'Metabolic Syndrome: Prevention & All-Natural Phytotherapy' - IHCAN Conferences Webinar

Can you take GlucoMedix® during breastfeeding?

As with many botanical supplements, safety is not documented in breastfeeding or pregnant women, or in children under age 3, due to insufficient safety research.

 

Can the GlucoMedix® supplement be given concurrently with medication?

Great question!

In addition to the above Q&A answer about use in breastfeeding, let me provide you with the safety and cautions information for the two botanicals in GlucoMedix®: Stevia rebaudiana and Uncaria tomentosa. 

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is generally well tolerated.  Nausea and dizziness have been known to occur, though at a similar rate to placebo, usually resolving after the first week of use. Stevia may theoretically increase pharmaceutical lithium levels due to increased diuresis and decreased lithium excretion. Stevia may theoretically have additive effects when taken concurrently with hypoglycaemic and hypotensive medications.

Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is generally well tolerated. Gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, constipation and diarrhoea have been reported. Cats’ claw may inhibit P450 CYP3A4 enzymes and therefore may slow the metabolism of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. Cat’s claw should be avoided in those taking immunosuppressants, as it may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy. It may have additive effects with anticoagulants, generally attributed to the TOAs rhynchophylline and isorhynchophlline, as well as additive effects with hypotensive drugs, generally attributed to the TOAs rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline.  As a reminder, Samento cat’s claw is TOA-free, with levels in trace amounts or undetectable.

Let me also mention the GlucoMedix® clinical research discussed in the webinar in which 6 adult Hispanic T2D patients used this all-natural phytotherapy.  The study concluded that GlucoMedix® ‘can be used beneficially in conjunction with existing pharmaceutical or biological therapy regimens, and in some cases can replace in whole or in part the requirement for pharmaceutical or biologic therapies.’  I would, of course, add the caution that patients would need close monitoring—including blood glucose levels and blood pressure levels—because use of GlucoMedix® may have additive effect.

It is always important to consult an up-to-date suitable source of information, such as The Natural Medicines Database, to determine safety of use.

 

Vitamin K2 is essential for health. Why is NutraMedix Nattokinase vitamin K2 free?

Another great question! 

Whilst vitamin K2 is, indeed, essential for health, including for metabolic health, insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles, vitamin K2 is contraindicated alongside use of anticoagulant medications containing vitamin K antagonists (e.g. warfarin) or in kidney disease.

Patients who take warfarin are normally told, by their doctor, to be cautious about eating food that contains a large amount of vitamin K2 such as natto because such food weakens the effect of warfarin. 

The NutraMedix Nattokinase product uses a vitamin K2-removal technology so that even those on warfarin can use NutraMedix Nattokinase.

 

Can you explain how GlucoMedix® works — on what pathways?

Another great question!

There are several studies looking at how, in particular, stevia (one of the botanicals in GlucoMedix®) might provide these beneficial effects.

A 2021 study found that ‘in diabetic gastrocnemius muscles, stevioside (found in stevia) normalized the altered levels of lipid peroxidase, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical, antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, GPx and GSH—i.e. catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione) and molecules of insulin signalling including insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate-1 and Akt mRNA levels. Furthermore, Stevioside enhances glucose uptake and oxidation in diabetic muscles by augmenting glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) synthesis very effectively in a similar way to metformin. Results of molecular docking analysis evidenced the higher binding affinity with IRS-1 and GLUT4. Stevioside effectively inhibits oxidative stress and promotes glucose uptake in diabetic gastrocnemius muscles by activating IR/IRS-1/Akt/GLUT4 pathway.’  Deenadayalan et al (2021) Molecules 26(24):7689

A 2020 study looking at metabolic disorders in diabetic rats found that Stevia might attenuate diabetic complications via manipulating the glucose uptake components in peripheral tissues and might exert the nephroprotective effects by modulation of AQP2 (aquporin-2) and Nrf2/Keap1 mRNA expression.  Bayat et al (2020) Journal of Food Biochemistry 44(8):13252 

According to Ray et al (2020),* ‘the mechanisms by which stevioside increases GLUT4 translocation (were) found to be due to activation of PI3K/Akt pathway, a known intracellular signalling sequence triggered when insulin binds to insulin receptors. Elevated phosphorylation of molecules in this pathway, IGF-1R, PI3K and Akt, when treated with either insulin or the stevioside mixtures indicated a common pathway for insulin and stevioside signalling.’ The study referenced is: Prata et al (2017) Oxid Med Cell Longev 2017:3724545   *Ray et al (2020) Int J Clin Res Trials 2020: 5 doi:10.15344/2456-8007/2020/142   

With regard to the cardioprotective effects of GlucoMedix® in a 2020 study of the cardioprotective effects of stevia and exercise in type 2 diabetic rates, stevia offered more cardioprotective effects than exercise.  This cardioprotective effect ‘might be due to attenuation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, sympathetic nerve density and fibrosis and upregulation of the antioxidant transcription factor, Nrf2.’  Hussein et al (2020) Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders – Drug Targets 20:1117-1132.

Use of stevia/steviosides may also associate with decreased inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha.

Botanicals often have a number of active properties and so may work on a variety of pathways.  Research is still confirming on which pathways the GlucoMedix® product’s constituent botanicals exert effect.

 

Why the link between lactose intolerance and abdominal obesity?

Whilst there may be a link between lactose intolerance and abdominal obesity, it does not directly cause it. Lactose intolerance may be a contributory factor for some individuals. 

