Detailed Product Description

The hypoglycemic action of yacon leaves has been demonstrated in a laboratory study with normal and diabetic rats by researchers in Argentina. A decoction of yacon leaves was reported to produce a significant decrease in blood sugar levels in normal rats when administered by injection or orally. In a glucose tolerance test, a single administration of the leaf decoction lowered the plasma glucose levels in normal rats. In contrast, a single oral or injectable administration of yacon leaf decoction produced no effect on the plasma glucose levels of laboratory-induced diabetic rats. However, the administration of a lower dosage of leaf tea instead of water for 30 days produced a significant hypoglycemic effect in laboratory-induced diabetic rats. The mechanism of action of these leaf extracts were insulin-like in the way they affected glucose metabolism. An in vitro study reports that the leaves also have antioxidant actions as well as a liver protective action by reducing free radical damage in rat liver cells (caused by alcohol).