The Science Behind the Supplement: About Pinosundia®

Sutherlandia frutescens, commonly known as “cancer bush,” is a medicinal shrub native to Southern Africa with a long history of use in traditional medicine. Over generations, it has been used for everything from combatting infections and fever, to stimulating the appetite, to treating cancer – which is where it gets its nickname from.

While not all of its historical applications have been studied, there has generally been a renewed interest in the plant recently as natural remedies are becoming more popular in the wellness space. As a result, it is getting more attention from the research community, with many of its traditional uses being validated and optimised through science.

What do we know about it? 

In some Southern African cultures, Sutherlandia has long been used as a traditional remedy for diabetes. When analysed in laboratory settings, scientists have found that there is compelling evidence to support its effectiveness too. It has been found to contain a compound called pinitol, which is known to help regulate blood sugar. This suggests it may assist with glucose control and metabolic support. The extract’s potential as an aid in diabetes support was further confirmed by a study conducted by Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in 2007.

The research into Sutherlandia has also shown it to be rich in phytochemicals (such as flavonoids and L-canavanine) that have antioxidant properties. These support overall health and wellbeing – which is why many people use it as a tonic to support their everyday health.

Activating nature’s potential

Value Added Life is a brand dedicated to scientifically optimising the power of nature. Based on the wealth of research into Sutherlandia, we included it in our formulation for Probetix®. We specifically make use of a proprietary form of the active called Pinosundia®, which has been specially developed to maximise the benefits of the Cancer Bush when taken as a supplement. As an extract, rather than just dried leaves or plant parts, we can also ensure accurate and safe dosing, making Probetix® an ideal choice for daily control of blood sugar levels.

Part of maximising the potential of natural supplements also lies in how you combine them with other active ingredients. Along with Pinosundia®, Probetix also contains Alpha Lipoic acid, a powerful and versatile antioxidant that prevents cell damage caused by frees radicals. Additionally, it helps to combat nerve damage (neuropathy) that can be responsible for the ‘pins and needles’ or burning feeling in the feet sometimes experienced by diabetics.

The ongoing research into plants like Sutherlandia show that science and nature aren’t the opposites they may appear to be. As the world starts to focus more and more on natural remedies, we find that the solutions to many lifestyle issues have been with us all along. Now, however, we have the ability to find out not only which traditional remedies work, but also why – and how to maximise their effectiveness. It’s an exciting time to be in the world of wellness, and we’re looking forward to many more breakthroughs to come.