Green Tea & Grape Seed Extracts for Glycemic Control

Controlling blood sugar level is considered an effective, long-term therapy for people with type-2 diabetes. One approach is to inhibit the action of specific enzymes, such as alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, which are responsible for carbohydrate digestion. Balz Frei, from Oregon State University (Oregon, USA), and colleagues completed in-vitro tests of grape seed and green tea extracts, finding that both are rich in epigallocatechin gallate, potent inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase.  As well, grape seed extract was found to be effective in inhibiting alpha-amylase. The study authors comment that: "use of plant extracts, especially grape seed and green tea extracts, [maybe] viable alternatives to pharmaceutical inhibitors of… alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase.”