NutraStar Inc. announced Friday that its scientists have received a second diabetes patent (US Patent no. 6,350,473 B1), demonstrating that its stabilised rice bran derivatives reduce blood glucose levels, glycosylated hemoglobin levels and improve insulin synthesis in type 1 and type 2 diabetic subjects. This patent is owned by The RiceX Company, and is exclusively licensed to NutraStar Inc.

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Rice bran, once discarded as a useless by-product of the commercial rice milling industry, is proving to be “the most beneficial whole foods available to battle diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis”, said Nutrastar in a press release.


“In short, studies are demonstrating stabilised rice bran derivatives can be a major factor in diminishing glucose and cholesterol levels. This new patent is broader than our first diabetes patent in that it has allowed claims for reducing glycosylated hemoglobin levels and improving insulin synthesis in Type 1 diabetes,” said Patricia McPeak, CEO and founder of NutraStar. “We’re thrilled to have been awarded a second patent for the treatment of diabetes, which is at epidemic levels, and for reduction of key factors that cause heart disease. We know of no other food or supplement that has received such a patent,” added McPeak.


In addition to a claim for lowering fasting blood glucose levels in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, another claim was allowed for the improvement of insulin synthesis in Type 1 diabetics as well as a claim for the reduction of glycosylated hemoglobin levels in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. These findings were reported in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, March 2002, Vol. 13, 175-187.


Nearly one out of four Americans suffer from diabetes. The National Institute of Health reports that obesity, particularly in school children, portends serious cardiovascular problems for millions of people.

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