Fwd: [SecretsNowRevealed] Herbal Recommendations for Diabetes

[Guest guest]

Would any of the herbalists here like to comment on this article, or perhaps

just in general regarding Diabetes?

 

Be Well, Misty

 

http://www..com

 

 

Herbal Recommendations for Diabetes

 

Before the advent of insulin, diabetes was treated with plant

medicines.

 

In 1980 the World Health Organization urged researchers to examine whether

traditional medicines possessed any real medicinal effects. In the last 10-20

years scientific investigation has, in fact, confirmed the efficacy of many of

these preparations, some of which are remarkably effective.

 

This discussion is, of necessity, limited to a few plants—those that appear most

effective are relatively nontoxic, and have substantial documentation of

efficacy.

 

The following plants are discussed: onions and garlic, bitter melon, Gymnema

Sylvestre, fenugreek, salt bush, and pterocarpus. In addition, three other

herbal medicines (bilberry, grape seed, and ginkgo extracts) are discussed

because of their important roles in dealing with diabetic complications.

 

Even though the herbs described here possess blood sugar-lowering effects,

proper and effective natural treatment of the diabetic patient requires the

careful integration of diet, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle, along with

herbal medicines.

 

(Allium cepa and garlic (Allium sativum)

 

Onions and garlic have demonstrated blood sugar lowering action. The active

principles are believed to be the sulfur-containing compounds allyl propyl

disulfide (APDS) and diallyl disulfide oxide (allicin), respectively, although

other constituents such as flavonoids may play a role as well.

 

The cardiovascular effects of garlic and onions, that is, cholesterol and blood

pressure lowering actions, further substantiate the liberal intake of garlic and

onions by the diabetic patient.

 

Bitter Melon

 

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), also know as balsam pear, is a typical fruit

widely cultivated in Asia, Africa, and South America.

 

The unripe fruits are eaten as a vegatable. Bitter melon is a green,

cucumber-shaped fruit with gourd like bumps all over it. It looks like an ugly

cucumber. In addition to being eaten as a vegetable, unripe bitter melon 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 human clinical trials as

well as experimental models.

 

Bitter melon is composed of several compounds with confirmed

anti-diabetic properties. Charantin, extracted by alcohol, is a

hypoglycemic agent composed of mixed steroids that is more potent than the oral

hypoglycemic drug tolbutamide.

 

Momordica charantia also contains an insulin-like polypeptide P, which lowers

blood sugar levels when injected subcutaneously into type I diabetics. Since it

appears to have fewer side effects than insulin, it has been suggested as a

replacement for some patients.

 

The oral administration of bitter melon preparations has shown good results in

clinical trials in patients with type II diabetes. In one study, glucose

tolerance was improved in 73 percent of type II diabetics given 2 ounces of the

juice.

 

The pooled area under the glucose tolerance curves of the patients responding to

the bitter melon was 187.0 square centimeters---much lower than the baseline

level of 243.6 square centimeters.

 

In another study, 15 grams of the aquaeous extract of bitter melon produced a 54

percent decrease in postprandial blood sugar level and a 17 percent reduction in

glycosylated hemoglobin in six patients.

 

Unripe bitter melon is available primarily at Asian grocery stores. Health food

stores may have bitter melon extracts, but the fresh juice is probably best, as

this was what was used in some of the studies.

 

Bitter melon juice is, in my opinion, very difficult to make

palatable. As its name implies, it is quite bitter. If you want the

medicinal effects, simply plug your nose and take a 2-ounce shot of the juice.

The dosage of other forms should approximate this dose.

 

Gymnema Sylvestre

 

Gymnema sylvestre is a plant native to the tropical forests of

India, and has long been used as a treatment for diabetes. Recent scientific

investigation has upheld its effectiveness in both type I and type II diabetes.

 

Gymnema is probably the most practical herbal recommendation for improving blood

sugar control in diabetics. High-quality gymnema extracts are available in

health food stores.

 

Gymnema Sylvestre appeared on the U.S.market a few years ago. Originally it was

hyped as a " sugar blocker " . Manufacturers erroneously claimed that gymnema could

block the absorption of sugar in the gastrointestinal tract and allow the sugar

to pass on through the intestinal tract unabsorbed.

 

Ridiculous advertisement claims were made, such as " how to cut down on sugar

calories without cutting down on sugar. " This was, in my opinion, a blatant

distortion of the truth.

