Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition that occurs when the body cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps to regulate blood glucose levels. When the body cannot use it effectively, blood sugar levels rise. Persistently high blood glucose levels may eventually lead to long-term heath complications such as nerve damage and stroke. Type 2 diabetes can be controlled through diet, although your doctor may also prescribe medicines that help to regulate blood sugar levels. Some herbs may also help to lower high blood glucose levels, but there is no evidence to suggest that they can reverse Type 2 diabetes. Get medical advice before using herbs to treat your condition and don't use them in place of prescription medicines.
Examples
Examples of herbs that may play a role in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes include American ginseng and bitter melon. American ginseng is primarily used as an overall health tonic and as treatment for stress, but the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that it may also help to lower glucose levels in Type 2 diabetes patients. Bitter melon, sometimes known as leprosy gourd because of its warty skin, may also help to regulate blood glucose levels and may heighten the effects of diabetes medicines, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Efficacy
There is no evidence that bitter melon or American ginseng can reverse Type 2 diabetes. However, the results of a study published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" in March 2011 show that taking 2,000 mg of bitter melon daily for four weeks has modest blood-sugar lowering effects. Research published in the April 2000 issue of "Archives of Internal Medicine" found that American ginseng lowers post-meal blood glucose levels in Type 2 diabetes patients when taken 40 minutes before eating.
Side Effects
Short-term use of American ginseng is likely safe, according to MedlinePlus. However, its side effects may include insomnia, headache, a rapid heartbeat and blood pressure changes. It may cause liver damage and a severe rash, but MedlinePlus notes that these effects are rare. Using bitter melon for up to six months is also likely safe, according to RxList. Bear in mind that these herbs may lower your blood sugar levels too much, so ensure you get your blood sugar levels checked regularly while using them.
Contraindications
Use of these herbs is contraindicated in certain conditions. For example, people with a disorder known as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency must not use bitter melon. Avoid American ginseng if you have a hormone-sensitive cancer, schizophrenia or insomnia, and don't use either of these herbs if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep in mind that both these herbs have the potential to interact with other medicines you may be taking, so check with your doctor whether it is safe to use them alongside your current treatments.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diabetes
- MedlinePlus: American Ginseng
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Bitter Melon
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Hypoglycemic Effect of Bitter Melon Compared With Metformin in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Patients; A. Fuangchan et al.; January 2011
- "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
- RxList: Bitter Melon