Some studies suggest that dairy consumption may associate with a lower risk of obesity and abdominal obesity, and low dairy fat intake was associated with a higher risk of central obesity. Holmberg and Thelin (2014) Scand J Prim Health Care 31(2):89-94

And the CARDIA (coronary artery risk development in young adults) study (2002) concluded that their results suggest ‘that dietary patterns characterized by increased dairy consumption may protect overweight individuals from the development of obesity and the Insulin Resistance Syndrome, which are key risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.’ Pereira et al (2002) JAMA 287(16):2081-2089    And it has been suggested this may, in part, be due to what replaces dairy in such dairy-free diets.

Additionally, a 2019 study found ‘the present evidence suggests that whole-fat dairy foods do not cause weight gain, that overall dairy consumption increases lean body mass and reduces body fat, that yogurt consumption and probiotics reduce weight gain, that fermented dairy consumption including cheese is linked to lower CVD risk, and that yogurt, cheese, and even dairy fat may protect against type 2 diabetes. Based on the current science, dairy consumption is part of a healthy diet, without strong evidence to favour reduced-fat products; while intakes of probiotic-containing unsweetened and fermented dairy products such as yogurt and cheese appear especially beneficial.’  Mozaffarian (2019) Adv Nutr 10(5):917S-923S

The link (for some clients) may not, as I said, be direct, but it may be, in part, with what replaces the dairy-based foods/ingredients in the diet.

 

I have a 69 year old metabolic syndrome client who has given up all sugary products and has lost almost a stone in about a month. The client is losing weight in other places, but tummy fat is still quite ballooned. How do you encourage the body to reduce visceral fat circumference specifically? Would GlucoMedix® help reduce stubborn abdominal fat?

Well done to your metabolic syndrome client for giving up all sugary products and losing almost a stone! 

To help encourage the body to reduce visceral fat it is recommended to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly (both aerobic and strength training) and reduce stress. Is your client also doing regular exercise?  And might stress be a factor? And are they getting optimal and quality sleep?

Visceral fat is apparently easier to lose than subcutaneous fat because it metabolizes quicker and the body gets rid of it via sweat or urine.  Results of a change to healthier eating and regular exercise may take two to three months to see.

Sometimes bloating can be an overlapping problem alongside ‘belly fat.’  Does the client have any digestive problems?  Or might the client have fluid retention?  Is the client drinking plenty of water to help with digestion and prevent fluid retention? Bloating can also be a side effect of some medications.

There is also the issue that loose skin may be a problem following weight loss—where stretched skin doesn’t fully retract, leading to hanging folds of skin and fat. Skin loses elasticity naturally as we age and so your 69 year old client’s skin may not be returning back to its original shape.

Use of GlucoMedix® may help the client to support further weight loss and to normalize blood pressure and blood glucose. 

 

Does GlucoMedix® contain alcohol?

GlucoMedix® is a proprietary blend of hydro-ethanol extracts from stevia leaf and Samento™ cat’s claw bark.  So, yes, since it is a hydro-ethanol extract, GlucoMedix® contains ethanol and this is important for a number of reasons.

At NutraMedix, we prioritize creating effective and bioavailable herbal extracts to support your patients’ health. One critical aspect of our process is the use of food-grade ethanol (24%) in our extraction formulas. This approach is backed by scientific evidence, ensuring that our products deliver the maximum therapeutic benefits for your patients.

NutraMedix use alcohol in herbal extracts for some of the reasons listed below.

• Superior Extraction for Full-Spectrum Benefits
  • Ethanol allows extraction of both water-soluble and fat-soluble compounds, ensuring a full-spectrum herbal product. While water-only extractions are limited to hydrophilic compounds, ethanol provides access to a broader range of active constituents. Ethanol also outperforms glycerin in extracting a more comprehensive profile of beneficial components. The result is a hydro-ethanol extract that delivers a robust spectrum of plant-based constituents to meet diverse health needs.
• Enhanced Bioavailability
  • Rapid Absorption: ethanol’s pharmacokinetic properties allow it to be absorbed directly from the stomach (20%) and the small intestine (80%), offering a highly efficient delivery system for herbal compounds.
  • Facilitated Cellular Uptake: ethanol’s lipophilic and hydrophilic properties alter cellular membrane permeability, enabling beneficial compounds to enter cells more effectively. When used in the recommended dosages, the ethanol content in NutraMedix extracts is metabolized quickly, without concerns about accumulation or toxicity.
• A Natural and Safe Solution
  • Endogenously Produced Ethanol: low levels of ethanol are naturally produced in the human intestinal tract and can be measured in the bloodstream.
  • Common in Everyday Foods: ethanol is naturally present in many fermented foods, often in higher amounts than what is found in a typical dose of NutraMedix herbal extracts.
    • For example:
      • 4 oz of yoghurt contains approximately 0.02 g ethanol
      • 4 oz (half cup) of apple juice contains approximately 0.28 g ethanol
      • 4 oz of grape juice contains approximately 0.91 g ethanol
      • A simple burger bun contains approximately 1.2 g ethanol
    • By comparison, a standard 20-drop dose of NutraMedix extract contains only 0.18 g of ethanol—less than many commonly consumed foods.
  • Stability and Shelf Life
    • Long-Lasting Products: alcohol extracts can remain shelf-stable up to 5 years, compared to 1-2 years for glycerin extracts and 48 hours for medicinal teas. This ensures consistent potency and efficacy, reducing the risk of degradation or loss of therapeutic value over time.

The use of ethanol by NutraMedix reflects our commitment to delivering evidence-based, high-quality products that meet the needs of practitioners and patients alike. By combining science-backed extraction methods with a focus on efficacy and bioavailability, we ensure that our herbal extracts are both effective and practical for integrative medicine practices.