Single Herbs/Plant Derivatives For Glycemic Control |
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Name |
Mechanism of Action |
Adverse Effects |
Level of Evidence |
Any Benefit? |
Ivy Gourd (Coccinia indica) |
Insulin-mimetic effects
|
None reported |
Level I, A |
*Potentially, but more research needed |
Ginseng Species (Panax, Siberian, American, Japanese) |
Decreases CHO absorption into portal system, increased transport/uptake via nitric oxide, increases glycogen storage, modulates insulin secretion |
None reported; mild insomnia in 1 case |
Level I, A |
*Possible hypoglycemic effect, but larger and more long-term studies needed |
Garlic (allium sativum) and onion (allium cepum) |
Increases secretion or decreases degradation of insulin, increases glutathionine peroxidase activity, improves glycogen storage |
None reported |
Level I, C |
Inconclusive; conflicting data |
Holy Basil (Ocimum Sanctum) |
Hypoglycemic effects, but unknown. Possibly by enhanced beta-cell function and insulin secretion |
None reported |
Level III, C |
Inconclusive; more research needed |
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) |
Delays gastric emptying, slows CHO absorption, inhibits glucose transport from fiber content, increases GLUT receptors, modulates peripheral glucose metabolism |
None reported |
Level II-2, C |
Potentially, but more research needed |
Bauhinia forficata and Myrcia uniflora |
“Vegetable insulin” |
None reported |
Level I |
Preliminary results show no benefit |
Fig Leaf (Ficus carica) |
Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic, but not conclusive. Potential effects on peripheral glucose metabolism, non-insulin mediated? |
None reported |
Level III, C |
Inconclusive; more research needed |
Nopal (Opuntia streptacantha) |
High soluble fiber/pectin which may delay glucose absorption. Improves insulin sensitivity? |
None reported |
Level III, C |
*Possible hypoglycemic effect, but more long-term studies needed |
Milk Thistle (Silibum marianum) |
Antioxidant capabilities, has effects on hepatocyte stabilization, decreases glutathione oxidation, restores malondialdehyde levels. Benefits for insulin resistance secondary to liver damage |
None reported |
Level III, C |
Inconclusive; more research needed |
Gymnema sylvestre (“gurmar”= destroyer of sugar) |
Postulated that increases glucose uptake/utilization, increases insulin release through cell permeability, increases beta-cell number and stimulates function |
None reported |
Level II-1, C |
*Suggestive, but inconclusive |
Mormordica charantia (balsam pear, karela, bitter melon) |
Theorized to increase insulin secretion, tissue glucose uptake, liver muscle glycogen synthesis, glucose oxidation, and decrease hepatic gluconeogenesis |
None reported |
Level III, C |
*Potentially, but more research needed |
Aloe vera |
Contains glucomannan (hydrosoluble fiber) delaying glucose absorption |
None reported |
Level II-1, C |
*Potentially, but more research needed |
Multiple Herb Combinations |
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Name |
Mechanism of Action |
Adverse Effects |
Level of Evidence |
Any Benefit? |
Traditional Chinese Medicine |
May decrease glucose absorption. Other mechanisms possible |
None reported; diarrhea, vertigo, hypoglycemia case reported |
Level I, C |
Some may be of benefit, while others show no benefit. Studies need to be done more than once on standardized preparation |
Native Herb Combination |
Unclear |
Minor GI discomfort |
Level I |
Current evidence shows no benefit |
Tibetan Medicine |
Unclear |
None reported |
Level II-2, C |
Inconclusive |
Vitamins/Minerals/Other |
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Name |
Mechanism of Action |
Adverse Effects |
Level of Evidence |
Any Benefit? |
Chromium |
Component of glucose tolerance factor (GTF). Been shown to increase number of insulin receptors, enhance receptor binding, and potentiate insulin action |
None reported |
Level I, C |
Potentially, but mixed results. More trials needed in North America. |
Magnesium |
Hypomagnesemia common in diabetes. Mg is co-factor in glucose oxidation, modulates glucose transport across cell membranes. May increase insulin secretion and/or improve insulin sensitivity/peripheral glucose uptake |
None reported |
Level I, C |
Inconclusive due to mixed results |
Vitamin E |
Antioxidant capability which might influence protein glycation, lipid oxidation, and insulin secretion/sensitivity. May affect nonoxidative glucose metabolism |
None reported |
Level I, C |
Inconclusive due to mixed results |
Vanadium (Vanadyl sulfate) |
Insulin-mimetic, up-regulates insulin receptors. Might enhance glucose oxidation/glycogen synthesis, and modulate hepatic glucose output |
None reported |
Level II-1, C |
Suggestive, but RCTs needed |
Alpha-Lipoic Acid |
Antioxidant. May play a role in glucose oxidation. May increase glucose uptake in muscle, affect glycation, improve insulin sensitivity |
None reported |
Level II-3, C |
Inconclusive; more research needed |
L-Carnitine |
Modulator of fuel substrate utilization in cells. Influences free fatty acid/glucose oxidation |
None reported |
Level I, A |
Inconclusive; more research needed |
Adapted from: Yeh, G..Y., Eisenberg, D.M., Kaptchuk, T.J., & Phillips, R.S. (2003). Systematic review of herbs and dietary supplements for glycemic control in diabetes. Diabetes Care, 26(4), 1277-1294.