Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Also known as: Quinoa, Quinoa seed extract, 20-hydroxyecdysone, 20E, Chenopodium quinoa
Overview
Chenopodium quinoa seed extract is derived from the seeds of quinoa, a pseudo-cereal originating from the Andes. This extract is rich in bioactive compounds, including 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), various phytosteroids, flavonoid glycosides, beneficial oils, and proteins. It is primarily utilized for its potential to support metabolic health, specifically in areas such as blood glucose regulation, management of obesity, and reduction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The scientific evidence supporting quinoa's health benefits is growing, with several controlled clinical trials and meta-analyses indicating its efficacy. It is available in various forms, including whole seeds, flour, and concentrated extracts, with standardized extracts offering more consistent dosing of key active compounds like 20E.
Benefits
Quinoa seed extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in metabolic health. It significantly reduces fasting blood glucose (FBG) and improves glucose tolerance, particularly in individuals with obesity and diabetes, as supported by studies like Zhang et al. (2024). It also contributes to a reduction in plasma insulin levels and can decrease body weight and fat mass in diet-induced obesity models. Furthermore, meta-analyses (Karimian et al., 2021; Li et al., 2024) indicate improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, including favorable changes in lipid profiles and blood pressure. Secondary benefits include notable antioxidant activity, attributed to its 20-hydroxyecdysone and flavonoid content. These benefits are particularly relevant for adults with obesity, insulin resistance, or elevated cardiovascular risk. Clinical trials have shown statistically significant improvements in CVD risk markers, with benefits typically observed over several weeks to months of consistent supplementation.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Chenopodium quinoa seed extract, particularly its active compound 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), involves the regulation of glucose metabolism. 20E reduces the expression of key gluconeogenic enzymes, such as phosphoenolpyruvate kinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), thereby lowering the body's endogenous glucose production. It also enhances insulin signaling by increasing Akt2 phosphorylation sensitivity, which improves cellular glucose uptake and overall metabolism. Additionally, the extract's antioxidant properties, stemming from 20E and flavonoids, help reduce oxidative stress, a significant contributor to metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunction. While 20E and other phytochemicals are absorbed orally, specific human pharmacokinetic data are limited, suggesting that various bioactive compounds may synergistically contribute to its overall metabolic benefits.
Side effects
Chenopodium quinoa seed extract is generally considered safe, with no major adverse effects consistently reported in clinical trials. Common side effects are rare, with no specific adverse events reported above 5% frequency. No significant uncommon or rare side effects have been documented in high-quality studies. While no well-documented drug interactions exist, caution is advised when combining quinoa extract with hypoglycemic agents due to a potential for additive effects on blood glucose levels. There are no established contraindications, although individuals with known allergies to quinoa or other plants in the Chenopodiaceae family should exercise caution, though such allergies are rare. Data on its use in pregnant or lactating women are limited, so it should be used with caution in these populations.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for Chenopodium quinoa seed extract is not firmly established, as clinical trials have primarily used whole quinoa seed supplementation rather than isolated extracts. Animal studies have indicated a minimum effective dose of 10 mg/kg for 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), the key active compound. Human equivalent doses in trials typically involve daily consumption of 25 to 50 grams of whole quinoa seeds. No toxicity has been reported at these dietary supplementation levels, suggesting a wide safety margin. For sustained metabolic effects, daily supplementation is recommended. While whole seeds, flour, and extracts have been used in studies, extracts standardized for 20E content may offer more consistent and targeted dosing. Co-ingestion with meals may enhance the bioavailability of fat-soluble components within the extract.
FAQs
Is quinoa seed extract effective for diabetes?
Evidence suggests modest glucose-lowering effects, particularly linked to its 20-hydroxyecdysone content, making it potentially beneficial for blood sugar management.
Can quinoa extract reduce cardiovascular risk?
Yes, meta-analyses indicate that quinoa extract can improve lipid profiles and blood pressure markers, contributing to a reduction in cardiovascular risk factors.
Are there side effects?
Quinoa seed extract is generally considered safe, with no significant adverse effects consistently reported in clinical trials.
How long does it take to see benefits?
Benefits typically become noticeable after several weeks to a few months of consistent daily intake.
Is whole quinoa as effective as the extract?
While whole quinoa offers broad nutritional benefits, extracts standardized for 20-hydroxyecdysone may provide more concentrated and targeted metabolic effects.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1470834/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Zhang et al. (2024) investigated the effects of quinoa seed extract, particularly 20-hydroxyecdysone, on metabolic health. It found significant reductions in fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, body weight, and fat mass in obese and diabetic models, attributing these effects to the downregulation of gluconeogenic enzymes and enhanced insulin signaling. The study provides strong mechanistic insights but notes limitations in extrapolating animal model findings directly to humans.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.6901 – Karimian et al. (2021) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials on quinoa supplementation and cardiovascular risk factors. The study concluded that quinoa significantly reduced LDL cholesterol, fasting glucose, and blood pressure, demonstrating its potential role in CVD prevention. It included well-controlled randomized clinical trials with a low risk of bias, though acknowledged heterogeneity in dosing and study durations as a limitation.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/87559129.2022.2148689 – Li et al. (2024) performed a systematic review and meta-analysis confirming the beneficial impacts of quinoa intake on markers of cardiovascular risk. This research supports quinoa's role in cardiovascular disease prevention. The authors emphasized the need for further large-scale randomized controlled trials to fully confirm the long-term effects and broader applicability of these findings.
