Bilberry Leaf Polyphenols and Inulin for Glycemic Control

Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) leaf extract, enriched with inulin, demonstrated significant potential for improving glycemic control and metabolic health. Chlorogenic acid was identified as the major bioactive constituent, alongside quercetin derivatives including hyperoside, rutin, isoquercitrin, and quercitrin. These phytochemicals exerted antihyperglycemic effects through the inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, key enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion, thereby reducing the rate of glucose release and absorption. The incorporation of inulin further enhanced α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, indicating a synergistic interaction between bilberry polyphenols and the prebiotic fiber. In a high-fat, high-sucrose mouse model, both the bilberry extract and the inulin-enriched formulation significantly reduced blood glucose levels after 90 days, with the combined formulation showing the most pronounced improvement. Bilberry leaf polyphenols, particularly when combined with inulin help regulate glucose metabolism and support glycemic control, highlighting their potential as functional food ingredients for the prevention and supportive management of type 2 diabetes.

Source : https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/15/5/903