Supplements to address the many aspects of metabolic syndrome
Supplements to address the many aspects of metabolic syndromeOne of the biggest challenges that many patients face is metabolic syndrome.This clustering of disease factors, including high blood pressure, imbalanced cholesterol levels, elevated triglycerides, high blood sugar and unhealthy weight, is one of the major health issues of our time.
Fortunately, while recommendations for lifestyle and dietary changes may be necessary for some patients, supplemental nutrients can address many aspects of metabolic syndrome.
Blood sugar and weight
Certainly, one of the most visible and recognizable aspects of metabolic syndrome is issues with weight, which are generally accompanied by problems with blood sugar. For controlling blood sugar, a regimen including a supplemental source of berberine, plus a botanical, vitamin and mineral complex featuring clinically studied Hintonia latiflora is recommended.
Berberine is highly regarded for blood sugar support and for its overall metabolic benefits. In fact, in a clinical trial, berberine lowered fasting and postprandial glucose right from the very beginning of the study through its three-month entirety. It also lowered A1C levels from 8.1% to 7.3%, reduced fasting plasma insulin by 28% and decreased insulin resistance by 44%. The results were similar to results in the group treated with the drug metformin.
Berberine stimulates glycolysis, assisting the process of releasing energy from sugars so they are used up by the mitochondria as fuel rather than overloading the bloodstream or being converted into triglycerides and stored as fat.2
Secondly, berberine inhibits alpha glucosidase, an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates in the intestines. That, in turn, slows sugar absorption and reduces spikes in the bloodstream.2
But because berberine can be difficult to absorb, consider recommending a berberine supplement that has been combined with gamma cyclodextrin, a polysaccharide shown to increase the bioavailability of some harder-to-absorb ingredients by as much as eight times.
Another blood-sugar-regulating botanical is a bark extract of Hintonia latiflora, a small tree grown in the Sonoran Desert.
Like berberine, Hintonia inhibits glucosidases and slows the breakdown and absorption of sugar in the gut. This delays the release of sugar into the bloodstream and keeps glucose levels stable, rather than allowing them to spike, a main cause of excessive insulin release.
A polyphenol nutrient found in Hintonia, called coutareagenin, appears to be responsible for other blood-sugar-controlling benefits of the botanical, including reducing insulin resistance and inflammation. In fact, clinical research has shown Hintonia is so effective that, in some cases, patients with Type 2 diabetes could reduce or eliminate their need for medications.
One clinical study of 177 individuals with either Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes tested a Hintonia extract combined with additional nutrients, including vitamins B1, B6, B12, folic acid, chromium, zinc and vitamins C and E for eight months.10
Throughout the duration of the study, individuals taking anti-diabetic prescription drugs simply stayed on their medication, adding the Hintonia and nutrient combination to their existing regimen. After eight months, the results were impressive: The participants’ A1C levels improved by an average of 10.4% and fasting and postprandial glucose readings improved by an average of 23.3% and 24.9%, respectively.10
Plus, of the 114 patients using antidiabetic drugs at the beginning of the study, 35 reduced their medication and 10 participants stopped using conventional medication entirely because it was no longer necessary.10
To assist with weight reduction, it’s best to have a regular intake of strong anti-inflammatory nutrients. Curcumin blended with turmeric essential oil for enhanced absorption and a French grape seed extract especially standardized for readily absorbable oligomeric proanthocyanidins are two top recommendations. The curcumin has been shown to reduce fasting glucose levels, lower weight and hip circumference and boost levels of adiponectin in just 10 weeks.
In scientific research, French grape seed extract normalized blood sugar levels, stopped abdominal fat buildup and boosted fat-fighting adiponectin by up to 61% compared to a control group.
Cardiovascular concerns from metabolic syndrome
High blood pressure, cholesterol balance and other cardiovascular issues are very much a part of metabolic syndrome. Two botanicals that address these concerns are red sage and red ginseng.
Red sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza), also popularly known as Danshen, has been used in traditional Chinese practice for thousands of years as a heart-invigorating and restoring natural medicine. And in the past 20 years, it has been extensively studied for cardiovascular benefits.