 

Gymnema components, such as gymnemic acid, block the sensation of sweetness when

applied to the tongue. This has shown some clinical significance. Subjects that

had gymnema extracts applied to the tongue consumed fewer calories at a meal

compared to subjects not treated with gymnema.

 

It must be stressed that the gymnema extract was applied to the tongues—subjects

did now swallow it in capsule or tablet form, as this would not produce the same

effect.

 

Gymnema extracts enhance glucose control in diabetic dogs and rabbits.

Interestingly, in animals that have had their pancreas removed, gymnema

possesses no obvious effects. It can therefore be concluded that gymnema

enhances the production of endogenous insulin.

 

The results of animal studies suggest that it accomplishes this

through regeneration of the insulin-producing beta cells in the

pancreas. Studies in humans seem to support this, both in type I and type II

diabetes.

 

An extract of the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre given to twenty-seven patients

with type I diabetes on insulin therapy was shown to reduce insulin requirements

and fasting blood sugar levels, and to improve blood sugar control.

 

This study confirmed earlier work in animal studies. In type I

diabetes, gymnema appears to work by enhancing the action of insulin.

Furthermore, there is some evidence that it may possibly regenerate or

revitalize the beta cells of the pancreas.

 

Gymnema extract has also shown positive results in type II diabetes. In one

study, twenty-two type II diabetics were given gymnema extract along with the

oral hypoglycemic drugs.

 

All patients demonstrated improved blood sugar control; twenty-one out of the

twenty-two subjects were able to reduce their drug dosage considerably; and five

subjects were able to discontinue their medication and maintain blood sugar

control with the gymnema extract alone.

 

The dosage for Gymnema sylvestre extract is 400 mgs per day in both type I and

type II diabetes. It is interesting to note that gymnema extract is without side

effects and exerts it blood sugar-lowering effects only in cases of diabetes.

 

Gymnema extract, when given to healthy volunteers, does not produce any blood

sugar lowering or hypoglycemic effects.

 

Fenugreek

 

Fenugreek seeds have demonstrated significant anti-diabetic effects in

experimental and clinical studies. The active principle is in the defatted

portion of the seed and contains the alkaloid trigonelline, nicotinic acid, and

coumarin.

 

Administration of the defatted seed (in daily doses of 1.5-2 grams per kilogram)

to both normal and diabetic dogs reduces fasting and after meal blood levels of

glucose, glucagon, somatostatin,insulin, total cholesterol, and triglycerides,

while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.

 

Human studies confirm these effects. Defatted fenugreek seed powder given twice

daily in a 50-gram dose to insulin dependent diabetics resulted in significant

reduction in fasting blood sugar and improved glucose tolerance test results.

 

There was also a 54 percent reduction in 24-hour urinary glucose excretion and

significant reductions in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density

lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and triglyceride values.

 

Innoninsulin diabetics the addition of 15 grams of powdered

fenugreek seed soaked in water significantly reduced postprandial glucose levels

during the meal tolerance test. These results indicate that fenugreek seeds or

defatted fenugreek seed powder should be included in the diet of the diabetic.

 

Salt Bush (Atriplex halimus)

 

Salt bush is a branch woody shrub native to the Mediterranean, North Africa, and

southern Europe. Salt bush is especially common around the Jordan valley in

inundated saline depressions and oases. Salt bush is the feeding source of the

sand rat.

 

Researchers began investigating the possible therapeutic benefits of atriplex in

humans when it was noticed that sand rats switched from a diet rich in atriplex

to standard rat chow typically developed severe diabetes.

 

Replacing the atriplex to the diet brought about a quick reversal of the

condition. Human studies conducted in Israel have yielded good results in

patients with type II diabetes. Blood glucose levels and glucose tolerance were

improved.

 

Atriplex is rich in fiber, protein, and numerous trace minerals

including chromium. The dosage used in the human studies was 3 grams per day.

 

Pterocarpus (Pterocarpus marsupium)

 

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

flavonoid, (-)-epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant, prevents beta

cell damage in rats. Further, both

epicatechin and a crude alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium actually

regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells in diabetic animals.

 

Epicatechin is also found in green tea (Camellia sinensis). As there are no

commercial sources of pterocarpus in the United States, green tea may be

suitable alternative. At least two cups of green tea should be consumed per day.

 

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), grape seed (Vitis vinifera), and

Ginkgo biloba extracts

 

Bilberry, grape seed, and Ginkgo biloba extracts offer significant benefits to

diabetics. The active compounds of these extracts are flavonoids.

