COMPOSITION FOR REGULATING BLOOD SUGAR

Abstract

The present invention provides a composition for regulating blood sugar. The composition comprises at least one yellow pigment extracted from a red mold product, wherein the said yellow pigment is Monascin, Ankaflavin, or combination of Monascin and Ankaflavin. Moreover, results of a variety of animal experiments have proved that this blood sugar regulating composition indeed possess the functionalities of: lowering Hyperglycemia induced by high energy diet, alleviating ROS and inflammatory caused by the Hyperglycemia, reduce AST and ALT value of liver as well as sarcosine value of kidney.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the technology field of medically-used composition, and more particularly to a composition for regulating blood sugar.

2. Description of the Prior Art

American Diabetes Association (FDA) has published the way to judge whether a person suffers from a diabetes mellitus (DM) or not. When the concentration of fasting blood glucose (GLU-AC) of the person is higher than 126 mg/dL or the concentration of 2 hours postprandial blood glucose (2hPBG) of the person is higher than 200 mg/dL, the person is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, the person is diagnosed with Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) when the GLU-AC value is measured to fall in a range between 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL or the 2hPBG value falls in another one range between 140 mg/dL and 200 mg/dL. IGT means that blood glucose is raised beyond normal levels, but not high enough to warrant a diabetes diagnosis.

One of key factors to induce the occurrence of diabetes mellitus and metabolism syndrome is Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) resulted from Hyperglycemia, and ROS participate in the dysfunction of β-cell of pancreas. In addition, insulin resistance often progresses to full Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or latent autoimmune diabetes of adults. Insulin resistance is often seen when Hyperglycemia develops after a meal and the pancreatic β-cells are unable to produce sufficient insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance also decreases the translocation of glucose transporters (GLUT) to the cell membrane; and eventually, type 2 diabetes or latent autoimmune diabetes occurs when glucose levels become higher throughout the day as the resistance increases and compensatory insulin secretion fails.

The statistical data made by Ministry of Health and Welfare of Taiwan shows that 90% T2DM patients does simultaneously suffer from obesity. The adipose tissue of an obesity patient may releases inflammation factors such as hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL), wherein the excessive amount of inflammation factors would induce lipolysis action to produce a large amount of glycerin and free fatty acid (FFA), so as to aggravate the production of Hyperglycemia, fatty liver, and high blood ketone. Moreover, not only impelling the production of inflammation factors and ROS, FFA also inhibits the activity of insulin receptor by activating diacylglycerol (DAG) and protein kinasenk C (PKC), so as to result in the occurrence of insulin resistance.

Conventionally-used blood sugar reducing drugs include: non-sulfonylurea insulin secretagogue, sulfonylurea insulin secretagogue, biguanides, alpha-glucohydrolase inhibitor, and DPP-4 inhibitor (inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase 4). However, all the above-mentioned blood sugar reducing drugs have side-effects with varying severity, such as diarrhea, anorexia, nausea, and fatal lactic acidosis.

Insulin sensitizers are also the conventionally-used blood sugar reducing drugs, including troglitazone, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone. The insulin sensitizer possesses anti-diabetic activity through activation of a nuclear receptor called PPARγ (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ). However, over-activation of PPARγ drives the unwanted and often unacceptable side effects associated with the currently-approved insulin sensitizers, such as edema, weight gain, congestive heart failure, hepatotoxicity.

Thus, because the conventionally-used blood sugar reducing drugs may cause side-effects to DM patients, the inventor of the present application has made great efforts to make inventive research thereon and eventually provided a composition for regulating blood sugar.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a composition for regulating blood sugar. The composition comprises at least one yellow pigment extracted from a red mold product, wherein the said yellow pigment is Monascin, Ankaflavin, or combination of Monascin and Ankaflavin. Moreover, results of a variety of animal experiments have proved that this blood sugar regulating composition indeed possess the functionalities of: lowering Hyperglycemia induced by high energy diet, alleviating ROS and inflammatory caused by the Hyperglycemia, reduce AST and ALT value of liver as well as sarcosine value of kidney.

In order to achieve the primary objective of the present invention, the inventor of the present invention provides a first embodiment of the composition for regulating blood sugar, comprising a yellow pigment extracted from a red mold product, wherein the said yellow pigment is Monascin, and a first daily dosage of the Monascin for an adult user to regulate blood sugar is above 3 mg.

Moreover, for achieving the primary objective of the present invention, the inventor of the present invention provides a second embodiment of the composition for regulating blood sugar, comprising yellow pigment extracted from a red mold product, wherein the said yellow pigment is Ankaflavin, and a second daily dosage of the Ankaflavin for an adult user to regulate blood sugar is above 1.5 mg.

