Deakin researchers look at the benefits of sugarcane extract

While too much sugar is bad for you, a new study is aiming to discover if a natural extract from sugarcane could improve gut, heart and mental health.

Natural compounds extracted from sugarcane will be tested in a Victorian-led study to see if they can help improve the gut, heart and mental health.

Study participants on the six-month Deakin University trial will be asked to take two pills daily with half receiving a placebo and the other a polyphenol extract from sugarcane.

Polyphenols are natural products found mainly in plant foods such as richly-coloured fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, tea, and even dark chocolate. These foods are some of the main sources common to the Mediterranean diet.

Dr Dan Dias from Deakin’s CASS Food Research Centre says polyphenols are known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Polyphenols are natural products found mainly in plant foods such as richly-coloured fruits, and vegetables.

He now wants to test if supplementation of polyphenols will improve the gut microbiome and common blood biomarkers which are potential biological indicators of the body’s internal “health”.

A senior lecturer in analytical biochemistry and flavour chemistry, Dr Dias is leading the study funded by the Singaporean-based company Human Health and Wellbeing.

The company says it developed the extract from a by-product of the sugarcane in a process that reduces the sugar content to less than five per cent while maintaining the high concentrations of polyphenols.

“This study, for the first time, is about seeing the impact on human health of polyphenol supplementation in a unique manner,” Dr Dias said.

“Hopefully we will see an improvement in participants’ healthy gut microflora, blood biomarkers and overall health and wellbeing.”

Dr Dias said participants will do the study from their own home which will allow people from across Australia to be involved.

Polyphenols are found in many foods common to the Mediterranean diet.

“Participants will carry out a finger prick blood test and a stool test and then post their samples to receive an assessment of their gut micro-diversity and specific blood biomarkers in response to polyphenol supplementation,” he said.

“We hope to see some effects within three months.”

Dr Dias says the team thinks there may be broader benefits of including the unique polyphenols found in sugarcane into the human diet.

“This trial is an important step forward that evaluates these potential benefits with a world-class scientific study from home,” he said.

Polyphenols are also found in foods including dark chocolate and have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

“Polyphenols have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation which may prevent or alleviate chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.”

“Hopefully from this trial we can also see a reduction in inflammation which is linked to many metabolic diseases and an improvement in overall health.”

The researchers are inviting people aged 18 to 55 years with no history of heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes to join to study. For details email: [e-mail]