biomarkers remained unchanged in the placebo group. Triglyceride levels also dropped significantly for the test group, as did cholesterol.

Dr. Barrie Tan, President of American River Nutrition, commented in a press release: “For the first time, tocotrienol has been shown to reduce functional insulin secretion and successfully manage blood sugar via multiple avenues, thereby improving T2 diabetes mellitus hyperglycemic control. It is well-known through previous clinical trials that tocopherol-free tocotrienol controls lipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Seeing these benefits extend to diabetes is not entirely unexpected, but remarkable nonetheless.”