Effect of Supplementation of Traditional Medicinal Plants on Blood Glucose in Non–Insulin-Dependent Diabetics: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The effect of supplementation of a powdered mixture of three traditional medicinal plants-bittergourd, jamun seeds, and fenugreek seeds-in raw and cooked form on blood glucose was studied in 60 non-insulin-dependent male diabetics. The patients were divided into two groups of 30 each. The patients of group I were given the raw powdered mixture in the form of capsules; the patients of group II were given this mixture in the form of salty biscuits. Daily supplementation of 1 g of this powered mixture for a 1.5-month period and then a further increase to 2 g for another 1.5 months significantly reduced the fasting as well as the postprandial glucose level of the diabetic patients. A significant decrease in oral hypoglycemic drug intake and decline in percentage of the subjects who were on hypoglycemic drugs were found after the 3-month feeding trial. It was concluded that 2 g of a powdered mixture of traditional medicinal plants in either raw or cooked form can be successfully used for lowering blood glucose in diabetics.

Traditional medicinal plants used for the treatment of diabetes in rural and urban areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh – an ethnobotanical survey

“…Several small preliminary clinical studies investigating the effect of seed extracts of Trigonella foenum-graecum revealed a significantly reduced insulin resistance [50] and improved fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels [51,52] in diabetic patients. Isolated compounds of fenugreek, when administered in addition to sulfonylureas, also showed an improved anti-diabetic action compared to sulfonylureas alone in diabetic patients [53].…”

Syzygium Cumini Inhibits Growth and Induces Apoptosis in Cervical Cancer Cell Lines: A Primary Study

“…Various parts of the plant are used for treatment of a variety of human abnormalities. The seed is able to lower blood glucose rapidly and so is effective in treating diabetes [38,39] and hyperinsulinemia [40]. Seed extracts are rich in phenols and show high-antioxidant activity [41].…”

Potential for Improved Glycemic Control with Dietary Momordica charantia in Patients with Insulin Resistance and Pre-Diabetes

“…A combination regimen of bitter melon and fenugreek seeds was found to have a synergistic effect in lowering blood sugar levels. In a similar study, a powdered mixture of bitter melon fruit, jamun seeds, and fenugreek seeks administered to 60 non-insulin-dependent male diabetics significantly reduced their fasting and postprandial glucose levels and decreased their dose of oral hypoglycemic drugs [41]. …”