Herbal supplements for diabetes: A qualitative review of current evidence on local indigenous plants
- Author:
Francis Wade Z. Gomez
;
Jona G. Manalil
;
Jenet C. Laxamana
;
Ma Rona Louise C. Mapaye
;
Sarah Jane Paula T. Barroga
;
Graceila R. Reyes
- Publication Type:Other Types
- Keywords:
Diabetes
- MeSH:
Dietary Supplements;
Plant Preparations
- From:
The Filipino Family Physician
2019;57(1):48-56
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Herbal supplementation has been used by diabetic patients, unfortunately it has regulatory, safety, and efficacy concerns.
Objective:This review was conducted to determine the best evidence in terms of the identified active substance, mechanism of action, pre-clinical and clinical studies of commonly used local herbal preparations.
Methods:This is a qualitative review of both local and international published medical literature to identify and summarize information on the use of herbal supplementation in diabetes.
Results:After the initial review, the authors identified thirteen herbal preparations that have been investigated for its anti-diabetic properties. Six have extensive studies including randomized controlled trials but cinnamon and fenugreek seed are not readily available locally. Their detailed review eventually focused on four locally available herbal preparations i.e. bitter melon, turmeric, aloe vera and banaba. They decrease glucose absorption and gluconeogenesis, improve glucose utilization and insulin production. Unlike conventional anti-diabetics, herbal preparations also have favorable effect on lipid metabolism and anti-oxidant effect. Bitter melon seems to be the best herbal preparation. But human studies of bitter melon showed it is inferior to conventional anti-diabetic drugs in terms of its anti-diabetic effect but better in terms of its effect on lipid metabolism and anti-oxidant properties. Turmeric, aloe vera and banaba have also been shown to have anti-diabetic effects.
Conclusion:In summary, herbal preparation may have multiple beneficial effect for patients with diabetes. Use of combined preparations can produce complementation of the effects and may be a promising approach to the use of herbal supplementation as treatment standard among patients with diabetes.
- Full text:PAFP-Journal-2019-1-52-60.pdf
