Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body produces too little insulin, the hormone responsible for converting glucose into energy. People with type 2 diabetes produce enough insulin, but are unable to use it properly. As a result, blood glucose levels can become dangerously high; untreated, this can lead to stoke, blindness and nerve damage. Insulin injections and dietary measures help stabilize blood glucose levels and prevent diabetes-related complications. Some herbs may help lower blood sugar levels, but should not take the place of medical treatment.
Examples
Several herbs may play a role in the treatment of diabetes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These include bitter melon and American ginseng. Bitter melon is tropical plant whose fruit may be eaten or used to make medicine for a variety of conditions, including HIV, cancer and type 1 and 2 diabetes. American ginseng is sometimes used as a general health tonic, but may also lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to MedlinePlus.
Efficacy
The results of a clinical study published in the April 2000 issue of "Archives of Internal Medicine" show that taking American ginseng before a meal helps to reduce post-meal blood glucose levels in both healthy and diabetic patients. Clinical trial findings published in the January 2011 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" show that bitter melon lowers blood sugar levels, although it is less effective than the anti-diabetes drug metformin.
Safety and Side Effects
MedlinePlus states that short-term use of American ginseng may be safe, but adds that it can cause side effects such as diarrhea, insomnia and nervousness. It may also increase your blood pressure. Some women who use this herb may experience vaginal bleeding and breast tenderness. RxList notes that short-term use of bitter melon is likely safe, but long-term use of this herb may not be. Both herbs may lower your blood sugar levels too much, so test your blood glucose levels regularly while using them.
Contraindications
American ginseng is contraindicated in several conditions, including insomnia, schizophrenia and hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer or uterine fibroids. It may interact with other drugs you may be taking, including anticoagulants. Avoid bitter melon and American ginseng if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Both herbs may heighten the effects of diabetes medicines, so check with your doctor that concomitant use is safe.
References
- UMMC; Diabetes; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Bitter Melon
- MedlinePlus: American Ginseng
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; American Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius L) Reduces Postprandial Glycemia in Nondiabetic Subjects and Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; V. Vuksan et al.; April 2000
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Hypoglycemic Effect of Bitter Melon Compared with Metformin in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Patients; A. Fuangchan et al; January 2011
- RxList: Bitter Melon
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