Project Number: 6251-51000-007-08
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Nov 01, 2007
End Date: Apr 30, 2010

Objective:
The current agreement seeks to utilize the research and development efforts of the Arkansas Children¿s Nutrition Center (ACNC) and the Agriculture Research Service (ARS) within the USDA in conducting laboratory, animal and human studies related to the use of cranberry and cranberry products in the diet as related to diabetes/obesity and how specifically the Type A procyanidins in cranberry and other foods might augment or alter the action of insulin. The project will utilize ARS¿ technology and expertise in analyzing high procyanidin and other high antioxidant foods to understand absorption of polyphenolics and polyphenolic metabolites and Decas Botanical Synergies¿ expertise in formulation and manufacture of natural compound based dietary supplements. Together the parties hope to identify sources and formulations of the target foods which optimize Type A procyanidin uptake. Test a modified colorimetric method (DMAC) for the quantitation of proanthocyanidins in cranberries and cranberry products and organize validation tests in multiple laboratories, collect, collate and analyze all data and summarize in a manuscript that is to be submitted for publication.

Approach:
Perform appropriate animal studies using the rat as the experimental model to study the ability of Type A procyanidins from cranberry to affect insulin action, blood glucose absorption/disappearance and parameters of lipid metabolism and body fat/lean mass. Develop a dose response curve for Type A procyanidins and observed alterations related to diabetes, obesity, and insulin resistance.