Experiences of Patients on Natural Herbal Treatments for Diabetes Mellitus at the Diabetes Clinic in Base Hospital - Matara, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus has become a global public health issue. Natural herbal treatments for type 2 diabetes mellitus have been widely used in traditional societies but has recently become popular among western societies as well. The aim of this study was to explore the experience of type 2 patients with diabetes mellitus who are currently on natural herbal treatment. A qualitative, phenomenological design has been used. Twelve participants from both males and females, aged between 25 and 75 years, who were on medical treatment, were selected for sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted at the diabetes clinic in a selected hospital in southern Sri Lanka. The athematic analysis was conducted, and 6 themes were derived. The majority of participants (75%) were motivated to use natural herbal treatments other than oral glycemic therapy. Experiences have been identified as the most influential factors in the use of natural herbal treatments. The need for educational interventions on natural herbal treatments and to propose the integration of herbal medicine into current medical systems is recommended.

Is mental health co-morbidity an influencing factor in the health service utilisation of women with diabetes mellitus?

“…With regard to practice and product use, we identified that herbal medicine use was more likely for those with a mental health co-morbidity compared to those with diabetes alone. Previous research has revealed people living with diabetes [ 39 , 40 ] or depression or anxiety are high users of herbal medicines [ 41 ]. Our results indicate that the presence of either depression or anxiety is influencing herbal medicine use more so than the presence of diabetes [ 41 ].…”

The hypoglycemic effects of Juglans regia L. internal septum in type 2 diabetic patients: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

“…The mean (± SD) age of patients was 49.1 (10.2) and 50.9 (12.7) years in the placebo and J.regia groups, respectively. The mean duration [IQR] of their disease was 6 [4][5][6][7][8] and 6 [4][5][6][7][8] years in the placebo and J.regia groups, respectively. Patients' characteristic data were summarized in Table 1, and there was no significant difference between them (P > 0.05).…”

“…Recently, there has been an increase in the use of traditional medicine and herbal products for treating diabetes because they are believed to have comparable or superior therapeutic effectiveness with minimal adverse reactions. 7 Furthermore, numerous conventional remedies for diabetes are sourced from botanical substances. For instance, the first-line treatment of diabetes is metformin, which has its discovery history rooted in a herbal product ( Galega officinalis ), and its potential benefits are still being researched, in addition to lowering blood glucose.…”

“… 8 , 9 Since scientific evidence is necessary to prove the effectiveness of herbal products, So, the effectiveness of these substances were investigated in RCTs. 7 , 10 …”

“…8,9 Since scientific evidence is necessary to prove the effectiveness of herbal products, So, the effectiveness of these substances were investigated in RCTs. 7,10 Also, Herbal products have been used in Iranian traditional medicine to treat diseases. One of these most well-known herbal products in Iranian traditional medicine is the walnut plant with the scientific name "Juglans regia L." from the Juglandaceae family.…”