International blackcurrant study may offer hope for diabetics
A new international clinical trial testing a molecule found in New Zealand blackcurrants may offer hope for thousands of Kiwis living with diabetes and associated metabolic disorders.
With 14 international patents in her name, Guan's research has focused on the role of IGF-1 and the impact of cGP in retaining cognitive brain function as we age. It also looked at treating neurological conditions associated with reduced blood circulation, which is common in strokes.
"My studies into cGP look at the role this naturally derived compound has in contributing to improved health outcomes for those suffering from a number of age-related neurological diseases," she explains.
"I have been looking at how a clinical application of cGP can be used to treat diseases commonly associated with poor brain vessel function like stroke, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease."
Guan says healthy brains are able to continually produce new blood vessels to replace the loss of capillaries (smaller blood vessels) but this diminishes with age.
"When we age the capillary nets which deliver nutrients and oxygen to brain cells are fewer and the brain cells which are undernourished do not function as well and build up toxins, which means the brain cells die off slowly, causing brain degeneration."
She says the role of cGP is to encourage the cells in the brain to create new blood vessels and taking cGP can assist in the body's ability to make more blood vessels and improve circulation in the brain.
"Studies have shown that those who are older but in good health who have higher levels of cGP in their blood circulation display better cognitive function and memory."