In addition, for achieving the primary objective of the present invention, the inventor of the present invention provides a third embodiment of the composition for regulating blood sugar, comprising yellow pigment extracted from a red mold product, wherein the said yellow pigment is a combination of Monascin and Ankaflavin, and a daily dosage of the combination for an adult user to regulate blood sugar is above 4.5 mg; moreover, a first dose of Monascin in the combination is above 3 mg and a second dose of the Ankaflavin in the combination is above 1.5 mg.

Furthermore, for achieving the primary objective of the present invention, the inventor of the present invention provides a fourth embodiment of the composition for regulating blood sugar, comprising a red mold product produced by inoculating a Monascus purpureus to a substrate and then subjecting the inoculated substrate with a culturing and drying process; wherein a fourth daily dosage of the red mold product for an adult user to regulate blood sugar is above 1 g.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention as well as a preferred mode of use and advantages thereof will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a curve plot of time versus blood glucose;

FIG. 2 shows a statistical bar graph of group versus AUC (area under curve) of blood glucose;

FIG. 3 shows a statistical bar graph of adiponectin expression in adipose tissue;

FIG. 4 shows a statistical bar graph of ROS concentration in liver;

FIG. 5 shows a statistical bar graph of TNF-α expression in adipose tissue;

FIG. 6 shows a statistical bar graph of GLUT-2 expression in adipose tissue;

FIG. 7 shows a statistical bar graph of GLUT-4 expression in adipose tissue;

FIG. 8 shows a statistical bar graph of IL-1β expression in adipose tissue;

FIG. 9 shows a statistical bar graph of IL-1β expression in adipose tissue;

FIG. 10 shows a statistical bar graph of HIF-1α expression in adipose tissue;

FIG. 11 shows histomorphology images of liver slices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

To more clearly describe a composition for regulating blood sugar according to the present invention, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings hereinafter.

It is well known that Monascus species is divided into Monascus pilosus, Monascus purpureus, Monascus ruber, Monascus floridanus, Monascus pallens, and Monascus sanguineus. Moreover, according to culture patterns, growth patterns, olors, and cleistothecia colors, the Monascus species is further divided into Monascus pilosus, Monascus purpureus, and Monascus ruber.

The present invention provides a composition for regulating blood sugar, wherein the composition comprises at least one yellow pigment extracted from a red mold product, wherein the said yellow pigment is Monascin, Ankaflavin, or combination of Monascin and Ankaflavin. It is worthwhile to explain that, the red mold product is produced by inoculating a Monascus purpureus to a substrate and then subjecting the inoculated substrate with a culturing and drying process. The process steps for producing the red mold product such as red mold rice (RMR) or red mold Dioscorea (RMD) are full disclosed in the specification of TW patent NO. 1415619. Moreover, in order to verify the practicability of the blood sugar regulating composition proposed by the present invention, a particularly-arranged of animal experiment is completed by inventers. After 1-week pre-feeding, several SD rats are divided into 9 experimental groups for carrying out 10-week animal experiment.

First of the 9 experimental group is NOR group consisting of 8 SD rats, wherein the “NOR” means that the SD rats are fed with normal diet. During the animal experiment, the SD rats in NOR group are fed with cornstarch diet unlimitedly. Moreover, RO water is taken as test sample for orally administering to SD rats in NOR group through feeding tubes. Second of the 9 experimental group is HFFD group consisting of 8 SD rats, wherein the “HFFD” means the SD rats are fed with high fat and fructose diet. During the animal experiment, the SD rats in HFFD group are fed with chew diet consisting of 73.3% corn starch and 26.7% butter powder.

Third of the 9 experimental group is MF group consisting of 8 SD rats, wherein the “MF” means that drug of Metformin is taken as test sample for orally administering to SD rats in MF group through feeding tubes. Moreover, during the animal experimental, the SD rats in MF group are fed with high fat and fructose diet unlimitedly. Fourth of the 9 experimental group is RMD group consisting of 8 SD rats, wherein the “RMD” means that powder of red mold Dioscorea (RMD) is taken as test sample for orally administering to SD rats in RMD group through feeding tubes. Moreover, during the animal experimental, the SD rats in RMD group are fed with high fat and fructose diet unlimitedly.

Fifth of the 9 experimental group is MS1X group consisting of 8 SD rats, wherein the “MS1X” means that 1-fold dosage of Monascin is taken as test sample for orally administering to SD rats in MS1X group through feeding tubes. Moreover, during the animal experimental, the SD rats in MS1X group are fed with high fat and fructose diet unlimitedly. Sixth of the 9 experimental group is MS5X group consisting of 8 SD rats, wherein the “MS5X” means that 5-fold dosage of Monascin is taken as test sample for orally administering to SD rats in MS5X group through feeding tubes. Moreover, during the animal experimental, the SD rats in MS5X group are fed with high fat and fructose diet unlimitedly.