 

These flavonoids increase vitamin C levels, decrease the leakiness and breakage

of small blood vessels, prevent easy bruising, and exert potent antioxidant

effects. These effects are greatly needed in dealing with the microvascular

abnormalities of diabetes and preventing diabetic retinopathy.

 

Although all three of these extracts are of significant benefit,

bilberry and grape seed extract are probably the best to use in the prevention

and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, while gingko biloba extract appears most

useful in the prevention and treatment of peripheral vascular and nerve disease

due to diabetes.

 

Regardless of the source, PCO extracts can be used to support good health. As a

preventive measure and as antioxidant support, a daily dose of 50 mgs of the

grape seed extract is suitable.

 

When used for therapeutic purposes, the daily dose should be

increased to 150 to 300 mgs. For PCO bound to phosphatidylcholine, the dose for

general support is 50 mgs; for therapeutic purposes, 150 mgs. PCO extracts exert

no side effect.

 

 

The standard dose for bilberry should be used on its anthocyanoside content, as

calculated by its anthocyanidin percentage. Widely used pharmaceutical

preparations in Europe are standardized for anthocyanidin content (typically 25

percent). The following doses should be taken three times daily:

 

Anthocyanosides (calculated as anthocyanidin): 20-40 mgs.

Bilberry extract (25 percent anthocyanidin content): 80- 160 mgs

 

Much of the clinical research on Gingko biloba has utilized a

standardized extract, containing 24 percent ginkgo heterosides

(flavone gylcosides) at a dosage of 40 mgs three times a day.

 

However, some studies have used a slightly higher dosage of 80 mgs three times

daily.

 

Clinical research clearly shows that GBE should be taken

consistently for at least 12 weeks in order to be effective. Although most

people report benefits within 2 to 3 weeks, some may take longer to respond.

 

Gingko biloba leaf extract is extremely safe and side effects are uncommon. In

44 double blind studies involving 9,772 patients taking GBE, the number of side

effects reported was extremely small. The most common side effect,

gastrointestinal discomfort, occurred in only twenty-one cases.

 

Taken from-

" The Healing Power of Herbs "

Revised and expanded 2nd version

-- Michael T. Murray, N.D.

Co-author of

" Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine "

 

JoAnn Guest

jogu-

Friendsforhea-

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

The New Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo.

 

 

[Guest guest]

Here is another terrific article done by JoAnn by way of Misty.F.

 

 

Would any of the herbalists here like to comment on this article, or perhaps

just in general regarding Diabetes?

 

Be Well, Misty

 

http://www..com

 

 

Herbal Recommendations for Diabetes

 

Before the advent of insulin, diabetes was treated with plant

medicines.

 

In 1980 the World Health Organization urged researchers to examine whether

traditional medicines possessed any real medicinal effects. In the last 10-20

years scientific investigation has, in fact, confirmed the efficacy of many of

these preparations, some of which are remarkably effective.

 

This discussion is, of necessity, limited to a few plants—those that appear most

effective are relatively nontoxic, and have substantial documentation of

efficacy.

 

The following plants are discussed: onions and garlic, bitter melon, Gymnema

Sylvestre, fenugreek, salt bush, and pterocarpus. In addition, three other

herbal medicines (bilberry, grape seed, and ginkgo extracts) are discussed

because of their important roles in dealing with diabetic complications.

 

Even though the herbs described here possess blood sugar-lowering effects,

proper and effective natural treatment of the diabetic patient requires the

careful integration of diet, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle, along with

herbal medicines.

 

(Allium cepa and garlic (Allium sativum)

 

Onions and garlic have demonstrated blood sugar lowering action. The active

principles are believed to be the sulfur-containing compounds allyl propyl

disulfide (APDS) and diallyl disulfide oxide (allicin), respectively, although

other constituents such as flavonoids may play a role as well.

 

The cardiovascular effects of garlic and onions, that is, cholesterol and blood

pressure lowering actions, further substantiate the liberal intake of garlic and

onions by the diabetic patient.

 

Bitter Melon

 

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), also know as balsam pear, is a typical fruit

widely cultivated in Asia, Africa, and South America.

 

The unripe fruits are eaten as a vegatable. Bitter melon is a green,

cucumber-shaped fruit with gourd like bumps all over it. It looks like an ugly

cucumber. In addition to being eaten as a vegetable, unripe bitter melon 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 human clinical trials as

well as experimental models.

 

Bitter melon is composed of several compounds with confirmed

anti-diabetic properties. Charantin, extracted by alcohol, is a

hypoglycemic agent composed of mixed steroids that is more potent than the oral

hypoglycemic drug tolbutamide.

