Herbs for Diabetes

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Since antiquity, diabetes has been treated with plant medicines. Recent

scientific investigation has confirmed the efficacy of many of these

preparations, some of which are remarkably effective. Only those herbs that

appear most effective, are relatively non-toxic and have substantial

documentation of efficacy are covered here.

Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian Kino, Malabar Kino, Pitasara, Venga)

The tree is the source of the Kino of the European pharmacopeas. The gum-resin

looks like dried blood (Dragon's blood), much used in Indian medicine. This

herb has a long history of use in India as a treatment for diabetes. The

flavonoid, (-)-epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant has been

shown to prevent alloxan-induced beta cell damage in rats.

Both epicatechin and a crude alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium have

actually been shown to regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells. No other

drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity.

Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)

Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, is a tropical vegetable widely

cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America, and has been used extensively in

folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. The blood sugar lowering action of the

fresh juice or extract of the unripe fruit has been clearly established in both

experimental and clinical studies.

Bitter melon is composed of several compounds with confirmed anti-diabetic

properties. Charantin, extracted by alcohol, is a hypoglycaemic agent composed

of mixed steroids that is more potent than the drug tolbutamide which is often

used in the treatment of diabetes. Momordica also contains an insulin-like

polypeptide, polypeptide-P, which lowers blood sugar levels when injected

subcutaneously into type 1 diabetic patients. The oral administration of 50-60

ml of the juice has shown good results in clinical trials.

Excessively high doses of bitter melon juice can cause abdominal pain and

diarrhea. Small children or anyone with hypoglycemia should not take bitter

melon, since this herb could theoretically trigger or worsen low blood sugar,

or hypoglycemia. Furthermore, diabetics taking hypoglycemic drugs (such as

chlorpropamide, glyburide, or phenformin) or insulin should use bitter melon

with caution, as it may potentiate the effectiveness of the drugs, leading to

severe hypoglycemia.

Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar, Meshasringi, Cherukurinja)

Gymnema assists the pancreas in the production of insulin in Type 2 diabetes.

Gymnema also improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar in both Type

1 and Type 2 diabetes. It decreases cravings for sweet. This herb can be an

excellent substitute for oral blood sugar-lowering drugs in Type 2 diabetes.

Some people take 500 mg per day of gymnema extract.

Onion and Garlic ( Allium cepa and Allium sativum)

Onion and garlic have significant blood sugar lowering action. The principal

active ingredients are believed to be allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and

diallyl disulphide oxide (allicin), although other constitutents such as

flavonoids may play a role as well.

Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that APDS lowers glucose levels by

competing with insulin for insulin-inactivating sites in the liver. This

results in an increase of free insulin. APDS administered in doses of 125 mg/

kg to fasting humans was found to cause a marked fall in blood glucose levels

and an increase in serum insulin. Allicin doses of 100 mg/kg produced a similar

effect.

Onion extract was found to reduce blood sugar levels during oral and intravenous

glucose tolerance. The effect improved as the dosage was increased; however,

beneficial effects were observed even for low levels that used in the diet

(eg., 25 to 200 grams). The effects were similar in both raw and boiled onion

extracts. Onions affect the hepatic metabolism of glucose and/or increases the

release of insulin, and/or prevent insulin's destruction.

The additional benefit of the use of garlic and onions are their beneficial

cardiovascular effects. They are found to lower lipid levels, inhibit platelet

aggregation and are antihypertensive. So, liberal use of onion and garlic are

recommended for diabetic patients.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated the antidiabetic properties

of fenugreek seeds. The active ingredient responsible for the antidiabetic

properties of fenugreek is in the defatted portion of the seed that contains

the alkaloid trogonelline, nicotinic acid and coumarin.

Blueberry leaves (Vaccinium myrtillus)

A decoction of the leaves of the blueberry has a long history of folk use in the

treatment of diabetes. The compound myrtillin (an anthocyanoside) is apparently

the most active ingredient. Upon injection it is somewhat weaker than insulin,

but is less toxic, even at 50 times the 1 g per day therapeutic dose. A single

dose can produce beneficial effects lasting several weeks.

Blueberry anthocyanosides also increase capillary integrity, inhibit

free-radical damage and improve the tone of the vascular system. In Europe, it

is used as an anti-haemorrhagic agent in the treatment of eye diseases

including diabetic retinopathy.

Asian Ginseng

Asian ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat

diabetes. It has been shown to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas

and to increase the number of insulin receptors. It also has a direct blood

sugar-lowering effect.A recent study found that 200 mg of ginseng extract per

day improved blood sugar control as well as energy levels in Type 2 diabetes

(NIDDM).

Bilberry

Bilberry may lower the risk of some diabetic complications, such as diabetic

cataracts and retinopathy.

Cinnamon - Triples insulin's efficiency

For all pancreatic problems: 1part uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi)1 part

goldenseal (Hydrastis canadenis). 1 part elecampane (Inula helenium), 2 parts

dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root 2 parts cedar berries

1 part fennel part ginger

Mix the powdered herbs .Take 1tsp. them after every meal.

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[Guest guest]

 

 

[Guest guest]

>

Dear Friends, Herbs For DM - 1] Jambul, 2]Gulwel, 3]Gudmar,4] Vijaysar,

5]Kerala 6] Bel, 8] Musta, 9] Kutaki 10] Haridra, 11] Trifala, 12]

Sharpunkha, 13] Asanad

Vaman Therapy In Pancghakarma Very Use ful For DM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I shall be highly obliged if some one could give us indian or panjabi

> names for herbs useful for treatment of diabetese. This will be a great

> help for those who cannot find these herbs although they may be having

> them in their homes, shaukt

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Some of these herbs have multiple names like:

 

1] Jambul, Jamun

2]Gulwel, Giloy, Guduchi, Amrita

3]Gudmar, Bedki

4] Vijaysar, Bijasar

5]Kerala, Karela

6] Bel,

8] Musta, Nagar Motha

9] Kutaki

10] Haridra, Harede

11] Trifala,

12] Sharpunkha,

13] Asanad, Ashwagandha