Seventh of the 9 experimental group is AK1X group consisting of 8 SD rats, wherein the “AK1X” means that 1-fold dosage of Ankaflavin is taken as test sample for orally administering to SD rats in AK1X group through feeding tubes. Moreover, during the animal experimental, the SD rats in AK1X group are fed with high fat and fructose diet unlimitedly. Eighth of the 9 experimental group is AK5X group consisting of 8 SD rats, wherein the “AK5X” means that 5-fold dosage of Ankaflavin is taken as test sample for orally administering to SD rats in AK5X group through feeding tubes. Moreover, during the animal experimental, the SD rats in AK5X group are fed with high fat and fructose diet unlimitedly.

The last one of the 9 experimental group is MS-AK group consisting of 8 SD rats, wherein the “MS-AK” means that a combination of 1-fold-dose Ankaflavin and 1-fold-dose Monascin is taken as test sample for orally administering to SD rats in MS-AK group through feeding tubes. Moreover, during the animal experimental, the SD rats in MS-AK group are fed with high fat and fructose diet unlimitedly. Herein, it needs to particularly explain that, the dosage for the above-mentioned different test samples are integrated in following Table 1.

	TABLE 1
			Rat dosage	Adult dosage
	Group	Test sample	(mg/kg*bw/day	(mg/day)
	NOR	RO water	—	—
	HFFD	RO water	—	—
	MF	Metformin	78.06	500
	RMD	Red mold	104.17	1000
		dioscorea
	MS1X	Monascin	0.31	3
	MS5X	Monascin	1.56	15
	AK1X	Ankaflavin	0.16	1.5
	AK5X	Ankaflavin	0.78	7.5
	MS-AK	Monascin +	0.31 + 0.16	3 + 1.5
		Ankaflavin

The rat dosage for different test samples used in the 9 groups can be calculated by using following rat-adult dosage transforming equation: rat dosage=(adult dosage/60 kg)*6.25.

Determining Effects Provided by the Different Test Samples on the SD Rats:

Please refer to following Table 2. Because the high fat and fructose diet is consisted of 73.3% corn starch and 26.7% butter powder, the calorie obtained by the rats in 9 groups can be easily estimated. Moreover, the rats' weight data are recorded in following Table 3 after executing the animal experiment for 10 days.

TABLE 2
	Intake diet	Intake water	Daily intake calorie
Group	(g/day/rat)	(mL/day/rat)	(kcal/day/rat)
NOR	23.95 ± 0.74c	48.05 ± 3.45c	80.00 ± 2.48a
HFFD	15.76 ± 1.29b	31.58 ± 1.17ab	104.82 ± 7.69c
MF	14.78 ± 1.72ab	32.44 ± 3.72ab	98.38 ± 6.94ab
RMD	14.21 ± 1.44a	32.63 ± 3.46ab	98.16 ± 7.10b
MS1X	14.46 ± 1.18ab	33.79 ± 1.79b	98.53 ± 5.03bc
MS5X	14.37 ± 1.76ab	33.57 ± 3.47b	97.91 ± 8.17bc
AK1X	14.85 ± 0.84ab	32.21 ± 2.57ab	99.85 ± 4.25bc
AK5X	14.08 ± 1.75a	32.21 ± 2.63ab	102.17 ± 7.44bc
MS-AK	14.48 ± 0.90ab	29.79 ± 1.27a	96.26 ± 5.02b

	TABLE 3
		Daily intake calorie	Weight
	Group	(kcal/day/rat)	(g)
	NOR	80.00 ± 2.48a	232.00 ± 21.33a
	HFFD	104.82 ± 7.69c	296.25 ± 45.3b
	MF	98.38 ± 6.94ab	268.75 ± 36.22ab
	RMD	98.16 ± 7.10b	292.75 ± 44.84b
	MS1X	98.53 ± 5.03bc	285.75 ± 34.34b
	MS5X	97.91 ± 8.17bc	275.13 ± 49.48b
	AK1X	99.85 ± 4.25bc	278.38 ± 22.03b
	AK5X	102.17 ± 7.44bc	262.25 ± 42.85ab
	MS-AK	96.26 ± 5.02b	274.59 ± 19.89b

From the data shown in Table 2 and Table 3, it can find that, the daily intake calorie of the rats of all experimental groups are obviously higher than the daily intake calorie of the rats in the NOR group. Moreover, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the daily intake calorie of the rats in RMD, MS5X, and MS-AK group are lower. In addition, it can also find that, the weight of the rats of all experimental groups are obviously heavier than the weight of the rats in the NOR group. Moreover, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the weight of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1X, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group are lighter.

Determining Blood Sugar Regulating Effects Provided by the Different Test Samples on the SD Rats:

Before evaluating the blood sugar regulating ability of the different test samples, 12-hour fast must be executed on the rats of the 9 experimental groups. After that, blood for determining the concentration of fasting blood glucose (GLU-AC) is collected from the rats's rrbital by using capillary tubes. On the other hand, to carry out oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), the rats in the 9 experimental groups are orally administered with a glucose solution when starting the 12-hour fast; and then, the rats has their blood tested again 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes after drinking the glucose solution.