 

Momordica charantia also contains an insulin-like polypeptide P, which lowers

blood sugar levels when injected subcutaneously into type I diabetics. Since it

appears to have fewer side effects than insulin, it has been suggested as a

replacement for some patients.

 

The oral administration of bitter melon preparations has shown good results in

clinical trials in patients with type II diabetes. In one study, glucose

tolerance was improved in 73 percent of type II diabetics given 2 ounces of the

juice.

 

The pooled area under the glucose tolerance curves of the patients responding to

the bitter melon was 187.0 square centimeters---much lower than the baseline

level of 243.6 square centimeters.

 

In another study, 15 grams of the aquaeous extract of bitter melon produced a 54

percent decrease in postprandial blood sugar level and a 17 percent reduction in

glycosylated hemoglobin in six patients.

 

Unripe bitter melon is available primarily at Asian grocery stores. Health food

stores may have bitter melon extracts, but the fresh juice is probably best, as

this was what was used in some of the studies.

 

Bitter melon juice is, in my opinion, very difficult to make

palatable. As its name implies, it is quite bitter. If you want the

medicinal effects, simply plug your nose and take a 2-ounce shot of the juice.

The dosage of other forms should approximate this dose.

 

Gymnema Sylvestre

 

Gymnema sylvestre is a plant native to the tropical forests of

India, and has long been used as a treatment for diabetes. Recent scientific

investigation has upheld its effectiveness in both type I and type II diabetes.

 

Gymnema is probably the most practical herbal recommendation for improving blood

sugar control in diabetics. High-quality gymnema extracts are available in

health food stores.

 

Gymnema Sylvestre appeared on the U.S.market a few years ago. Originally it was

hyped as a " sugar blocker " . Manufacturers erroneously claimed that gymnema could

block the absorption of sugar in the gastrointestinal tract and allow the sugar

to pass on through the intestinal tract unabsorbed.

 

Ridiculous advertisement claims were made, such as " how to cut down on sugar

calories without cutting down on sugar. " This was, in my opinion, a blatant

distortion of the truth.

 

Gymnema components, such as gymnemic acid, block the sensation of sweetness when

applied to the tongue. This has shown some clinical significance. Subjects that

had gymnema extracts applied to the tongue consumed fewer calories at a meal

compared to subjects not treated with gymnema.

 

It must be stressed that the gymnema extract was applied to the tongues—subjects

did now swallow it in capsule or tablet form, as this would not produce the same

effect.

 

Gymnema extracts enhance glucose control in diabetic dogs and rabbits.

Interestingly, in animals that have had their pancreas removed, gymnema

possesses no obvious effects. It can therefore be concluded that gymnema

enhances the production of endogenous insulin.

 

The results of animal studies suggest that it accomplishes this

through regeneration of the insulin-producing beta cells in the

pancreas. Studies in humans seem to support this, both in type I and type II

diabetes.

 

An extract of the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre given to twenty-seven patients

with type I diabetes on insulin therapy was shown to reduce insulin requirements

and fasting blood sugar levels, and to improve blood sugar control.

 

This study confirmed earlier work in animal studies. In type I

diabetes, gymnema appears to work by enhancing the action of insulin.

Furthermore, there is some evidence that it may possibly regenerate or

revitalize the beta cells of the pancreas.

 

Gymnema extract has also shown positive results in type II diabetes. In one

study, twenty-two type II diabetics were given gymnema extract along with the

oral hypoglycemic drugs.

 

All patients demonstrated improved blood sugar control; twenty-one out of the

twenty-two subjects were able to reduce their drug dosage considerably; and five

subjects were able to discontinue their medication and maintain blood sugar

control with the gymnema extract alone.

 

The dosage for Gymnema sylvestre extract is 400 mgs per day in both type I and

type II diabetes. It is interesting to note that gymnema extract is without side

effects and exerts it blood sugar-lowering effects only in cases of diabetes.

 

Gymnema extract, when given to healthy volunteers, does not produce any blood

sugar lowering or hypoglycemic effects.

 

Fenugreek

 

Fenugreek seeds have demonstrated significant anti-diabetic effects in

experimental and clinical studies. The active principle is in the defatted

portion of the seed and contains the alkaloid trigonelline, nicotinic acid, and

coumarin.

 

Administration of the defatted seed (in daily doses of 1.5-2 grams per kilogram)

to both normal and diabetic dogs reduces fasting and after meal blood levels of

glucose, glucagon, somatostatin,insulin, total cholesterol, and triglycerides,

while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.

