AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein
kinase) is an enzyme that regulates energy metabolism. When the cells sense energy depletion, AMPK
is activated to stimulate energy production and limit energy utilization. Found in every cell, AMPK promotes longevity factors
that have been shown to extend life and “turn off” many damaging effects of
aging. AMPK activity declines in aging,
excess calorie consumption, and/or low levels of physical activity, increasing
the risk of obesity, diabetes, fatigue, and the chronic diseases of aging.
AMPK enhances energy metabolism while suppressing
inflammatory responses. It can inhibit the oxidative stresses which are
involved in metabolic disorders and the aging process, improve stress resistance
and extend the lifespan of cells while reducing inflammation.
AMPK increases glucose uptake in the cells, reducing insulin
sensitivity. It helps control appetite
and energy expenditure. Current evidence
indicates that AMPK activation may reduce risk for atherosclerosis, heart
attack, and stroke; help manage congestive heart failure; ameliorate metabolic
syndrome, reduce risk for diabetes type 2, and improve glycemic control in
diabetics; reduce risk of weight gain and improve weight loss; decrease risk
for a number of common cancers while improving prognosis in cancer therapy; decrease
risk for dementia and possibly other neurodegenerative disorders; help to
preserve the proper structure of bone and cartilage; and provide aid in the prevention
and control of autoimmunity.
AMPK has been demonstrated to inhibit synthesis of fatty
acids, cholesterol, and formation of fatty liver, while increasing fatty acid
oxidation, muscle glucose transport, formation of mitochondria and reduction of
caloric intake. It influences metabolism
in fat cells while suppressing the adipose dysfunction and inflammation. It promotes cellular energy production by
initiating mitochondrial biogenesis.
AMPK Activators:
·
Exercise—AMPK
is activated by exercise and may be why exercise reduces blood sugar, increases
metabolism and reduces obesity.
·
Metformin—this
diabetic drug causes AMPK to be activated in the liver, suppressing
gluconeogenisis, enhancing glucose uptake in the cells and reducing insulin resistance.
·
Berberine—a
naturally occurring bright yellow botanical that has been commonly used in
traditional Chinese and Korean medicines as an antimicrobial/antifungal and as
a treatment for Diabetes Type 2. It has
been shown in clinical trials to be as effective as Metformin in reducing blood
sugar and insulin sensitivity, and recent studies show that a good part of the
effects of Berberine are because of AMPK activation.
·
Alpha
Lipoic Acid—this naturally occurring short-chain fatty acid is an essential
co-factor of enzymes in the mitochondria, and is best known for its powerful effects
as an antioxidant. Recent studies have
demonstrated impressive effects of ALA on many aspects of metabolic regulation and weight loss,
and these appear to be largely dependent on AMPK activation.
·
Polyphenols
such as Resveratrol, found in red
wine, red and dark grapes, vinegar and other plants stimulate AMPK activity in
a variety of cell types including liver, skeletal muscle, neurons, and cancer
cells.
 |
| Gynostemma pentophyllum |
·
Gynostemma pentaphyllum--widely used in Asian countries as an herbal medicine named Jiaogulan to treat dyslipidemia, Diabetes Type 2 and inflammation. Pharmacological research has indicated therapeutic properties in lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure, strengthening immunity, and inhibiting tumors. Until recently it was a locally known herb used primarily in southern China and northern Vietnam. It is known as the "immortality herb", because people within Guizhou Province, where jiaogulan herbal teas are consumed regularly, are said to have a history of unusual longevity. It has been shown in studies to strongly activate AMPK in cultured L6 myotube cells, which increased lipid oxidation and glucose uptake. One study showed a significant inhibitoy effect on the growth of melanoma B16. It stimulated Tumor Necrosis Factor and other immune chemicals which caused antitumor effects. In a 12-week, randomized, double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial in Korea, 450 mg/day significantly decreased total abdominal fat, total weight, body fat mass, percent body fat, and BMI compared to placebo. There didn't seem to be any negative effects.
 |
| Rose Hips |
·
Trans-Tiliroside—derived
from the seeds of rose hips, strawberries, raspberries and other dietary
plants, shows AMPK activation, along with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
anticarcinogenic and hepatoprotective activities. Studies have shown anti-obesity and
anti-diabetic activities via enhancement of fatty acid oxidation in the liver
and skeletal muscle and significantly reduced blood glucose levels after a
loading dose in mice, promoting healthy blood glucose levels and body weight.
Is it possible to extend our healthy life span? Animal studies are showing positive results
with AMPK activation, however, it is too soon to tell with humans. However, there are enough studies showing
positive results from AMPK activation in humans that it is worth considering.
SpringTree Glucose Balance, originally created to assist in
blood sugar imbalances, low blood sugar, pre-diabetes and diabetes, also has
contained the AMPK activators of Berberine and Alpha-Lipoic Acid. The new formula just being released contains
increased amounts of Berberine, and also includes Gynostemma Pentaphyllum and Trans-Tiliroside in the amounts shown
by studies to improve glucose levels and weight loss. The ingredients in the new formula can now be
used to assist in pre-diabetes, diabetes, obesity, energy enhancement, and/or
anti-aging. Blood sugar balance is
important in all chronic diseases, including cancer. We are excited to be releasing this high
quality supplement! It can be purchased at www.springtreehealth.com.
Until we meet again,
Dr. Judi
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