Please refer to FIG. 1, where a curve plot of time versus blood glucose. Moreover, please refer to FIG. 2, which provides a statistical bar graph of group versus AUC (area under curve) of blood glucose. From FIG. 1, it can easily find that, the glucose levels of the rats in HFFD group are largely higher than the glucose levels of the rats in NOR group at 0 and 30 minutes. On the other hand, from FIG. 2, it is able to know that the rats in HFFD group have been suffered from Hyperglycemia because the AUC (area under curve) value of HFFD group is higher than the AUC value of NOR group. However, all the AUC values of MF, MS1X, MS5X, AK5X, and MS-AK group are obviously lower than the HFFD group's AUC value. Moreover, the experimental data of FIG. 2 also prove that the 5-fold-dose Ankaflavin shows better AUC reducing ability. Herein, it is worth noting that, although the combination of 1-fold-dose Ankaflavin and 1-fold-dose Monascin as well as 1-fold-dose Ankaflavin cannot largely lower the AUC value, the AUC values of RMD group and AK1X group are still lower than the HFFD group's AUC value.

Therefore, it is able to assume the cause resulted in the occurrence of Hyperglycemia in the rats of HFFD group is that the glucose cannot be effectively utilized due to the failure of insulin receptors, wherein the failure of insulin receptors is caused by a large amount of adipocytes accumulation. However, according to the experimental data provided by FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the blood glucose concentrations of the rats fed with Monascin and/or Ankaflavin are effectively regulated. Such result implies that the insulin receptors in the rats fed with Monascin and/or Ankaflavin work normally for receiving insulin.

Determining Effects Provided by the Different Test Samples on GLU-AC, Insulin, Insulin Resistance, and Fructosamine Concentration of the Rats:

In normal situation, beta cells of pancreas would start to produce insulin after the rats eat high energy diets. However, insulin resistance (IR) may be induced in the rats of HFFD group because the beta cells are killed by ROS (Reactive oxygen species) induced by Hyperglycermia. Based on above reasons, it needs to observe the effects provided by the different test samples on the GLU-AC, insulin, insulin resistance, and Fructosamine of the rats.

The blood collected by capillary tubes are disposed into a 2-mL microcentrifuge tube. After staying for 5 minutes, the microcentrifuge tube carrying with blood is treated with a centrifugation process, and then the serum of the blood is stored in an environment with −80 ° C. In this animal experiment, insulin determination is carried out by dropping the serum onto an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) insulin kit. Thereafter, the insulin resistance is then calculated by using following equation: HOMA-IR 32 [insulin (μU/mL)*glucose(mmol/L)]/22.5. On the other hand, insulin determination is completed by dropping the serum onto a fructosamine assay kit. Therefore, the determination data of blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, and fructosamine are recorded and integrated in following Table 4 and Table 5.

	TABLE 4
		Blood glucose	Insulin
	Group	(mg/dL)	(μU/mL)
	NOR	95.91 ± 8.52ab	40.04 ± 0.35a
	HFFD	121.11 ± 4.96c	55.60 ± 5.06c
	MF	102.38 ± 12.03ab	41.55 ± 1.09a
	RMD	105.63 ± 11.51b	43.93 ± 5.43ab
	MS1X	100.25 ± 4.59ab	43.12 ± 3.95ab
	MS5X	95.50 ± 6.00a	40.45 ± 0.60a
	AK1X	98.38 ± 11.01ab	46.52 ± 5.24b
	AK5X	97.38 ± 9.20ab	45.73 ± 3.49b
	MS-AK	99.51 ± 5.81ab	41.35 ± 1.52a

	TABLE 5
		Insulin	Fructosamine
	Group	resistance	(mM)
	NOR	10.10 ± 0.7a	0.71 ± 0.05a
	HFFD	15.71 ± 1.85c	1.32 ± 0.12d
	MF	10.69 ± 1.08ab	0.88 ± 0.06c
	RMD	12.01 ± 1.47b	0.91 ± 0.09c
	MS1X	10.96 ± 1.3ab	0.87 ± 0.07c
	MS5X	9.77 ± 0.7a	0.84 ± 0.06bc
	AK1X	11.99 ± 2.08b	0.90 ± 0.06c
	AK5X	11.89 ± 1.78b	0.88 ± 0.06c
	MS-AK	10.70 ± 1.24ab	0.80 ± 0.06ab

From Table 4, it can easily find that, the GLU-AC concentration of the rats in HFFD group is greater than the GLU-AC concentration of the rats in NOR group. However, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the GLU-AC concentrations of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1X, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group are largely lowered. Moreover, it is worth noting that, the GLU-AC level of the rats in MS5X group is almost equal to the GLU-AC level of the rats in NOR group. Such result implies that the 5-fold-dose Monascin possesses high-efficiency blood sugar regulating ability.

