Nature's Defense: Confronting Diabetes with Herbal Resilience


Title

Nature's Defense: Confronting Diabetes with Herbal Resilience

Creator

Zhang, Xiaoxu

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Department

Department of Food Science and Nutrition

Description

Upon discovering the widespread diabetes prevalence in China, I felt compelled to contribute as a food science student. Collaborating with Dr. Zhao Danyue in 2022, we explored how food supplements could counteract bile acid impacts on gut bacteria, offering relief for diabetes patients. The human colon's crucial microorganisms are disrupted in conditions like type 2 diabetes by factors such as bile acids. Our research focused on black raspberry and Schisandra chinensis, medicinal plants known for health benefits on probiotics. Schisandra showed superior efficacy, fostering beneficial bacteria growth, increasing short-chain fatty acids, and mitigating bile acid impact. This study reveals a promising avenue for safeguarding colonic bacteria in individuals battling diabetes, addressing the profound intersection of food and health.

Learning outcome/goal

Creativity and Innovation
Accountability and Motivation
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving
Continuous Improvement and Learning from Mistakes
Resourcefulness and Adaptability to New Contexts

Date

2024-01

Programme

BSc (Hons) Food Safety and Technology

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Keywords

Nutritional Biochemistry; Functional Foods and Bioactive Compounds; Microbial Ecology and Probiotics; Food Safety and Quality; Analytical Techniques in Food Science

Subject

Materia medica, Vegetable -- China
Dietary supplements
Probiotics
Diabetes

Rights

All rights reserved

Language

English

Type

Feature Story

Access Rights

open access