edicine
Diabetes
and herbal remedies
Scientific
tests on a range of traditional remedies have shown
they have "real benefits", researchers say.Using herbal
remedies and plant derivatives to help in the treatment
of diabetes should certainly not be discounted. Although
numerous 'miracle herbal cure' companies exist, and
champion the ability of herbal compounds to supplement
insulin as a treatment, these should not be taken
at face value without thorough research and consultation
with experts. That is not to say that some
of the following herbs do not have properties that
some diabetics will find beneficial.
The
herbs and plant derivatives listed below have been
employed traditionally by native people in the treatment
of diabetes, in the areas in which they grow. Many
suffer from an inadequate knowledge base.
Allium
Allium
sativum is more commonly known as garlic,
and is thought to offer antioxidant properties and
micro-circulatory effects. Although few studies have
directly linked allium with insulin
and glucose levels, results have been positive. Allium
may cause a reduction in blood glucose, increase secretion
and slow the degradation of insulin. Limited data
is available however, and further trials are needed.
Aloe
Vera
Aloe
Vera is a widely known household plant originating
from arid countries and resembling the cactus. Grown
across the globe, aloe is used as an after-sun lotion,
to treat burns and to promote wound healing. It is
well regarded as a 'healing herb.' In some parts of
the world, dried aloe vera sap and
gel (taken from the inner portions of the leaves)
are used traditionally to treat diabetes. Aloe
Vera may be able to lower fasting blood glucose
levels as well as HbA1c.
Bauhinia
forficata and Myrcia uniflora
Bauhinia
forficata grows in South America, and is used in Brazilian
herbal cures. This plant has been referred to as 'vegetable
insulin.' Myrcia uniflora is also widely employed
in South America. Studies utilising the herbs as tea
infusions suggest that their hypoglycaemic effects
are overrated.
Coccinia
indica
Coccinia
indica is also known as the 'ivy gourd' and grows
wild across the Indian subcontinent. Traditionally
employed in ayurverdic remedies, the herb has been
found to contain insulin-mimetic properties (i.e;
it mimics the function of insulin.) Significant changes
in glycaemic control have been reported in studies
involving coccinia indica, and experts believe that
it should be studied further.
Ficus
carica
Ficus
carica, or fig-leaf, is well known as a diabetic remedy
in Spain and South-western Europe, but its active
component is unknown. Some studies on animals suggest
that fig-leaf facilitates glucose uptake. The efficacy
of the plant is, however, still yet to be validated
in the treatment of diabetes.
Ginseng
Ginseng
is a collective name for a variety of different plant
species. In some studies utilising American ginseng,
decreases in fasting blood glucose were reported.
Varieties include Korean ginseng, Siberian ginseng,
American ginseng and Japanese ginseng. In some fields
the plant, particularly the panax species, are hailed
as 'cure-all.' As is the case with many of the herbs
employed around the world in the treatment of diabetics,
further long-term studies are needed to verify the
efficacy of ginseng.
Gymnema
sylvestre
Gymnema
sylvestre is also employed in traditional ayurverdic
medicine. The plant grows in the tropical forests
of southern and central India, and has been linked
with significant blood glucose lowering. Some studies
in animals have even reported regeneration of islet
cells and an increase in beta-cell function.
Momordica
charantia
Momordica
Charantia goes under a variety of names and is native
to some areas of Asia, India, Africa and South America.
Marketed as charantia, it is also known as karela
or karolla and bitter melon. The herb may be prepared
in a variety of different ways, and may be able to
help diabetics with insulin secretion, glucose oxidation
and other processes. Acute effects on blood glucose
levels have also been reported.
Ocimum
sanctum
Ocimum
sanctum is an herb employed in traditional ayurverdic
practises, and is commonly known as holy basil. A
controlled clinical trial showed a positive effect
on postprandial and fasting glucose, and experts predict
that the herb could enhance the functioning of beta
cells, and facilitate the insulin secretion process.
Opuntia
streptacantha
Opuntia
streptacantha (nopal) is commonly known as the prickly-pear
cactus in the arid regions where it grows. Inhabitants
of the Mexican desert have traditionally employed
the plant in glucose control. Intestinal glucose uptake
may be affected by some properties of the plant, and
animal studies have found significant decreases in
postprandial glucose and HbA1c. Once again, to validate
the prickly-pear cactus as an effective means of aiding
diabetic patients, long-term clinical trials are needed.
Silibum
marianum
Silibum
marianum is also known as milk thistle,
and is a member of the aster family. Silymarin contains
high concentrations of flavinoids and antioxidants,
some of which may have a beneficial effect on insulin
resistance. The role of milk thistle
in glycaemic control is little understood.
Trigonella
foenum graecum
Trigonella
foenum graecum is known as fenugreek
and is widely grown in India, North Africa, and parts
of the Mediterranean. It is also a part of Ayurverdic
treatment, and is used extensively in cooking. Of
the few non-controlled trials that have been carried
out on type 2 diabetics, most report improved glycaemic
control. Further study is certainly warranted.
Further
herbs that have been studied, and may have positive
effects for diabetic patients include berberine, Cinnamomym
tamala, curry, Eugenia jambolana, gingko,
Phyllanthus amarus, Pterocarpus marsupium, Solanum
torvum, and Vinca rosea.
Please click on the links
below for more information:
Diabetes and
herbal remedies, Diabetes and herbs, Diabetes and
herbal supplements, Diabetes home herbs, Diabetes
and alternative medicine
