Many popular traditional medicines and spices may have blood sugar-lowering properties, which means it may be effective against diabetes.
In recent years scientists performed several clinical trials. They indicate possible connections between herbal medicines and improved blood glucose regulation.
What traditional medicines are effective against diabetes?
Plant-based medicines that have anti-diabetic properties include:
- Aloe vera
- Bilberry extract
- Bitter melon
- Cinnamon
- Fenugreek
- Ginger
- Okra
Such medicines are a part of Ayurveda and oriental medicines to treat serious conditions such as diabetes. Still, many western health experts remain skeptical about their documented medical benefits.
In fact, certain traditional medicine, vitamins, and supplements can interact with diabetes drugs (including insulin) and increase their hypoglycemic effects. So, the use of traditional medicine is controversial. Because they could reduce blood sugars to dangerously low levels. Furthermore, they can increase the risk of other diabetes complications.
Whatever the expected reasons for using these particular traditional medicines, you should always discuss your intentions with your doctor and diabetes health care team. This way, you can ensure that they are safe for your condition, and you can decide the appropriate dosage.
Top traditional medicines for diabetes
Traditionally, the herbs and plant derivatives, when used by native people in the treatment of diabetes; as a result, it established to be effective.
Allium
Allium sativum, also known as garlic, has antioxidant and micro-circulatory properties. While few studies explicitly linked allium to insulin and blood glucose levels, the results were positive.
Allium can cause a reduction in blood glucose, increase secretion, and slow down insulin degradation. However, the limitation of data and further studies may reveal something worthwhile.
Bauhinia forficata and myrcia uniflora
Bauhinia forficata, grown in South America, and used as traditional herbal medicine in Brazil for diabetes. People refer to this plant as “vegetable insulin”. Myrcia uniflora is also commonly used in South America.
However, studies using herbs as tea infusions indicate that their hypoglycaemic action on the body is not as effective.
Coccinia Indica
Coccinia Indica, the ‘Ivy Gourd’, grows wild throughout the subcontinent of India. Although traditionally, ayurvedic therapies use it. Researchers showed that the herb contains insulin-mimetic properties (i.e. it mimics the action of the insulin).
Major improvements in diabetic health present many studies involving coccinia indican. And experts agree that further research should be undertaken.
Aloe Vera
For its laxative effect, the sap of aloe vera is known. Therefore be sure to get the gel juice! There is growing evidence that gel is being used, which is the mucilaginous substance inside the leaves. To stop finding yourself in the shower, make sure that every substance you buy is free of aloin or anthraquinone!
Cinnamon
It is a medically useful indulgence that helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol and blood sugar.
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. however, some animal studies indicate that fig-leaf promotes glucose absorption.
However, the effectiveness of this traditional plant medicine in the treatment of diabetes remains to be validated.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a common term for several different species of plants.
Decreases in blood glucose were present in some studies using American ginseng. Varieties are Korean ginseng, Siberian ginseng, American ginseng, and Japanese ginseng.
In some fields, the plant, especially the Panax species: cure-all. Similarly is the case with many of the herbs used worldwide in the treatment of diabetics. But more long-term studies are required to verify the efficacy of ginseng.
Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema Sylvestre is also used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Because the plant grows in the tropical forests of southern and central India, it has been correlated with a substantial blood glucose reduction. Some animal studies have also reported regeneration of islet cells and an improvement in beta-cell function.
Momordica charantia
Momordica Charantia has some names and is native to Asia, India, Africa, and South America. Also, present in the markets as charantia, it has names such as karela or karolla and bitter melon. Because you can prepare this herb in many ways hence, it can aid people with diabetes with insulin secretion, glucose oxidation, and other processes. Furthermore, it may be effective for acute blood glucose effects as per documents.
Opuntia streptacantha
Opuntia streptacantha (nopal) has a name such as pinch-pear cactus in the arid regions where it grows.
Traditionally, inhabitants of the Mexican desert have used the glucose control plant. Certain plant properties can impair intestinal glucose absorption. And there have been substantial decreases in postprandial glucose and HbA1c in animal studies.
Once again, long-term clinical trials may validate the prickly pear cactus as an effective means of supporting diabetic patients.
Trigonella foenum graecum
Trigonella foenum graecum is known as fenugreek. And it is commonly grown in India, North Africa, and parts of the Mediterranean.
It is also part of Ayurvedic care and also many use it in cooking.
Of the few uncontrolled trials conducted on type 2 diabetics, most recorded improved glycaemic regulation. Further analysis may determine reality.
Other herbs that have been tested and may have beneficial effects on diabetic patients include:
- Berberine
- Cinnamomum Tamala
- Curry
- Eugenia jambolana
- Gingko
- Phyllanthus amarus
- Pterocarpus marsupium
- Solanum torvum and
- Vinca rosea
Conclusion
The research assessed patients’ and herbalists’ experiences and practices on the use of medicinal plants and conventional medicines in the treatment of diabetes. The majority of participants used medicinal plants and traditional medicines to treat their diabetes. They had them either alone or in combination with conventional medicines. Many traditional medicines were plant products that were inexpensive and readily available locally. Although conventional medicines have potential benefits, they can have potential adverse effects. Due to limited data, it is not possible to determine whether these medicines have been helpful, harmful, or both. Thus, the results show the need for further study to classify the bioactive compounds present in these medicinal plants and establish their efficacy in the physiological field.