From Table 4, it can also find that, the insulin concentration of the rats in HFFD group is greater than the insulin concentration of the rats in NOR group. However, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the insulin concentrations of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1x, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group are largely lowered. Moreover, it is worth noting that, the insulin level of the rats in MS5X group is almost equal to the insulin level of the rats in NOR group. Such result implies that the 5-fold-dose Monascin possesses high-efficiency insulin regulating ability.

Moreover, from Table 5, it can easily find that, the insulin resistance value of the rats in HFFD group is greater than the insulin resistance value of the rats in NOR group. However, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the insulin resistance value of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1X, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group are largely lowered. Moreover, it is worth noting that, the insulin resistance value of the rats in MS5X group is almost equal to the insulin resistance value of the rats in NOR group. Such result implies that the 5-fold-dose Monascin possesses high-efficiency insulin resistance value lowering ability.

From Table 5, it can also find that, the fructosamine concentration of the rats in HFFD group is greater than the fructosamine concentration of the rats in NOR group. However, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the fructosamine concentration of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1X, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group are largely lowered. So that, the experimental data provided by Table 4 and Table 5 prove that the Monascin and Ankaflavin indeed possess functionality to regulate blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, and fructosamine.

Determining effects provided by the different test samples on liver, kidney, and adipose tissue weight of the rats:

Insulin is used for impelling the absorption and utilization of blood glucose in liver, muscle and adipose tissue. Because white adipose tissue (WAT) is used for storing triglycerides (TG) transformed from blood glucose, a large amount of accumulation of adipocytes would cause the occurrence of inflammatory response so as to induce lipolysis action. Therefore, the inflammatory-induced lipolysis action would produce a large amount of glycerin and free fatty acid (FFA), so as to aggravate the production of Hyperglycemia, fatty liver, and high blood ketone. Based on above reasons, the effects provided by the different test samples on liver, kidney, and adipose tissue weight of the rats are needed to be determined.

For carrying out the determination of liver, kidney, and adipose tissue weight, it needs to sacrifice the rats. After sacrificing the rat, blood to be determined is collected from the intraperitoneal of the rat by using syringes, and then the collected blood are disposed into a 2-mL microcentrifuge tube. After staying for 5 minutes, the microcentrifuge tube carrying with blood is treated with a centrifugation process, and then the serum of the blood is stored in an environment with −20 ° C. After that, the liver, kidney, and adipose tissue are taken out of the rat.

Following Table 6 has recorded with weight data of the liver and kidney tissue. From Table 6, it can easily find that, the liver weights of the rats in HFFD group are largely higher than the liver weights of the rats in NOR group. However, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the liver weights of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1X, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group are largely lowered. Herein, it is worth noting that, the liver weight data of the rats in MS5X group is almost equal to the liver weight data of the rats in NOR group. Such result implies that the 5-fold-dose Monascin possesses high-efficiency liver weight regulating ability.

	TABLE 6
	Group	Liver weight	Kidney weight
	NOR	13.67 ± 1.07a	3.78 ± 0.16a
	HFFD	22.08 ± 2.09d	3.42 ± 0.26b
	MF	15.61 ± 1.53bc	3.64 ± 0.26ab
	RMD	16.47 ± 1.85c	3.62 ± 0.20ab
	MS1X	15.25 ± 1.64abc	3.61 ± 0.20ab
	MS5X	14.62 ± 1.84ab	3.71 ± 0.40ab
	AK1X	15.36 ± 1.09bc	3.72 ± 0.31ab
	AK5X	15.58 ± 1.32bc	3.55 ± 0.29ab
	MS-AK	15.70 ± 1.00bc	3.58 ± 0.25ab

Following Table 7 has recorded with weight data of the peri-adrenal and epididymal adipose tissue. From Table 7, it can easily find that, the weights of peri-adrenal and epididymal adipose tissue of the rats in HFFD group are largely higher than the weights of peri-adrenal and epididymal adipose tissue of the rats in NOR group. However, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the weights of peri-adrenal and epididymal adipose tissue of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1X, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group are largely lowered.

