Method and composition for reducing blood glucose levels

Abstract

2-Hydroxymethyl-3,4,5-trihydroxypiperidine possesses antidiabetic and lipid biosynthesis inhibitory properties. The use of the compound for such indications and pharmaceutical compositions adapted to this use are described.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. The method of reducing blood glucose levels and inhibiting lipid biosynthesis in humans and other animals which comprises orally, rectally or parentally administering thereto an effective amount of 2-hydroxymethyl-3,4,5-trihydroxypiperidine. 
     
     
       2. A pharmaceutical composition for use in reducing blood glucose levels and inhibiting lipid biosynthesis which comprises an effective amount of 2-hydroxymethyl-3,4,5-trihydroxypiperidine and a nontoxic carrier. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1 wherein said 2-hydroxymethyl-3,4,5-trihydroxypiperidine is administered orally. 
     
     
       4. .[.An animal feed.]. .Iadd.A comestible composition .Iaddend.comprising an amount of 2-hydroxymethyl-3,4,5-trihydroxypiperidine effective to .Iadd.reduce blood glucose levels and .Iaddend.inhibit lipid biosynthesis in combination with an edible carrier. .Iadd. 5. A composition according to claim 4 wherein said edible carrier is a live-stock animal feed. .Iaddend..Iadd. 6. A composition according to claim 4 wherein said edible carrier is a foodstuff. .Iaddend.