 

Human studies confirm these effects. Defatted fenugreek seed powder given twice

daily in a 50-gram dose to insulin dependent diabetics resulted in significant

reduction in fasting blood sugar and improved glucose tolerance test results.

 

There was also a 54 percent reduction in 24-hour urinary glucose excretion and

significant reductions in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density

lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and triglyceride values.

 

Innoninsulin diabetics the addition of 15 grams of powdered

fenugreek seed soaked in water significantly reduced postprandial glucose levels

during the meal tolerance test. These results indicate that fenugreek seeds or

defatted fenugreek seed powder should be included in the diet of the diabetic.

 

Salt Bush (Atriplex halimus)

 

Salt bush is a branch woody shrub native to the Mediterranean, North Africa, and

southern Europe. Salt bush is especially common around the Jordan valley in

inundated saline depressions and oases. Salt bush is the feeding source of the

sand rat.

 

Researchers began investigating the possible therapeutic benefits of atriplex in

humans when it was noticed that sand rats switched from a diet rich in atriplex

to standard rat chow typically developed severe diabetes.

 

Replacing the atriplex to the diet brought about a quick reversal of the

condition. Human studies conducted in Israel have yielded good results in

patients with type II diabetes. Blood glucose levels and glucose tolerance were

improved.

 

Atriplex is rich in fiber, protein, and numerous trace minerals

including chromium. The dosage used in the human studies was 3 grams per day.

 

Pterocarpus (Pterocarpus marsupium)

 

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

flavonoid, (-)-epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant, prevents beta

cell damage in rats. Further, both

epicatechin and a crude alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium actually

regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells in diabetic animals.

 

Epicatechin is also found in green tea (Camellia sinensis). As there are no

commercial sources of pterocarpus in the United States, green tea may be

suitable alternative. At least two cups of green tea should be consumed per day.

 

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), grape seed (Vitis vinifera), and

Ginkgo biloba extracts

 

Bilberry, grape seed, and Ginkgo biloba extracts offer significant benefits to

diabetics. The active compounds of these extracts are flavonoids.

 

These flavonoids increase vitamin C levels, decrease the leakiness and breakage

of small blood vessels, prevent easy bruising, and exert potent antioxidant

effects. These effects are greatly needed in dealing with the microvascular

abnormalities of diabetes and preventing diabetic retinopathy.

 

Although all three of these extracts are of significant benefit,

bilberry and grape seed extract are probably the best to use in the prevention

and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, while gingko biloba extract appears most

useful in the prevention and treatment of peripheral vascular and nerve disease

due to diabetes.

 

Regardless of the source, PCO extracts can be used to support good health. As a

preventive measure and as antioxidant support, a daily dose of 50 mgs of the

grape seed extract is suitable.

 

When used for therapeutic purposes, the daily dose should be

increased to 150 to 300 mgs. For PCO bound to phosphatidylcholine, the dose for

general support is 50 mgs; for therapeutic purposes, 150 mgs. PCO extracts exert

no side effect.

 

 

The standard dose for bilberry should be used on its anthocyanoside content, as

calculated by its anthocyanidin percentage. Widely used pharmaceutical

preparations in Europe are standardized for anthocyanidin content (typically 25

percent). The following doses should be taken three times daily:

 

Anthocyanosides (calculated as anthocyanidin): 20-40 mgs.

Bilberry extract (25 percent anthocyanidin content): 80- 160 mgs

 

Much of the clinical research on Gingko biloba has utilized a

standardized extract, containing 24 percent ginkgo heterosides

(flavone gylcosides) at a dosage of 40 mgs three times a day.

 

However, some studies have used a slightly higher dosage of 80 mgs three times

daily.

 

Clinical research clearly shows that GBE should be taken

consistently for at least 12 weeks in order to be effective. Although most

people report benefits within 2 to 3 weeks, some may take longer to respond.

 

Gingko biloba leaf extract is extremely safe and side effects are uncommon. In

44 double blind studies involving 9,772 patients taking GBE, the number of side

effects reported was extremely small. The most common side effect,

gastrointestinal discomfort, occurred in only twenty-one cases.

 

Taken from-

" The Healing Power of Herbs "

Revised and expanded 2nd version

-- Michael T. Murray, N.D.

Co-author of

" Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine "

 

JoAnn Guest

jogu-

Friendsforhea-

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

The New Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo.