Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by too much blood sugar, or glucose, and not enough insulin, the hormone that regulates sugar in the blood. In type 1 diabetes, which usually occurs in childhood, the pancreas does not produce insulin, and treatment involves insulin therapy. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, so patients sometimes require medication to stimulate insulin production or block the liver from releasing glucose into the blood. Herbs that lower blood sugar may be an effective alternative for diabetes. It is important to consult a health care professional before starting herbal treatment.
Cecropia
The cecropias, or Cecropia spp., are tropical trees native to Central and South America. Folk healers use the plant for a wide range of diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, hypertension, diabetes, heart problems, Parkinson's disease, kidney disorders and high blood pressure. Cecropias contain glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, triterpenes, polyphenols, steroids and resins, and have anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, cardiotonic and diuretic actions. A study published in the July 2010 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" tested extracts from two species of cecropia on diabetic animals. The study found that the extracts blocked the secretion of glucose from the liver, thus reducing blood sugar levels. The researchers also found that the active ingredients were the antioxidants isoorientin and chlorogenic acid--chlorogenic acid slows the release of glucose into the bloodstream after eating. This study supports the traditional use of cecropias for diabetes, but further studies are needed to test these results on human subjects.
Swertia
Swertia, or Swertia punicea, is an annual with dark purple flowers found throughout Asia. Healers in India and China use several species of swertia to treat diabetes and hepatitis. Swertia is rich in polyphenols like swerchirin, methylswertianin and bellidifolin, and alkaloids like gentianine, which have potent antioxidant and hypoglycemic actions. A study reported in the June 2010 issue of "Phytomedicine" tested an extract of the plant on animals with induced type 2 diabetes. The study found that methylswertianin and bellidifolin were the active ingredients responsible for lowering blood glucose. These chemicals also reduced triglycerides and "bad" cholesterol, making the plant useful in preventing cardiovascular complications of diabetes. This study validates the traditional use of swertia species in treating diabetes, but further studies are needed to test these results in humans.
Marula
Marula, or Sclerocarya birrea, is a deciduous fruit tree native to Africa. Traditional healers use the bark to prevent malaria and treat diabetes, diarrhea, rheumatism and hemorrhoids; the roots to treat constipation; and the leaves for indigestion and gonorrhea. Marula contains flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenoids and coumarins, and has hypotensive and hypoglycemic actions. A study published in the September 2008 issue of "Phytomedicine" tested an extract of the stem bark on animals with induced diabetes. The study found that the extract lowered blood glucose levels, improved kidney function and reduced blood pressure in test animals. The researchers state that the active ingredients were the triterpenoids and their derivatives, such as oleanolic acid, ursolic acid and uvaol. This study supports the traditional use of marula for diabetes. Further studies are needed to determine the bioactive ingredients and to test the effects of the plant on humans.
References
- Pubmed: Gluconeogenesis Inhibition and Phytochemical Composition of Two Cecropia Species
- Pubmed: Anti-Diabetic Effect of Methylswertianin and Bellidifolin from Swertia Punicea Hemsl. and its Potential Mechanism
- Pubmed: Sclerocarya Birrea [(A. Rich.) Hochst.] [Anacardiaceae] Stem-Bark Ethanolic Extract (SBE) Modulates Blood Glucose, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) and Mean Arterial Blood Pressure (MAP) of STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats
