Study: Aquatic Plant Reduces Blood Sugar In Diabetics

An Israeli clinical trial has shown that consuming a cultivated aquatic plant called Mankai after meals can significantly reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. 

The study was carried out by Prof. Amir Tirosh at Sheba Medical Center, Israel’s largest and internationally ranked hospital, and Dr. Gal Tsaban and Prof. Iris Shai from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.  

The month-long trial showed that in about two-thirds of the 45 participants, drinking a beverage containing Mankai after dinner led to a drop of roughly 20 percent in post-meal blood sugar levels, a lower peak in sugar levels and a faster return to baseline levels. 

According to the study, the reduction in blood sugar is comparable to the effect of some medications. Early studies also suggest that it may help reduce post-meal blood sugar levels in people who do not have diabetes. 

Mankai, also known as duckweed or watermeal, grows naturally in water and is now being cultivated under controlled conditions. The plant has previously shown promise in improving vascular and brain health and reducing abdominal and liver fat. 

“The study demonstrates that consuming Mankai after meals can lead to significant reductions in blood sugar levels,” said Tsaban. 

“This finding introduces a promising new option for managing diabetes and reducing associated complications.”

This trial was supported by grants from Israel’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, as well as the German Research Foundation (DFG).