Vietnamese Scientists Develop Nanovitexin from Mung Bean Husks to Enhance Diabetes Treatment
Key Insights
Researchers from VAST have successfully developed nanovitexin (search), a nano-sized form of the natural compound vitexin derived from mung bean husks, to overcome its poor oral bioavailability of only 4.9–5.8%.
The nanotechnology formulation reduces particle size to 50–70 nanometres, significantly improving solubility, cellular uptake, and pharmacological effectiveness while demonstrating strong antioxidant properties.
Nanovitexin (search) shows promise in blood glucose control by inhibiting starch-digesting enzymes and may reduce gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with conventional anti-diabetic drugs.
More than 11% of the world's adult population was living with diabetes (search) in 2025, according to the International Diabetes Federation. Often described as a "silent killer," the disease can cause severe complications affecting the cardiovascular system, liver, eyes, and other organs, leading to high mortality risk. While a range of anti-diabetic medications exists, their high cost and potential side effects remain significant barriers, particularly for low-income patients. Against this backdrop, scientists from the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (search) (VAST) have achieved a notable breakthrough: the successful development of nanovitexin (search), a nano-formulated natural compound derived from mung bean husks, designed to support diabetes prevention and treatment.
The Bioavailability Challenge of Vitexin
Vitexin, a natural bioactive compound found primarily in mung beans (Vigna radiata L.), pigeon pea leaves (Cajanus cajan Mill sp.), and bamboo leaves (Phyllostachys nigra var. Henonis), has attracted considerable research interest for its wide-ranging pharmacological properties, including anti-diabetic effects. However, its therapeutic potential has been severely limited by poor water solubility, resulting in absorption rates of only approximately 4.9–5.8% in the small intestine, with the majority of the compound excreted through the kidneys. This low oral bioavailability has been the primary obstacle limiting its clinical application.
Nanotechnology as an Enabling Solution
To address these limitations, researchers from VAST's Institute of Biology and Institute of Materials Science applied nanotechnology to formulate vitexin into nano-sized particles. The research project, entitled "Developing a Technological Process for Producing Nanovitexin (search) as a Raw Material for Health Supplements Supporting the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes (search)," was led by Dr. Ngo Thi Hoai Thu of the Institute of Biology.
Dr. Thu explained that nano drug-delivery systems offer an optimal solution due to several unique advantages: improving the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble compounds, enhancing the stability of active ingredients under environmental factors such as temperature, light, humidity, and pH, and increasing absorption and pharmacological effectiveness.
With a particle size of only 50–70 nanometres, nanovitexin (search) demonstrates significantly greater cellular uptake than conventional vitexin. It also exhibits strong antioxidant properties by effectively scavenging free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative stress-induced damage.
Mechanism of Action and Therapeutic Promise
Notably, nanovitexin (search) represents a breakthrough in blood glucose control through its ability to inhibit enzymes responsible for starch digestion. This mechanism may also help reduce the gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with conventional diabetes (search) medications. Thanks to these biological properties, nanovitexin is considered a promising raw material for producing health supplements that support the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes (search).
Beyond diabetes (search) management, the material shows potential for applications in products supporting liver detoxification and neuroprotection. Its enhanced bioavailability may help prolong the duration of therapeutic effects while reducing the frequency of daily dosing.
Path to Commercialization
According to the project evaluation council, one of the most significant achievements of the research team was the successful development of a technological process for producing nanovitexin (search) from free vitexin extracted from mung bean husks, with clear potential applications in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. The products generated during the research demonstrated high quality and strong prospects for technology transfer and commercialization, paving the way for new health-support products derived from natural materials.