Clinical Study: Effect of ANKASCIN® 568 on Blood Sugar

Clinical Study: Effect of ANKASCIN® 568 on Blood Sugar

Citation: Wang YR, Liu SF, Shen YC, et al. A randomized, double-blind clinical study to determine the effect of ANKASCIN 568 plus on blood glucose regulation. J Food Drug Anal. 2017;25(2):409-416.

Abstract: Diabetes ranks as the fourth leading cause of death in Taiwan, with elevated blood glucose contributing to macrovascular disease, retinopathy, kidney disease, and neuropathy. This randomized, placebo-controlled trial assessed the efficacy of ANKASCIN 568 plus, a Monascus purpureus NTU 568 fermented product, in regulating blood glucose and lipid levels. Thirty-nine patients with fasting blood glucose between 100–180 mg/dL and HbA1c levels below 9% received either ANKASCIN 568 plus or placebo (maltodextrin) capsules daily for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week post-treatment evaluation. Measurements included fasting and postprandial plasma glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, lipid profiles, blood pressure, and liver, kidney, and thyroid function indicators. After 6 weeks, ANKASCIN 568 plus significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (by 8.5%), LDL-C (by 10.3%), and total cholesterol (by 7.5%) compared to baseline (p<0.05). The study concluded that ANKASCIN 568 plus may help maintain healthy blood glucose and lipid levels, supporting overall cardiovascular health.