Herbs and dietary supplements for diabetes control
Dr. Désirée Lie’s post on Medscape reviews nopal (prickly pear cactus), fenugreek, cinnamon, and Gymnema.
Here are the highpoints.
Prickly pear cactus (nopal)
- Nopal is native to the southwestern US and South America.
- It’s traditionally used among Mexicans as a food and medicinally as an anti-inflammatory, a laxative, a blood sugar lowering treatment for diabetes, and to treat gastritis.
- How it works to lower blood sugar isn’t known, although it has an insulin-sensitizing effect in animals.
- 1 study showed a positive effect of nopal on blood sugar when included in a typical Mexican breakfast.
- Other studies of capsules or juice failed to show any effect on blood sugar.
- Nopal may interact with oral anti-diabetes drugs and increase the risk for hypoglycemia.
Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre, or gurmar)
- A woody climbing plant found in central and southern India, tropical Africa, and Australia.
- Used in Ayurvedic medicine.
- The leaves are used as a digestive; diuretic; and blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight-lowering agent.
- Only 2 studies, both of poor quality, showed significant reductions in blood sugar and A1c.
- Gymnema may interact with oral anti-diabetes drugs and increase the risk for hypoglycemia.
Cinnamon (Cassia cinnamon, or Cinnamomum aromaticum)
- Animal and laboratory studies indicate that cinnamon may mimic the effects of insulin, act as an insulin sensitizer, and improve cellular glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis.
- Studies in patients are small and have produced contradictory results.
- In the most recent study, researchers reported positive results and recommended cinnamon as an adjunct to diabetes care for patients with an A1c level greater than 7%.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
- An annual herb native to western Asia and southeastern Europe.
- 2 studies in diabetes patients reported a positive effect on blood sugar control.
- More on fenugreek is here.
The bottom line?
Go to the article for more details.
7/6/10 20:14 JR