Metabolic Syndrome: Treating with Diet, Exercise and Insulin-Supportive Herbs

Lise Naugle, ND
James L. Wilson, ND, PhD

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a well-known concept used to describe an aggregation of risk factors including hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and central obesity. Despite some disagreement on its exact definition,¹ the lack of understanding of its specific pathogenesis, and the question of whether the associated signs and symptoms yield any more risk than the sum of the individual parts,² this constellation of symptoms has proven to be a very useful clinical tool. MetS is associated with a proinflammatory and prothrombotic state which increases an individual’s risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus³ and cardiovascular disease.⁴ Early detection and treatment may prevent progression to more serious pathology.

The most commonly used diagnostic criteria for MetS is that of The National Education Program’s Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III). The ATP III defines MetS as the presence of at least 3 of the following clinical signs⁵:

• Blood pressure >130/85 mm Hg*
• Plasma triglycerides > 150 mg/dL*
• HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) <40 mg/dl in men and <50 mg/dL in women*
• Waist circumference >40 inches in men and >35 inches in women
• Fasting blood glucose > 110 mg/dL*

* If any of the clinical laboratory measurements are outside the normal range, the tests should be repeated and confirmed before making a diagnosis.

Other organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE), and the European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance (EGIR) have similar definitions with minor variations. Some important differences are the WHO’s inclusion of microalbuminuria > 20µg/min.⁶ Microalbuminuria, or tiny amounts of albumin detected in the urine, is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in MetS.⁷ EGIR’s inclusion of elevated fasting insulin levels adds an important diagnostic and therapeutic element, ie, insulin resistance (IR), to the accuracy of the diagnosis.⁸ IR is a condition in which cells fail to respond to insulin at its normal circulating levels. Insulin is required for glucose absorption. IR is one of the first measurable abnormalities in people who later develop type 2 diabetes, IR promotes many associated pathologies, and IR is the hallmark of MetS.⁹ Although numerous underlying risk factors precipitate the development of MetS – including physical inactivity, hormonal imbalance, and genetic predisposition – IR and abdominal obesity appear to be the most important.¹⁰

Incidence

The incidence of MetS is widespread. An analysis of NHANES III data from 1998-1994, using the criteria later adopted by NCEP/ATP III, suggested an overall prevalence of MetS in the United States to be 21.8%.¹¹ The prevalence of MetS in participants aged 60-69 years rose to 43.5%, compared to 6.7% among people 20-29 years old.A more recent estimate,¹² from data collected from 2003-2006 and using the NCEP/ATP III definition, suggests that 34% of people in the United States meet the criteria. However, the prevalence of MetS varies somewhat by gender and ethnicity and considerably by age.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is made by repeated elevations of the same 3 of the 5 indicators listed above.^5,13 Intra-abdominal fat (IAF) has been independently associated with all 5 MetS criteria.¹³ Adding IR as a separate diagnosis increases the accuracy of the diagnosis, especially among the obese.¹⁴ Using the Homeostasis Model Assessment of IR (HOMA-IR), IR is diagnosed by fasting insulin levels of  >3.16 µIU/mL or a fasting insulin:glucose ratio (also known as FIGR) of less than 7.¹⁴ Clinically, the best and easiest way to identify IR in individuals with a fasting plasma glucose of <6.4 mmol/L is the presence of visceral adiposity along with the NCEP criteria of elevated triglycerides and waist circumference.¹³

Diet and exercise have been shown to be important tools in the treatment of MetS. A meta-analysis¹⁵ of 34 studies found that for type 2 diabetics, aerobic exercise alone or in combination with resistance training at least 2 times per week at 60-85% of maximum heart rate results in a statistically significant improvement in several factors associated with MetS, including glycemic control, triglyceride levels, systolic blood pressure, and waist circumference. In healthy individuals, 30-60 minutes of moderate physical exercise 5 days a week was also found to result in improved insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles, and a decrease in MetS components compared to controls.¹⁶

Several dietary approaches have been shown to be beneficial, though there is yet to be universal agreement on a single dietary approach. However, most authorities agree that reducing refined carbohydrates, such as white flour and sugar, is crucial. In one study¹⁷ of obese men and women with MetS, participants were assigned to 1 of 2 hypocaloric diets: one with primarily whole grains or one with refined grains. Body weight decreased significantly in each group. Waist circumference, body fat percentage and cholesterol levels also decreased in each group, but the whole-grain group had a significantly greater decrease in body fat percentage. In addition, the whole-grain group experienced significantly greater reductions in the level of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), an inflammatory marker and important predictor of cardiovascular events.