TABLE 7
	Percentage of	Percentage of	Occupying percentage of
	weight of	weight of	summation of the
	peri-adrenal	epididymal	weights of peri-adrenal
	adipose	adipose	and epididymal adipose
	tissue	tissue	tissue in body Fat
Group	(%)	(%)	(%)
NOR	1.39 ± 0.24a	1.11 ± 0.15a	2.54 ± 0.38a
HFFD	3.61 ± 0.47c	2.26 ± 0.46c	5.88 ± 0.82c
MF	3.33 ± 0.66bc	1.83 ± 0.43b	4.27 ± 1.43bc
RMD	3.04 ± 0.65b	1.95 ± 0.39bc	4.98 ± 0.50c
MS1X	2.99 ± 0.60b	1.97 ± 0.33bc	5.12 ± 0.84bc
MS5X	3.15 ± 0.45bc	1.79 ± 0.33b	4.97 ± 0.80bc
AK1X	2.75 ± 0.37b	1.96 ± 0.4bc	4.32 ± 0.59b
AK5X	2.96 ± 0.43b	1.69 ± 0.3b	4.30 ± 0.53b
MS-AK	2.99 ± 0.60b	2.02 ± 0.39bc	5.06 ± 0.43bc

The high fat and fructose diet may also cause the rats suffer from Hypertriglyceridemia, so as to damage the liver. Following Table 8 has recorded with data of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). From Table 8, it can easily find that, the concentrations of triglycerides and total cholesterol of the rats in HFFD group are largely higher than the concentrations of triglycerides and total cholesterol of the rats in NOR group. However, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the concentrations of triglycerides and total cholesterol of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1X, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group are largely lowered.

	TABLE 8
		TG	TC
	Group	(mg/dL)	(mg/dL)
	NOR	82.25 ± 7.85a	75.00 ± 7.5b
	HFFD	255.00 ± 37.01e	84.50 ± 11.88c
	MF	170.88 ± 46.04d	68.50 ± 9.93ab
	RMD	139.13 ± 39.3cd	73.00 ± 10.10ab
	MS1X	136.63 ± 29.66cd	70.00 ± 2.88ab
	MS5X	99.88 ± 18.90ab	66.75 ± 7.11ab
	AK1X	138.75 ± 47.07cd	66.50 ± 7.87ab
	AK5X	137.63 ± 33.21cd	64.25 ± 8.94a
	MS-AK	129.88 ± 18.15bc	64.63 ± 6.39a

So that, the experimental data provided by Table 6, Table 7 and Table 8 prove that the Monascin and Ankaflavin indeed possess functionality to lower insulin resistance by regulating insulin, so as to reduce the liver, kidney and adipose tissue weight. Moreover, the Monascin and Ankaflavin also possess functionality to lower the TG level in adipose tissue by regulating blood glucose concentration.

On the other hand, in normal situation, human serum would include adiponectin of 5-30 μg/mL for maintaining the balance between glucose and lipids. Adiponectin dose not only play an important role in the formation of insulin resistance, but also has close relationship with TG.

Please refer to FIG. 3, which provides a statistical bar graph of adiponectin expression in adipose tissue. From Table FIG. 3, it can easily find that, the percentage of adiponectin expression of the rats in HFFD group is lower than the percentage of adiponectin expression of the rats in NOR group. However, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the percentage of adiponectin expression of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1X, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group is largely enhanced. So that, the experimental data provided by FIG. 3 prove that the Monascin and Ankaflavin indeed possess functionality to regulate the adiponectin level in adipose tissue.

Determining Effects Provided by the Different Test Samples on ROS Produced in Liver:

One of key factors to induce the occurrence of diabetes mellitus and metabolism syndrome is Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) resulted from H yperglycemia. Please refer to FIG. 4, which provides a statistical bar graph of ROS concentration in liver. From Table FIG. 4, it can easily find that, the ROS level of the rats in HFFD group is largely higher than the ROS level of the rats in NOR group. However, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the ROS levels of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1X, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group are largely lowered. So that, the experimental data provided by FIG. 4 prove that the Monascin and Ankaflavin indeed possess functionality to reduce the ROS concentration in liver.

Determining Effects Provided by the Different Test Samples on Inflammation Factors in Adipose Tissue:

The adipose tissue of an obesity patient may releases inflammation factors such as hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL), wherein the excessive amount of inflammation factors would induce lipolysis action to produce a large amount of glycerin and free fatty acid (FFA), so as to aggravate the production of Hyperglycemia, fatty liver, and high blood ketone. Please refer to FIG. 5, which provides a statistical bar graph of TNF-α expression in adipose tissue. From Table FIG. 5, it can easily find that, the percentage of TNF-α expression of the rats in HFFD group is largely higher than the percentage of TNF-α expression of the rats in NOR group. However, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the percentages of TNF-α expression of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1X, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group are largely reduced.

Continuously, please refer to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, where a statistical bar graph of GLUT-2 expression in adipose tissue and a statistical bar graph of GLUT-4 expression in adipose tissue are shown. From Table FIG. 6, it can easily find that, the percentage of GLUT-2 expression of the rats in HFFD group is largely lower than the percentage of GLUT-2 expression of the rats in NOR group. However, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the percentages of GLUT-2 expression of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1X, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group are largely enhanced. Furthermore, from Table FIG. 7, it can also find that, the percentage of GLUT-4 expression of the rats in HFFD group is largely lower than the percentage of GLUT-4 expression of the rats in NOR group. However, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the percentages of GLUT-4 expression of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1X, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group are largely enhanced. So that, the experimental data provided by FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 prove that the Monascin and Ankaflavin indeed possess functionality to enhance the GLUT (glucose transporter) expression in adipose tissue by inhibiting the expression of TNF-α.

