Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by uncontrolled levels of glucose in the bloodstream because either the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to break down sugar, or cells have become insulin-resistant. While there is no cure for this life-long disorder, there have been breakthroughs in recent years that include botanical therapies. Diabetes is a serious condition, however, so talk to your physician before attempting to incorporate complementary therapies into your treatment plan.
French Maritime Pine
The bark of the French maritime pine tree is the source of a potent antioxidant called pycnogenol. In the Aug. 24, 2010 issue of "Phytotherapy Research," a team of Korean researchers reported that pycnogenol demonstrates anti-diabetic properties by improving glucose metabolism. Specifically, the study authors found that this substance increased glucose uptake via the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase signaling pathway that regulates various cell metabolic processes. This effect was observed even in the presence of wartmannin, a derivative of the fungi Penicillium funiculosum known to inhibit the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase enzyme. The scientists concluded that pycnogenol help to regulate blood glucose levels in insulin-resistant, or type II diabetes. According to a paper presented in the Dec. 25, 2009 issue of the "Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics," pycnogenol helps to prevent fluid leakage into the retina that occurs with diabetic retinopathy and contributes to progressive vision loss. Get your doctor's OK before you take French maritime pine products.
Bitter Melon
Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd, is a tropical vine dubbed "vegetable insulin." In a study published in the March 15, 2008 issue of "Chemistry & Biology," four cucurbitane glycosides isolated from bitter melon stimulated expression of GLUT4 and AMP-activated protein kinase, two components of the glucose transport system that permit the uptake of glucose and its delivery to cell membranes. In a study published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" on May 4, 2009, researchers from the Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology took credit for demonstrating for the first time that bitter melon extracts counter hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in rats fed a high-fructose diet. These effects were attributed to increased expression of GLUT4 in muscles and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in fat tissues. Ask your doctor if you may safely take bitter melon.
Cinnamon
Research conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that polyphenols in cinnamon stimulate cell membrane insulin receptors, which significantly improves glucose uptake and decreases blood glucose levels. The spice also reduces triglyceride levels and low-density lipoprotein levels, indicating that cinnamon may help to prevent heart disease, which people with diabetes are at higher risk of developing. Besides being a kitchen ingredient, cinnamon is available as a dietary supplement that you can take -- if your doctor approves.
Green Tea
A study published in the July-Aug. 2011 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food" reported that three months taking a 1:1 ratio of Indian gooseberry extract and epigallocatechin gallate from green tea is an effective and safe treatment for renal failure patients with diabetes. Another 2011 study featured in "Biomedical Research" showed that green tea contains compounds other than epigallocatechin gallate that exhibit insulin-like activity and that drinking green tea may help to prevent diabetes.
References
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Effect of Pycnogenol on Glucose Transport in Mature 3T3-L1 Adipocytes; HH Lee, et al.; 2010
- "Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; Pycnogenol Improves Microcirculation, Retinal Edema, and Visual Acuity in Early Diabetic Retinopathy; R. Steigerwalt, et al.; 2009
- "Chemistry & Biology"; Antidiabetic Activities of Triterpenoids Isolated from Bitter Melon Associated with Activation of the AMPK Pathway; MJ Tan, et al.; 2008
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Momordica charantia Extract on Insulin Resistance and the Skeletal Muscle GLUT4 Protein in Fructose-fed Rats; CC Shih, et al.; 2009
- "The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society"; Chromium and Polyphenols from Cinnamon Improve Insulin Sensitivity; RA Anderson; 2008
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Efficacy of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate and Amla (Emblica officinalis) Extract for the Treatment of Diabetic-Uremic Patients; TS Chen; 2011
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