A randomized, single-blind trial¹⁸ tested the effects of a Mediterranean-style diet on patients with MetS. Patients in a control group were advised to eat a modest diet of 50-60% carbohydrates, 15-20% protein, and less than 30% fat. Patients in the Mediterranean-style diet group were asked to eat a diet within the same macronutrient parameters, with the additional recommendations to limit saturated fat to less than 10% and cholesterol to less than 300 mg per day, and to increase their consumption of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, walnuts, and olive oil. Patients who ate the Mediterranean-style diet had significantly reduced proinflammatory cytokines, as well as hs-CRP. In addition, their endothelial function improved and they had decreased IR compared to controls.

In addition to lifestyle and dietary modifications, there are a number of herbs that can be used to increase insulin sensitivity and help normalize blood glucose levels. Several of these have been studied specifically for their effects on MetS. It is the author’s (JW) experience that their therapeutic effects are increased when used in combination.

Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum verum

Cinnamon (both cassia and verum forms) was the most effective of 49 medicinal herbs, spices and plants evaluated for their insulin-like actions or insulin-potentiating ability on rat adipocytes in vitro.¹⁹ Cinnamon appears to potentiate insulin action by enhancing insulin signaling pathways and stimulating glucose uptake.²⁰

Human studies are encouraging as well. One crossover experiment²¹ looked at the effect of 6 grams of ground cinnamon ingestion versus control on postprandial glycemic response in both normal-weight and obese subjects. The consumption of cinnamon significantly reduced the 120-minute glucose area under the curve (24%) as well as blood glucose at 15, 30 and 45 minutes, though blood sugar did rise at 120 minutes. The authors suggested that cinnamon may be effective at modulating glucose response in normal and obese individuals.

A single-blind, randomized, crossover study of healthy adults showed that ingestion of 3 grams per day of Cinnamomum cassia for 14 days resulted in improved glycemic control and insulin sensitivity, although the improvements were not sustained after the cinnamon intake was stopped.²² In a placebo-controlled pilot study,²³ women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, (a disorder associated with IR) were given either placebo or 333 mg cinnamon TID (approximately 1 gm/day) for 8 weeks. Significant reductions in fasting glucose and IR occurred in the cinnamon group, apparently facilitated through an increase in glucose utilization. A review article written in 2010 reports that cinnamon or its constituents have beneficial effects on multiple factors associated with MetS, including serum glucose and lipids, IR, inflammation, antioxidants, blood pressure, and body weight.²⁴

Gymnema sylvestre

Gymnema is a traditional medicinal plant native to the tropical forests of India. It has been used historically to treat blood sugar disorders, and chewing the leaves actually suppresses the ability to taste sweetness. Gymnema has the ability to inhibit glucose absorption in the intestines in guinea pigs and Wistar rats,²⁵ and has been demonstrated to restore the architecture and function of the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells in an animal model of diabetes using Wistar rats.²⁶

Type 2 diabetics who took an extract of gymnema orally for 18-20 months along with conventional drugs showed significant reductions in blood sugar levels and glycosylated end-products compared to patients taking conventional drugs alone.²⁷ The patients taking gymnema were able to reduce their conventional drug dosage. In fact, 5 of the 22 patients were able to discontinue their drugs and maintain their blood glucose using only the extract. In another study,²⁸ oral administration of a gymnema extract to insulin-dependent diabetics resulted in decreases in insulin requirements, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and glycosylated plasma proteins. Serum lipids returned to near-normal levels and there was evidence of direct regeneration of pancreatic beta cells. Patients who were treated only with insulin did not show any significant reduction in HbA1c, glycosylated plasma proteins, or serum lipids.

