Different herbal treatments for diabetes

Even from early civilization, herbs have been considered to be a powerful tool in treating illnesses. In places where physicians cannot reach, people have invented their own concoction of herbs and plants to deal with the common afflictions of daily life. Sometimes, these herbal treatments are far more superior and effective that its chemical counterparts, not to mention even safe and inexpensive. Nowadays, because of the expensive treatment for diabetes as well as the contraindications that these medications give, a lot of people are trying to discover the wonders of these herbal treatments for diabetes mellitus since each treatment does not give the same response to another individual. These medications are unregulated and are not standardized which poses a risk for their use, although some would debate that natural ingredients would not be harmful to their health unless taken in significantly increasing amounts. Any medication, be it herbal or chemical, should always be taken in moderation. Several people who have opted to try herbal treatments for their diabetes may find themselves feeling a lot better but with no actual effect on their blood sugar levels. If you are considering this kind of treatment, it would be wise to consult with your healthcare provider first to be able to discuss the pros and cons of this treatment as well as receive the right advice on how to manage their diabetes.

There are several herbs that have exhibited some encouraging effects in treating diabetes mellitus. They are the following:

1. Pterocarpus marsupium common names: Indian Kino, Malabar Kino, Pitasara, Venga

This tree is considered as the source of the Kino in European pharmacopeias. It produces a resin that is gum like and has the appearance of dried blood, or dragon’s blood as believed by the Indians. The flavonoid epicatechin taken from the bark of this tree has been seen to prevent alloxan induced damage to the cells in rats. This flavonoid and an alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium has been tested and have shown favorable results in terms of the regeneration of beta cells in pancreas. This is only seen in this herb.

2. Momordica charantia common name: Bitter Melon, balsam pear

Bitter melon is a green vegetable widely available in Asian countries, as well as in Africa and South America. Its leaves and fruit are both utilized as an herbal treatment and as a vegetable dish. This fruit gives out a very bitter taste which makes it unpopular, giving it its name of bitter melon. The extract of the unripe fruit and leaves has been used to lower blood sugar, as seen in several experimental studies as well as clinical studies.

The composition of Bitter melon has been confirmed to have compounds with properties against diabetes. Charantin is a hypoglycemic substance which is made up of mixed steroids more potent than tolbutamides in treating diabetes. It is extracted from bitter melon using alcohol. Momordica on the other hand also has polypeptide-P, a polypeptide that gives the same action as insulin, which is to lower blood sugar levels upon subcutaneous injection into patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Ingestion of at least fifty to sixty milliliters of the extract has given positive results in the treatment of diabetes as seen during clinical trials.

Extremely higher doses of the extract of bitter melon may lead to gastrointestinal problems such as pain in the abdomen and diarrhea. Hypoglycemic patients should refrain from taking in bitter melon because it might exacerbate the low levels of blood glucose. Those under the medication of hypoglycemic drugs should monitor their intake of this extract since it may increase the effectiveness of these drugs, such as chlorpropamide, glyburide, or phenformin, and cause severe hypoglycemia.

Gymnema Sylvestre common name: Gurmar, Meshasringi, Cherukurinja

This herb, Gymnema, helps in the manufacture of insulin in the pancreas of patients with type 2 Diabetes mellitus. It also enhances the performance of insulin in lowering blood glucose levels in diabetics of both types. It lowers one affinity for sweets. It can also be substituted for the oral medications used to lower blood glucose in patients with Type 2 diabetes. The usual dose of the Gymnema extract is 500 mg a day.

Allium cepa common name: Onion

Allium sativum common name: Garlic

These spices, garlic and onion have been tested to give a significant decrease in blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. They contain the active ingredients allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and diallyl disulphide oxide (allicitin) and other flavonoids.

Clinical and experimental studies have shown that APDS decreases blood sugar levels by occupying the insulin-inactivating sites found in the hepatic cells of the liver. This will result in having more free insulin in the bloodstream. When APDS was given to fasting patients, in a 125 mg/kg dosage, the results were a significant decrease in the blood glucose levels concurrent with an increase of insulin in the serum. Allicitin also produces the same effect with a dosage of 100mg/kg.

An increased dosage of onion extract led to the reduction of blood glucose levels during tests for glucose tolerance. There was a direct proportion in the effect of onion extract on blood glucose levels, wherein an increase in dosage causes an improvement in blood glucose levels. Using onion in the diet, either raw or boiled also gave a significant effect. Onions also have an effect on the metabolism of sugar in the liver, which may increase insulin release and prevent destruction of insulin.

Garlic and onion are also used to lower down high blood pressure in hypertensive patients as well as decrease lipid levels and prevent aggregation of platelets. So, in spite of its odor and taste, it is a very good herbal treatment for diabetes mellitus.

Other herbs that are used to treat diabetes are Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), blueberry leaves (Vaccinium myrtillus) which imitate the action of insulin although weaker, asian ginseng, bilberry, stevia, gingko biloba, cinnamon which increases the efficiency of insulin up to three times its action, barberry, and Salacia oblonga which controls blood sugar levels after a meal.

Herbs are natural plants that help in the treatment of several illnesses, such as diabetes mellitus. Take care in using these plants and always consult your health care provider or your doctor as to the treatment that is best for you.