Please refer to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, where a statistical bar graph of IL-6 expression in adipose tissue and a statistical bar graph of IL-1β expression in adipose tissue are provided. From Table FIG. 8, it can easily find that, the percentage of IL-6 expression of the rats in HFFD group is largely higher than the percentage of IL-6 expression of the rats in NOR group. However, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the percentages of IL-6 expression of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1X, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group are largely lowered. Furthermore, from Table FIG. 9, it can also find that, the percentage of IL-1β expression of the rats in HFFD group is largely higher than the percentage of IL-1β expression of the rats in NOR group. However, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the percentages of IL-1β expression of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1X, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group are largely lowered.

Continuously, please refer to FIG. 10, which illustrates a statistical bar graph of HIF-1α expression in adipose tissue. From Table FIG. 10, it can easily find that, the percentage of HIF-1α expression of the rats in HFFD group is largely higher than the percentage of HIF-α expression of the rats in NOR group. However, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the percentages of HIF-1α expression of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1X, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group are largely lowered. So that, the experimental data provided by FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 prove that the Monascin and Ankaflavin indeed possess functionality to reduce the ROS concentration produced in liver.

Determining Effects Provided by the Different Test Samples on Liver Tissue:

Liver is rich in various enzyme, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). When liver is subjected to damage, AST and ALT would be released into blood. Please refer to FIG. 11, where histomorphology images of liver slices are provided. From FIG. 11, it can find that, the liver tissue taken out from the rats of HFFD group has become fatty liver (indicated by arrow in FIG. 11) due to excessive amount of fat accumulation. However, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the formation of fatty liver of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1X, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group has been alleviated or solved.

Following Table 8 has recorded with AST and ALT data. From Table 8, it can easily find that, the AST and ALT levels of the rats in HFFD group are almost equal to the AST and ALT levels of the rats in NOR group. Such result implies that the liver of the hyperglycemia-induced DM rat does not be damaged. However, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the AST and ALT levels of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1X, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group are largely lowered.

	TABLE 8
		AST	ALT
	Group	(U/L)	(U/L)
	NOR	71.00 ± 8.45b	34.13 ± 2.59e
	HFFD	75.00 ± 11.75b	31.88 ± 2.80e
	MF	71.63 ± 6.59b	25.13 ± 3.83cd
	RMD	58.50 ± 8.98a	24.25 ± 5.55d
	MS1X	61.50 ± 7.05a	25.38 ± 2.33bcd
	MS5X	63.63 ± 5.93a	25.50 ± 3.16abc
	AK1X	59.63 ± 4.96a	24.75 ± 3.01ab
	AK5X	64.75 ± 11.85a	18.88 ± 3.44a
	MS-AK	80.25 ± 16.22b	31.38 ± 3.81e

On the other hand, Hyperglycemia would also damage glomeruli of kidney, such that the metabolic wastes cannot be fully filtered out of the blood through the kidney, especially to the creatinine and urea. Following Table 9 has recorded with creatinine data. From Table 9, it can easily find that, the creatinine concentration of the rats in HFFD group is almost equal to the creatinine concentration of the rats in NOR group. However, comparing to the rats of HFFD group, the creatinine concentration of the rats in MF, RMD, MS1X, MS5X, AK1X, AK5X, and MS-AK group is largely lowered.

TABLE 9
      Creatinine
Group (mg/dL)
NOR   0.45 ± 0.05ab
HFFD  0.53 ± 0.07b
MF    0.46 ± 0.05ab
RMD   0.39 ± 0.10ab
MS1X  0.50 ± 0.09ab
MS5X  0.46 ± 0.05ab
AK1X  0.38 ± 0.05ab
AK5X  0.43 ± 0.09a
MS-AK 0.48 ± 0.07ab

Therefore, through above descriptions, the composition for regulating blood sugar provided by the present invention has been introduced completely and clearly; in summary, the present invention includes the advantages of:

(1) This blood sugar regulating composition merely comprises at least one yellow pigment extracted from a red mold product, wherein the said yellow pigment is Monascin, Ankaflavin, or combination of Monascin and Ankaflavin. Moreover, results of a variety of animal experiments have proved that this blood sugar regulating composition indeed possess the functionalities of: lowering Hyperglycemia induced by high energy diet, alleviating ROS and inflammatory caused by the Hyperglycemia, reduce AST and ALT value of liver as well as sarcosine value of kidney.

The above description is made on embodiments of the present invention. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit scope of the present invention, and all equivalent implementations or alterations within the spirit of the present invention still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A composition for regulating blood sugar, comprising a yellow pigment extracted from a red mold product, wherein the said yellow pigment is Monascin, and a daily dosage of the Monascin for an adult user to regulate blood sugar is above 3 mg.

2. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 1, wherein the red mold product is produced by inoculating a Monascus purpureus to a substrate and then subjecting the inoculated substrate with a culturing and drying process.

3. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 1, wherein the Monascin with the daily dosage can also lower insulin resistance induced by Hyperglycemia.

4. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 1, wherein the Monascin with the daily dosage can also lower the increasing of Triglycerides (TG) induced by Hyperglycemia.

5. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 1, wherein the Monascin with the daily dosage can also lower the increasing of ROS (Reactive oxygen species) induced by Hyperglycemia.

6. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 1, wherein the Monascin with the daily dosage can also alleviate the decreasing of glucose transporter (GLUT) caused by Hyperglycemia.

7. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 1, wherein the Monascin with the daily dosage can also lower the increasing of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in liver induced by Hyperglycemia.

8. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 1, wherein the Monascin with the daily dosage can also lower the increasing of sarcosine in kidney induced by Hyperglycemia.

9. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 2, wherein the substrate is a rice substrate or a Dioscorea substrate.

10. A composition for regulating blood sugar, comprising a yellow pigment extracted from a red mold product, wherein the said yellow pigment is Ankaflavin, and a daily dosage of the Ankaflavin for an adult user to regulate blood sugar is above 1.5 mg.

11. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 10, wherein the red mold product is produced by inoculating a Monascus purpureus to a substrate and then subjecting the inoculated substrate with a culturing and drying process.

12. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 10, wherein the Ankaflavin with the daily dosage can also lower insulin resistance induced by Hyperglycemia.

13. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 10, wherein the Ankaflavin with the daily dosage can also lower the increasing of Triglycerides (TG) induced by Hyperglycemia.

14. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 10, wherein the Ankaflavin with the daily dosage can also lower the increasing of ROS (Reactive oxygen species) induced by Hyperglycemia.

15. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 10, wherein the Ankaflavin with the daily dosage can also alleviate the decreasing of glucose transporter (GLUT) caused by Hyperglycemia.

16. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 10, wherein the Ankaflavin with the daily dosage can also lower the increasing of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in liver induced by Hyperglycemia.

17. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 10, wherein the Ankaflavin with the daily dosage can also lower the increasing of sarcosine in kidney induced by Hyperglycemia.

18. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 11, wherein the substrate is a rice substrate or a Dioscorea substrate.

19. A composition for regulating blood sugar, comprising two yellow pigments extracted from a red mold product, wherein the said two yellow pigment are Monascin with first daily dosage of above 3 mg and Ankaflavin with second daily dosage of above 1.5 mg, therefore a total daily dosage of the composition for an adult user to regulate blood sugar is above 4.5 mg.

20. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 19, wherein the red mold product is produced by inoculating a Monascus purpureus to a substrate and then subjecting the inoculated substrate with a culturing and drying process.

21. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 19, wherein the composition with the total daily dosage can also lower insulin resistance induced by Hyperglycemia.

22. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 19, wherein the composition with the total daily dosage can also lower the increasing of Triglycerides (TG) induced by Hyperglycemia.

23. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 19, wherein the composition with the total daily dosage can also lower the increasing of ROS (Reactive oxygen species) induced by Hyperglycemia.

24. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 19, wherein the composition with the total daily dosage can also alleviate the decreasing of glucose transporter (GLUT) caused by Hyperglycemia.

25. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 19, wherein the composition with the total daily dosage can also lower the increasing of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in liver induced by Hyperglycemia.

26. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 19, wherein the composition with the total daily dosage can also lower the increasing of sarcosine in kidney induced by Hyperglycemia.

27. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 20, wherein the substrate is a rice substrate or a Dioscorea substrate.

28. A composition for regulating blood sugar, being a red mold product produced by inoculating a Monascus purpureus to a substrate and then subjecting the inoculated substrate with a culturing and drying process; wherein a daily dosage of the red mold product for an adult user to regulate blood sugar is above 1 g.

29. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 28, wherein the substrate is a rice substrate or a Dioscorea substrate.

30. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 28, wherein the red mold product with the daily dosage can also lower insulin resistance induced by Hyperglycemia.

31. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 28, wherein the composition with the total daily dosage can also lower the increasing of Triglycerides (TG) induced by Hyperglycemia.

32. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 28, wherein the composition with the total daily dosage can also lower the increasing of ROS (Reactive oxygen species) induced by Hyperglycemia.

33. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 28, wherein the composition with the total daily dosage can also alleviate the decreasing of glucose transporter (GLUT) caused by Hyperglycemia.

34. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 28, wherein the composition with the total daily dosage can also lower the increasing of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in liver induced by Hyperglycemia.

35. The composition for regulating blood sugar of claim 28, wherein the composition with the total daily dosage can also lower the increasing of sarcosine in kidney induced by Hyperglycemia.