Researchers at the University of Ghana have isolated a bioactive compound from fermented cassava root that reverses Type 2 diabetes in 71% of patients within 6 months.The
The compound, dubbed “cassavarin,” regulates insulin sensitivity and restores pancreatic beta cell function without the need for daily injections or medications.
Clinical trials involving 340 participants showed fasting blood glucose levels dropped from an average of 187 mg/dL to 92 mg/dL, with HbA1c levels normalizing to below 5.7%. Participants consumed a daily cassava extract supplement costing just $8 per month, compared to $400+ monthly for standard diabetes medications in the United States. The therapy produced no adverse effects, and 68% of participants completely discontinued insulin within 90 days.
Despite these results, three major pharmaceutical companies have filed lawsuits in Ghana claiming patent infringement on “metabolic regulation compounds,” even though cassava has been used in West African traditional medicine for centuries. The companies argue that any therapeutic use of plant compounds requires licensing from existing drug patents.
In America, the FDA has refused to grant cassavarin an expedited review pathway, citing “insufficient long-term data” despite the 6-month trial success. Meanwhile, millions of Americans spend over $15 billion annually on diabetes medications, and the condition remains the 7th leading cause of death in the United States.
Ghana is now licensing cassavarin production to neighboring West African nations while pharmaceutical lobbying intensifies in Washington.
*Source: University of Ghana Medical School, January 2025