As many as 8.3 percent of Americans suffer from diabetes, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders 2011 statistics. Growing interest in using alternative medicines to treat disease has led to more research into herbal treatment options. Garlic, an herb with a long medicinal history in treating colds, may offer benefits in controlling blood sugar levels, but human studies are lacking and the benefits not well established. Take garlic to treat diabetes only with your physician's approval.
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Garlic contains antioxidants, compounds found in many plants that can help reduce cellular damage caused by toxins. Antioxidants acts by destroying free radicals, unpaired electrons that can contribute to development of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Garlic may also strengthen the immune system and may act as an antibacterial, antifungal or anti-viral substance. Garlic may also lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, but not all studies support this conclusion. Allicin, the active ingredient in garlic, may lower blood glucose.
Animal Studies
Most studies on the benefits of garlic on diabetes have been done of animals in laboratory settings, not on people. An Iranian study conducted by researchers from Shiraz University compared the effects of onion, garlic and fenugreek on diabetes induced in rats. Only garlic had a significant effect in reducing blood glucose levels in the study, published in the February 2005 issue of the "Indian Journal of Medical Sciences."
Human Studies
A study conducted by the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences and published in the March 2008 issue of "Acta Diabetologica" studied the effects of timed-release garlic powder, Allicor, on 60 subjects with type 2 diabetes. The object of the study was to determine whether Allicor could reduce the metabolic effects that lead to late diabetic complications. Allicor lowered fasting blood glucose levels as well as triglyceride levels more successfully than a placebo, researchers stated.
Considerations
Studies have not yet established a definite benefit for garlic in treating diabetes. This herb is not a proven substitute for standard medical treatment. Do not adjust your prescription medications in any way while taking garlic without your medical provider's knowledge and approval. Garlic can also increase bleeding by preventing blood from clotting. If you take prescription blood thinners, ask your doctor before taking garlic.
References
- NYU Langone; Garlic; February 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Garlic; Steven Ehrlich; November 2008
- "Indian Journal of Medical Sciences"; Effect of Fenugreek, Onion and Garli on Blood Glucose and Histopathology of Pancreas of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats; G. Jelodar, et al.; February 2005
- "Acta Diabetologica"; Metabolic Effects of Time-Released Garlic Powder Tablets in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The Results of Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Study;I Sobenin, et al.; March 2008
- University of Texas Extension; Garlic;Armando González Stuart, Ph.D.; 2005
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; National Diabetes Statistics, 2011; February 2011
