Diabetes
and herbal remedies
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
largely 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.
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