Red sage inhibits the actions of oxidases, enzymes that would make low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol “stickier” in the blood vessels and cause blood clotting. It also boosts levels of antioxidant glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase and increases levels of vasodilating nitric oxide to reduce blood pressure.14
In one review of more than 80 clinical studies, red sage was reported to improve cardiovascular inflammatory markers, electrocardiogram readings, frequency of cases of angina and blood pressure.14 Another review of 60 clinical studies found the herb to be more effective than isosorbide dinitrate, a commonly prescribed medication for angina.
In addition to red sage, red ginseng (Panax ginseng) also boosts levels of nitric oxide, helping keep blood vessels relaxed, flexible and strong. Plus, red ginseng can help individuals recover more quickly from previous cardiac events, making it an excellent recommendation for patients who may have dealt with serious cardiovascular-related aspects of metabolic syndrome in the past.
Cortisol and thyroid
Habitual “fight or flight” adrenal responses or a sluggish thyroid performance can drag down your patients’ moods and metabolism. But there are options for these situations, too.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is highly effective at reducing stress and moderating cortisol levels. In one 60-day placebo-controlled clinical test, measuring anxiety, stress, depression and fatigue, participants in the ashwagandha group noted a 44% reduction, while the placebo group saw only a 5.5% reduction in their perceived stress scale (PSS scores).
Results in the depression anxiety stress scale (DASS) questionnaire were impressive as well; the ashwagandha group saw reductions in depression symptoms by 77%, anxiety by 75.6% and stress by 64.2%. Additionally, ashwagandha reduced cortisol levels by 27.9% versus 7.9% in the placebo group.
Bioavailable B vitamins and folate help synthesize serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. A clinical study found that in just two weeks, boosting intakes of vitamin C reduced fear of public speaking, lowered blood pressure and helped cortisol levels level off faster. Additionally, a four-week clinical study with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation reported it balanced cortisol levels and reduced spikes of the hormone in both men and women.
For thyroid-specific concerns, a supplement that includes three forms of iodine (molecular iodine, sodium iodide and potassium iodide) or one that combines iodine with amino acid L-tyrosine to support T3 and T4 production is recommended.
Final thoughts on metabolic syndrome
Because metabolic syndrome can consist of multiple factors, effective treatment may require a wide-spectrum approach. While lifestyle measures, such as diet and exercise, should be part of this process, so too can nutrients that can help your patients overcome this common, but not inevitable, condition.
Holly Lucille, ND, RN, is a renowned naturopathic doctor, educator, author and media personality. She’s authored books on natural hormone health and has been featured on Dr. Oz, The Doctors and Time magazine’s “Alt List” as one of the top influencers. In 2012, she launched “Myth-Defying with Dr. Holly” and now hosts the “Mindful Medicine” podcast. Lucille believes in the science, art and mystery of healing and has a heartfelt passion for the individual wellness of all people. Her private practice in Los Angeles, Healing from Within Healthcare, focuses on comprehensive naturopathic medicine and individualized care. This article was written on behalf of EuroMedica. For more information, visit euromedicausa.com.
References
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- Lan J, et al. Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and hypertension. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;161:69-81. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25498346/. Accessed May 20, 2025.
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Bhagavan HN, et al. Assessment of coenzyme Q10 absorption using an in vitro digestion-Caco-2 cell model. Int J Pharm. 2007;333(1-2):112-117. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17092667/. Accessed May 20, 2025.
Mata R, et al. Mexican antidiabetic herbs: valuable sources of inhibitors of α-glucosidases. J Nat Prod. 2013;76(3):468-483. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23398496/. Accessed May 20, 2025.
Cristians S, et al. Hypoglycemic activity of extracts and compounds from the leaves of Hintonia standleyana and H. latiflora: Potential alternatives to the use of stem bark of these species. Journal of Natural Products, 2009;72(3);408-413. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19140696/. Accessed May 20, 2025.
Korec R, et al. Effects of the neoflavonoid coutareagenin, one of the antidiabetic active substances of Hintonia latiflora, on streptozotocin-indicted diabetes mellitus in rats. Arzneimittelforschung. 2000;50(2):122-128. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10719614/. Accessed May 20, 2025.
Chen J, et al. Natural flavonoids as potential herbal medication for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its complications. Nat Prod Commun. 2015;10(1):187-200. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25920244/. Accessed May 20,2025.
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Korecova M, Hladikova M. Treatment of mild and moderate type-2 diabetes: Open prospective trial with Hintonia latiflora extract. Eur J Med Res. 2014;19(1):16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24678614/. Accessed May 20, 2025.
