Ethereal aquatic garden of Euryale ferox symbolizing protection and balance.

Unlocking Nature's Secret: Can Euryale Ferox Combat High Blood Sugar?

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Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the potential of Euryale ferox polysaccharides in managing hyperglycemia and boosting antioxidant activity."


Diabetes, a relentless metabolic disorder, impacts millions globally, leading to significant health challenges due to irregularities in insulin function and blood sugar levels. The quest for effective management and treatment options is more crucial than ever. While conventional treatments offer relief, their limitations and side effects drive the search for safer, natural alternatives.

Enter Euryale ferox Salisb., an aquatic plant with a history rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Often dubbed as fox nut or gorgon nut, this plant has been traditionally valued for its therapeutic properties. While its seeds are well-known, recent research sheds light on the potential benefits hidden in its often-overlooked petioles and pedicels—the plant’s stems and stalks.

This article delves into a groundbreaking study featured in 'Food & Function,' exploring the hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of polysaccharides extracted from Euryale ferox petioles and pedicels (EFPP). Discover how this natural extract could offer a novel approach to managing hyperglycemia and combating oxidative stress, providing new hope for those seeking holistic health solutions.

Euryale Ferox Polysaccharides: A Natural Solution for Hyperglycemia?

Ethereal aquatic garden of Euryale ferox symbolizing protection and balance.

The study published in Food & Function investigated the effects of polysaccharides extracted from Euryale ferox in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mice. The EFPP extract consists of total carbohydrates, uronic acid, and protein. This composition suggests a complex structure capable of delivering therapeutic benefits. The molecular weight of the EFPP ranged from 1.02 kDa to 11.45 kDa, indicating a diverse mixture of polysaccharide molecules.

Researchers found that administering EFPP, particularly at high doses, helped reverse body weight loss, reduce blood glucose levels, and enhance serum insulin levels in mice. EFPP improved oral glucose tolerance and increased hepatic glycogen content—vital for managing diabetes. Moreover, EFPP modulated the expression of glucokinase (GCK) mRNA in the liver, a critical enzyme in glucose metabolism.

  • Reversing Body Weight Loss: EFPP administration helped counteract the significant weight loss typically associated with hyperglycemia.
  • Reducing Blood Glucose Levels: The extract effectively lowered blood glucose, bringing it closer to normal levels.
  • Enhancing Insulin Levels: EFPP stimulated insulin production, essential for regulating blood sugar.
  • Improving Glucose Tolerance: The study participants showed better glucose tolerance after EFPP treatment.
  • Increasing Hepatic Glycogen: EFPP boosted glycogen storage in the liver, which is crucial for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Beyond glucose regulation, EFPP exhibited protective effects against oxidative injury induced by alloxan. It enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver and kidney. The histopathological examination confirmed EFPP's ability to repair damage in the pancreas, kidney, and liver tissues, further solidifying its therapeutic potential.

Embracing Nature's Pharmacy for Future Health

The research underscores the potential of Euryale ferox polysaccharides as a promising natural agent for managing hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Its ability to regulate blood glucose levels, enhance insulin function, boost antioxidant defenses, and repair tissue damage positions it as a valuable candidate for functional foods and complementary medicines. While further studies are needed, EFPP holds significant promise for those seeking a natural, effective approach to diabetes management and overall wellness.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What is Euryale ferox and why is it being researched?

Euryale ferox Salisb., commonly known as fox nut or gorgon nut, is an aquatic plant traditionally used in Chinese medicine. Recent research focuses on the potential benefits of polysaccharides extracted from its petioles and pedicels (EFPP). These polysaccharides are being studied for their hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties, offering a possible natural alternative to manage hyperglycemia.

2

What are Euryale ferox polysaccharides (EFPP) made of?

EFPP, or Euryale ferox polysaccharides, contain total carbohydrates, uronic acid, and protein. Their molecular weight ranges from 1.02 kDa to 11.45 kDa, indicating a mix of polysaccharide molecules. These components contribute to the observed therapeutic effects, such as regulating blood glucose levels and boosting antioxidant activity. While the specific structure-activity relationships are still under investigation, the complex composition is crucial for its potential health benefits.

3

How does EFPP help regulate blood sugar?

EFPP impacts blood sugar regulation by lowering blood glucose levels, enhancing serum insulin levels, improving oral glucose tolerance, and increasing hepatic glycogen content. It also modulates the expression of glucokinase (GCK) mRNA in the liver, a critical enzyme involved in glucose metabolism. This multifaceted approach suggests EFPP can address several key aspects of hyperglycemia.

4

What is oxidative stress, and how does EFPP combat it?

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them with antioxidants. EFPP combats oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver and kidney. By mitigating oxidative damage, EFPP offers protective effects against conditions exacerbated by oxidative stress, such as diabetes.

5

Are there any limitations or future research needed for EFPP?

While the research on Euryale ferox polysaccharides (EFPP) shows promise, further studies are necessary to fully understand its effects on humans. Clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in human populations, determine optimal dosages, and identify any potential side effects. Additionally, more research is required to elucidate the specific mechanisms of action and potential interactions with other medications.

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