Hordeum vulgare L (Saechalssalbori) Significantly Improves Postprandial Glucose Levels in Healthy Participants

by | Jan 7, 2025 | 2024, Blood Sugar, Diabetes, Recent Articles, Whole Grains

Written by Chrystal Moulton, Science Writer. Analysis showed the participants assigned Hordeum vulgare L powder had significantly lower postprandial blood glucose.

whole grainsDiabetes is a serious chronic condition that is projected to affect 1.3 billion people worldwide by 20501. Lifestyle and dietary related changes could significantly improve prognosis and even prevent type 2 diabetes2,3. Previous studies have demonstrated that beta glucan could improve outcomes related to diabetes, obesity, and glucose regulation in healthy individuals4,5.  A form of glutinous naked barley called Saechalssalbori or Hordeum vulgare L has a higher starch and beta glucan content than regular barley varieties. It’s high beta glucan content makes it highly absorbable in water and gelatinous6. However, little research has been done to assess the effects of Saechalssalbori on postprandial glucose. In the current trial, researchers investigated the effects of Hordeum vulgare L on postprandial blood glucose in healthy volunteers7.

The trial was designed as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross over study. Participants between the age of 20 and 65 years old were recruited for this study. Participants were interviewed to assess medical history, anthropometric measurements, lifestyle habits, diet, and demographic information. All participants had to have blood glucose levels below 126 mg/dL to be eligible for participation in this trial. Participants who were already taking herbal medicines, alternative therapies, regular intense exercise, undergoing weight changes, pregnant or lactating, had difficulty using technology needed for this trial, or already in another trial were excluded. Upon inclusion, subjects were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo (rice flour) or test material (Hordeum vulgare powder) in a 1:1 ratio. Test materials were provided in bottles containing 150g of the assigned product. Participants needed to add 500mL of water and shake it in order to consume. On test day, individuals were required to visit the facility after fasting for 12 hours. Participants were then given their assigned protocol which they consumed at the facility. Blood samples were then taken at 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes to measure ghrelin, PYY, insulin, glucagon, glucose, and triglyceride levels for each participant. During that time as well, participants underwent visual analog scale assessments to determine their level of hunger, satiety, and prospective food intake. One week later, participants were required to visit the facility after 12 hours of fasting, subsequently crossed over to their opposing protocol, and the testing procedure was repeated. Results were analyzed using linear mixed models.

A total of 70 participants began this study. Data from 67 participants were included in the analysis. The average age of participants was 35.3 ±1.1 years old and average fasting blood glucose level was 95.7 ±0.9 mg/dL. Average BMI and body weight were 24.4 ±0.4 kg/m2 and 72.4 ±1.5 kg, respectively. There were 55 male participants and 15 females. Analysis showed the participants assigned Hordeum vulgare L powder had significantly lower postprandial blood glucose at 30 (beta = – 26.0, P <0.001), 60 (beta = – 19.2, P < 0.001), and 120 minutes (beta = – 9.4, P = 0.004). Postprandial insulin levels were also significantly lower when participants were given the test material at 30 (beta = – 23.0, P <0.001), 60 (beta = – 20.3, P < 0.001), and 120 minutes (beta = – 18.0, P < 0.001). A significant group by time effect was observed at 180 minutes in both insulin and blood glucose analysis (P < 0.001). Researchers also observed a significant decrease in the area under the curve [AUC] for both insulin and blood glucose levels in the test group compared to the placebo across all time points (P < 0.001). Furthermore, maximum blood glucose concentration was significantly lower in the test group compared to placebo (beta = – 24.7mg/dL, P <0.001). The time to reach maximum glucose concentration was significantly increased in the test group (beta = 17.0, P = 0.002). However, no significant change in time to reach maximum insulin levels was observed. Similarly, maximum insulin levels were significantly lower in the test group compared to placebo (beta = – 28.3 µU/ml, P < 0.001). Hunger levels were significantly lower in the test group compared to placebo at 30 and 60 minutes (P < 0.05). Also satiety and fullness were significantly higher in the test group compared to placebo at 60 minutes (P = 0.001). Glucagon levels were significantly higher across all time points in the test group (P < 0.05). However, triglyceride levels in the placebo group decreased after 60 minutes while increasing in the test group after 60 minutes (P < 0.001). Researchers noted, however, that the changes were within normal range. No significant changes were observed for ghrelin and PYY levels.

Results from this crossover study demonstrated that Hordeum vulgare L could significantly lower postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels in healthy participants. Consumption of Hordeum vulgare L also increased glucagon and triglyceride levels. Additional studies will be needed to assess the clinical implications of these findings.

Source: Kim, In-Sook, Soo-yeon Park, Min Ju Park, Kyeong Jin Kim, and Ji Yeon Kim. “Effect of Barley on Postprandial Blood Glucose Response and Appetite in Healthy Individuals: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Nutrients 16, no. 22 (2024): 3899.

© 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).

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Posted January 7, 2025.

Chrystal Moulton BA, PMP, is a 2008 graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology with a focus on premedical studies and is a licensed project manager. She currently resides in Indianapolis, IN.

References:

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  7. Kim IS, Park SY, Park MJ, Kim KJ, Kim JY. Effect of Barley on Postprandial Blood Glucose Response and Appetite in Healthy Individuals: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients. Nov 15 2024;16(22)doi:10.3390/nu16223899

 

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