Momordica charantia

A review of over 100 studies of momordica, also known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, has shown its use as a medicinal agent, particularly in the treatment of diabetes and its complications.²⁹ In an animal model of diabetes using Wistar rats, momordica demonstrated a number of benefits, including significant improvements in fasting blood glucose, serum insulin and beta cell function.³⁰ In a model of MetS using Zucker rats,³¹ momordica significantly reduced serum total cholesterol and LDL-C levels, significantly increased HDL-C levels, and reduced hepatic lipids. It also significantly lowered expression of the proinflammatory mediator, NF-kappa B (thereby offering cardio-protective effects), and reduced glucose to a level similar to that of healthy rats.

In a human trial,³² men and women with MetS were given 4.8 gm of momordica as freeze-dried, powdered, whole plant daily for 3 months. At the end of 3 months, patients taking momordica showed a significant decrease in waist circumference and a non-significant decrease in indicators of IR. The authors reported an overall 19% decrease in MetS and believe that their study provides justification for a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in the future.

Trigonella foenum-graecum

Trigonella, or fenugreek, is often used in various cuisines and has also proven to be valuable as a medicinal plant. One study³³ examined trigonella’s effect on both the development of diabetes in healthy mice fed a high-fat diet and the progression of disease in mice with established diabetes. In both groups, it had an anti-diabetic effect, decreasing blood glucose levels, IR and triglycerides. In an animal model of MetS using Wistar rats,³⁴ trigonella significantly reduced hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, elevations in atherogenic markers, oxidative stress, and impairments of liver function.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on humans with mild-to-moderate type 2 diabetes. One group received 1 gm/day of an alcohol extract of the seeds, while the other group was given a placebo and instructions in dietary planning. At the end of 2 months, the trigonella group showed significantly lower insulin and area under the curve of blood glucose, a significant increase in HDL-C, a reduction in serum triglycerides, and a decrease in IR.³⁵

Tinospora cordifolia

Tinospora, sometimes known as guduchi or gulvel, is a climbing shrub found in India. It is highly valued in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its tonic and immune-supportive properties. It can also be helpful with associated metabolic imbalances. Animal studies with Wistar rats have shown a significant anti-hyperglycemic effect in mild-to-moderate hyperglycemia,³⁶ as well as beneficial effects on fructose-induced hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and oxidative stress.³⁷ The herb is recommended for people who have metabolic disorders including insulin resistance and diabetes.³⁷

Eugenia jambolana

Eugenia jambolana, also called black plum, jamun or jambul, is an herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes. In an animal study with albino Wistar rats, the seeds showed the ability to significantly reduce blood sugar, serum triglycerides and LDL-C.³⁸ The fruit pulp also exhibited anti-hyperglycemic activity in diabetic rabbits.^39,40

Although the etiology of obesity-induced IR is multifactorial and complex, it is the primary factor underlying the current epidemics of MetS and type 2 diabetes.⁴¹ Treatment should begin with aerobic exercise at least twice a week at 60-85% maximum heart rate¹⁵ for approximately 40 minutes plus dietary interventions. Suggested dietary modifications include reduction of refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, trans fats and calories, while increasing whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and olive oil. In addition to lifestyle modifications, medicinal plants such as cinnamon, gymnema, momordica, trigonella, tinospora, and eugenia – alone or preferably in combination – can be effective herbal therapies to improve glycemic control and insulin sensitivity and reduce additional risk factors for MetS.

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Lise Naugle, ND, the Director of Clinical Support and Education at ICA Health,  provides consultations to healthcare professionals on clinical assessment and treatment of difficult cases related to stress and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction. Using the latest research in endocrinology, botanical medicines and nutrition, she creates educational materials and presentations for physicians and the public. Dr Naugle is a graduate of Bastyr University, and was in private practice for 11 years.

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James Wilson, ND, PhD is the author of Adrenal Fatigue: The 21^st Century Stress Syndrome and is an internationally recognized lecturer and authority on stress. He coined the term ‘adrenal fatigue’ and was the first to present it as a distinct, diagnosable syndrome. One of the founders of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, he has been a trailblazer for naturopathic medicine for over 3 decades. Dr. Wilson is the founder and product formulator for ICA Health, a company that focuses on dietary supplements and clinical solutions for stress.

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