Anserine for Blood Sugar? What the Research Says

observational-study PMID: 20423561

Quick Summary: Research suggests that taking anserine, a compound found in meat, may help lower blood sugar levels. Studies in rats and humans showed promising results, potentially by affecting the body's nervous system.

Does Anserine Lower Blood Sugar?

Yes, early research indicates that anserine might help manage blood sugar. Studies have shown that anserine can reduce blood glucose levels in both rats and humans. It appears to work by influencing the body's autonomic nerves, which control things like digestion and heart rate.

What The Research Found

In Rats:

Anserine injections lowered blood sugar by about 26% after two hours.
It also decreased glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar.
The effects were blocked by a medication that affects histamine, suggesting a link to the nervous system.
Anserine seemed to calm the "fight or flight" nerves and activate the nerves involved in digestion.

In Humans:

Taking anserine orally reduced blood sugar during a glucose tolerance test (a test that measures how your body handles sugar).
Blood sugar was about 16% lower after 30 minutes.

Study Details

Who was studied: Rats with high blood sugar and 12 healthy men.

How long: The effects were measured over a few hours.

What they took: Rats received anserine injections or had it injected into their intestines. Humans took anserine orally. The exact doses weren't specified in the summary.

What This Means For You

This research is in its early stages, but it suggests that anserine could potentially help with blood sugar control. It might be especially helpful after meals when blood sugar levels tend to rise. However:

More research is needed: This is just one study, and we need more evidence to confirm these findings.

Talk to your doctor: Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking new supplements, especially if you have diabetes or other health conditions.

Consider your diet: Anserine is found in meat, so eating a balanced diet that includes protein sources may be beneficial.

Study Limitations

Small studies: The studies involved a small number of participants, so the results may not apply to everyone.

Short-term effects: The research only looked at the immediate effects of anserine. We don't know if it has long-term benefits or risks.

Unclear dosage: The exact amount of anserine used in the human study wasn't specified.

Only men were studied: The human study only included men, so we don't know if the results would be the same for women.

Key Findings

Anserine ingestion reduced hyperglycemia and modulated autonomic nerve activity in rats and humans. In rats, intraperitoneal anserine lowered blood glucose by 26% at 120 minutes post-administration (p<0.05) and decreased plasma glucagon by 34% (p<0.05). Thioperamide, a histamine receptor antagonist, negated these effects, suggesting histaminergic nerve involvement. Intraduodenal injection suppressed sympathetic nerve activity while enhancing vagal gastric efferent activity. In humans, oral anserine reduced blood glucose during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), with a 16% decrease observed at 30 minutes (p<0.05).

Study Design

This observational study combined animal and human trials. In rats:
- Sample: 8 hyperglycemic rats (intraperitoneal administration), 6 anesthetized rats (intraduodenal injection).
- Methods: Measured blood glucose and glucagon levels after anserine doses; neural activity assessed via nerve recordings.
In humans:
- Sample: 12 healthy male volunteers.
- Methods: Randomized, placebo-controlled OGTT with oral anserine.
Duration: Acute effects measured over 2 hours in rats, 1 hour in humans.

Dosage & Administration

Rats: Intraperitoneal doses unspecified (exact mg/kg not provided in summary); intraduodenal injection of 0.1 mg.
Humans: Oral administration of unspecified dose (study details omitted in summary). Route unspecified but implied to be co-administered with glucose.

Results & Efficacy

Rats:
Blood glucose: 26% reduction at 120 mins (p<0.05).
Plasma glucagon: 34% decrease (p<0.05).
Thioperamide reversed hypoglycemic effects.
Sympathetic nerve activity suppressed; vagal gastric efferent activity increased.
Humans:
Blood glucose 16% lower at 30 mins during OGTT (p<0.05).

Limitations

Observational design limits causal inference.
Small sample sizes (rats: n=8/6; humans: n=12 males only).
Doses for humans and intraperitoneal rat trials not quantified in summary.
Short-term effects only; no long-term safety or efficacy data.
Thioperamide interaction implies histamine receptors mediate effects, but mechanisms remain unclear.
No female participants in human trial; potential gender-specific differences unexplored.

Clinical Relevance

Anserine may support acute blood glucose regulation, particularly during glucose spikes (e.g., post-meal hyperglycemia). The human trial suggests oral administration could benefit metabolic health, though practical use requires standardized dosing and safety validation. The histamine-dependent mechanism implies potential interactions with antihistamines. Limited evidence warrants further research on chronic effects, optimal dosing, and applicability to diabetic populations. For now, anserine’s role remains speculative but promising for autonomic nerve modulation and glycemic control.

Note: This analysis is based solely on the provided study summary. Full methodology and results may include additional details not mentioned here.

Anserine for Blood Sugar? What the Research Says