Introduction
Diabetes cases are rapidly increasing and have become a global health issue. The major concern regarding the alarming statistics of diabetes is the development of chronic complications. These complications have been classified into two broad categories i.e., microvascular and macrovascular. The former includes nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy. However, the latter complication includes cerebrovascular accidents, cardiovascular disease, and peripheral vascular disease. These complications cause morbidity and mortality globally and negatively affect the quality of life in individuals suffering from diabetes.
Common Approaches to Combat Diabetes
The most common approaches for diabetes include dietary modification, enhance physical activity, and pharmacological intervention. Though this approach is common for providers caring for patients with high blood sugar, there are patients that show interest in alternative strategies. This approach includes dietary supplementation with over-the-counter agents. This approach does not require patients to consult with a medical provider.
Use of Herbs for Diabetes Treatment
Today, patients prefer herbal extracts because they are seen as neutral. Plants and their extracts have been used for treating diseases like diabetes for millennia. In Western countries, however, they are less commonly used in medical care compared to Asia and Europe.
It’s worth noting that many pharmaceutical drugs in medicine today originate from natural compounds found in traditional medicinal plants. For example, metformin, a key medication for type 2 diabetes, was first derived from the traditional use of Galega officinalis to treat high blood glucose. Researchers identified safer active compounds, leading to the development of metformin.
Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin resistance is a key issue in obesity and type 2 diabetes. It also occurs in prediabetes, where the body boosts insulin production to counteract this resistance. This helps maintain normal or near-normal blood sugar levels. However, if the body can’t produce sufficient insulin, blood sugar levels increase, causing hyperglycemia.
Insulin resistance is critical in type 2 diabetes and is associated with heart disease and atherosclerosis. Therefore, enhancing insulin sensitivity is a primary goal in treating type 2 diabetes. While caloric restriction and increased physical activity are beneficial, maintaining these changes long-term can be challenging. Thus, using botanical supplements to improve insulin sensitivity shows promise as an alternative approach.
Herbs Against Diabetes
A limited list of herbs is there that can alter carbohydrate metabolism. These herbs have been mentioned here based on historical use, current use in herbal supplements, etc. These herbs are mentioned below:
| Herbs | Scientific Name |
| Cinnamon | Cinnamomum cassia |
| Fenugreek | Trigonella foenum-graecum |
| Bitter Melon | Momordica charantia |
| Garlic | Allium sativum |
| Aloe | Aloe vera |
| Ivy Gourd | Coccinia indica |
| Gymnema | Gymnema sylvestre |
| Ginseng | Panax spp |
| Prickly Pear Cactus | Opuntia spp |
Cinnamon for Diabetes
Cinnamon has been used to treat high blood sugar for a long time and is becoming a popular supplement. The exact components responsible for its antidiabetic effects are not well-known, but polyphenol type-A polymers are believed to be some of the active ingredients in cinnamon that may mimic insulin.
A study looked at 109 diabetic patients who had been managing their diabetes with diet and exercise. These patients were given 1 gram of cinnamon per day for 90 days. The results showed that the cinnamon significantly lowered their blood sugar levels, measured by HbA1c, compared to those who did not take cinnamon.
Fenugreek for Diabetes
Fenugreek is mostly cultivated in India and North Africa. It has a history of use in diabetes treatment. Its seeds are rich in protein and fibre, commonly used in food. Studies suggest that fenugreek can lower blood sugar and cholesterol in humans. Its blood sugar-lowering effect may stem from its high fibre content, which slows stomach emptying and reduces post-meal blood sugar levels. Fenugreek also contains active compounds like trigonelline and steroidal saponins. One compound, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, is thought to mimic insulin’s effects.
Bitter Melon for Diabetes
Bitter melon is a traditional Asian plant often used to treat diabetes and related problems. It contains multiple active compounds, including one called polypeptide-p, which is similar to insulin and may help lower blood sugar. Bitter melon also has triterpenoids, charantins, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids that might affect how the body processes carbohydrates.
Garlic for Diabetes
Garlic has been used as an herbal remedy in many health conditions including blood clot prevention, lowering BP and cholesterol. Garlic acts as an antioxidant, and fight infections. Because it has so many potential benefits, a lot of research has been done on garlic. The exact way garlic lowers BP isn’t known, but it might involve producing nitric oxide, blocking ACE activity, reducing vasoconstrictive agents, and scavenging free radicals.
Aloe Vera for Diabetes
Aloe vera has been used for the treatment of diabetes in India. The gel from the leaves contains glucomannan, a water-soluble fibre that may help lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. Preclinical studies have also shown results that indicate that aloe vera gel extract can significantly improve fasting glucose levels. A comprehensive review concluded that aloe vera might help control blood sugar.
Ivy Gourd for Diabetes
Historically, ivy gourd has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat high sugar levels in urine. The plant contains compounds that might act like insulin and reduce the activity of enzymes that produce glucose. Clinical studies with ivy gourd extract have shown it can lower blood sugar levels both before and after meals.
Gymnema for Diabetes
Gymnema, commonly known as gurmar, originates from Africa, the Middle East, and India, where it has been traditionally used to manage diabetes. Its leaves and extracts are popularly utilized. The plant contains potential antidiabetic compounds like gymnemic acids, gymnemosides, and gurmarin. Animal studies suggest that extracts of Gymnema sylvestre may enhance glucose uptake in tissues, increase insulin secretion, and support the growth of pancreatic β cells. However, further clinical studies are needed to establish definitive guidelines regarding its effectiveness and safety.
Gymnema is also thought to reduce the taste of sweetness, decrease glucose absorption from the intestines, improve glucose metabolism, lower HbA1c levels, and improve insulin secretion and lipid levels. More well-designed clinical studies are needed to confirm these effects and make solid recommendations.
Ginseng for Diabetes
Ginseng has been suggested to help control diabetes. However, a review of studies using ginseng extracts (mainly Asian and American ginseng) found there wasn’t enough evidence to prove it helps with blood sugar or cholesterol levels. A detailed analysis of studies on ginseng for cardiovascular health showed it might slightly lower blood pressure, but results for its effect on cholesterol were mixed. Some studies showed ginseng lowers blood sugar, but overall, the results were inconsistent.
Prickly Pear Cactus for Diabetes
Prickly pear is a common cactus eaten for both its health benefits and as food. It’s well-known in Central and South America for helping control blood sugar. The cactus is rich in soluble fibre and pectin, which can block sugar absorption. This likely helps regulate blood sugar levels throughout the body, though other ways it works have been suggested. Prickly pear contains active compounds like isorhamnetic-3-glucoside, a flavonoid that’s been studied in animals and found to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. In a small study, prickly pear reduced total cholesterol by 12%, LDL (bad) cholesterol by 15%, triglycerides by 12%, blood sugar by 11%, and insulin levels by 11% in non-diabetic men.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a serious global health concern, affecting quality of life and increasing mortality rates. While traditional treatments like diet, exercise, and medications are common, there’s a rising interest in natural remedies such as cinnamon, fenugreek, and bitter melon. These herbs have been used historically and show promise in improving insulin sensitivity and controlling blood sugar levels. Integrating these natural options into diabetes management could lead to better outcomes and enhanced quality of life. Further research into their effectiveness will be important for their wider acceptance in treating this widespread condition.
