Those suffering from the debilitating effects of diabetes may no doubt be familiar with the more common methods of treating the disease -- special diet, exercise and possibly medicine, according to The National Institutes of Health. But the use of certain herbs may also prove beneficial to diabetes patients. In addition to diabetes, herbs are being used to treat a number of other conditions, including circulatory problems, weight loss, and complications of pregnancy, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM. Several natural herbs to treat diabetes are effective as part your doctor's diabetes management plan.
Bilberry
Bilberry, the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, reports, has been used for centuries as both a medicine and a food -- it's related to the blueberry. The fruit of the bilberry plant contains the chemical called anthocyanosides, which the UMMC says has excellent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants seek out damaging particles known as free radicals and helps to reverse the damage they do to cells. Free radical damage may increase inflammation and make cells less sensitive to insulin.
Gymnema
Gymnema possesses acids that have an antidiabetic properties, according to a study by researchers at the Food Engineering and Technology Department of the University of Mumbai, India. The research led by Parijat Kanetkar and published in the Septemebr 2006 issue of "Journal of Chemical Biochemistry and Nutrition" states that gymnema has the ability to delay glucose absorption in the blood, due largely to the fact that gynmemic acid molecules are similar to those of glucose molecules. These molecules, the researchers state, fill in the receptor locations in the external layers of the intestine and prevent sugar molecules from being absorbed, thereby lowering the blood sugar level. Gymnema leaf extract also stimulates the pancreas and increase insulin increase.
Ginkgo
According to the University of Texas Health and Science Center, Ginkgo biloba can reduce platelet hypersensitivity, a condition that is common to those suffering from diabetes. Platelet hypersensitivity is a serious heart disease risk factor and may contribute towards artery plaque and blood clots. They add that Ginkgo biloba may increase the production of insulin in diabetics whose own natural insulin production process has been impaired. However, ginkgo can interfere with medications and should only be taken after discussing it with your doctor.
References
- UMMC: Bilberry
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Diabetes and CAM: A Focus on Dietary Supplements
- "Journal of Chemical Biochemistry and Nutrition": Gymnema sylvestre: A Memoir
- The University of Texas Health and Science Center at San Antonio: Scientist studies Ginkgo biloba's role in diabetes
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