Diabetes is a chronic condition that has become a worldwide health burden. More than 500 million people are living with diabetes, and this condition remains one of the top causes of morbidity and mortality.
The concern for the diabetes epidemic has brought forth countless medications, equipment, and procedures including alternative therapies with the aim to be able to manage the disease.
Recent advancements include the use of diabetes medications for weight loss, and the diabetes weight loss programs as a comprehensive approach to both diabetes and obesity to reduce further complications and health burden of the disease.
Research also continues toward finding alternative therapies with therapeutic benefits in diabetic management. A look into phytopharmaceuticals or the use of plant-based natural compounds in multiple pharmacological activities has been a growing field.
Herbs, spices, and plants have been studied for years now and they are being used in some diabetes management programs, They can contribute to glucose control, abatement of symptoms, as well as helping to avoid any complications.
So, with all that in mind, here are 10 herbs known to help in diabetes management:
Cinnamon
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is a spice from trees. Research has supported cinnamon supplementation in diet can help in reduction of blood glucose and insulin resistance. Polyphenol type-A polymers are believed to contribute to its insulin-mimetic effects. A compound from cinnamon extract, cinnamaldehyde, also showed antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects. Cinnamon also exhibits antioxidant effects which help reduce oxidative stress, which may be promising in decreasing diabetic complication risk.
Gymnema
Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) is a perennial woody vine with a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. In diabetes management, it holds promise as a natural remedy with its hypoglycemic effects. Gymnema’s active compounds may inhibit sugar absorption, stimulate insulin secretion, and increase growth. An additional use in diabetic management is the gymnema’s active component gymnemic acid, which helps suppress sweetness by blocking sugar receptors in taste buds, effectively decreasing cravings for sweets.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a fragrant herb belonging to the legume family. It is renowned for diverse health benefits, including improving digestion and metabolism. Research indicates fenugreek as a promising agent for diabetes, causing a significant reduction in postprandial glucose absorption and insulin insensitivity. Active antidiabetic compounds in fenugreek include diosgenin, galactomannan, trigoneosides, and 4-hydroxyisoleucine.
Turmeric
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin is the primary active compound and, along with turmeric rhizomes, it exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It aids in stabilization of glucose levels by lowering glucose production, stimulating glucose uptake, promoting insulin secretion, and decreasing inflammation. It has been found to decrease fasting blood sugar levels, particularly in combination with metformin, and curcumin can also help prevent prediabetes from progressing to diabetes.
Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been shown to modulate insulin release, helping in glucose management. Ginger contains a bioactive compound called gingerol which enhances insulin sensitivity and promotes glucose uptake in peripheral tissues and adipocytes. Studies suggest that ginger supplementation could lower fasting blood sugar levels and improve markers of insulin resistance.
Garlic
Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a species of bulbous flowering plants, used historically for a range of beneficial effects. Numerous research in the therapeutic use of garlic showed benefits in diabetes type 1 and type 2 management. The anti-inflammatory properties of the sulfur compounds in garlic potentially mitigates the chronic low-grade inflammation often observed in autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes. Compounds within garlic may also enhance cellular response to insulin. These, and the cardiovascular effects of garlic, offer aid in management of diabetes and diabetic complications.
Oregano
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a species of flowering plant in the mint family. It contains compounds like carvacrol and rosmarinic acid, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties may contribute to oregano’s use in decreasing risk for diabetic complications. Additionally, research has suggested increased insulin sensitivity and regulation of blood glucose with oregano. Some studies have also shown increased activity in the pancreas for increased insulin production, and effects on satiety.
Holy Basil
Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum), also known as tulsi, is an aromatic herbaceous plant sacred in Ayurveda. Holy basil contains flavonoids such as ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, and orientin; as well as phytochemicals like eugenol and flavonoids which exhibit diverse pharmacological benefits. Many studies show evidence of medicinal properties including anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antidiabetic. Research suggests supplementation may reduce fasting blood sugar levels and improve insulin secretion.
Ginseng
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a root that has been suggested to help control diabetes. Ginseng contains active components known as ginsenosides that may stabilize insulin and glucagon, the primary hormones in glucose processing and storage. Bioactive compounds called ginsenosides also enhance insulin secretion and sensitivity. This helps maintain optimal blood glucose levels. Research suggests improved glycemic control with regular ginseng consumption.
Fennel
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a short-lived flowering plant species in the carrot family. Fennel contains a flavonol isorhamnetin which acts as an antioxidant that has been associated with prevention of diabetes and cancer and promotes heart health. Fennel’s essential oil has been shown to contain polyphenol antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and apigenin which are potent anti-inflammatory agents that can lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) extracts have been used in traditional medicine and have been known to exhibit potent antioxidant properties. Extracts contain flavonoids and terpenoids, which could mitigate diabetic complications with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginkgo also has shown a positive effect on the pancreatic beta cells of Langerhans, creating a restorative effect on these insulin-secreting cells.
The research into phytopharmaceuticals and the incorporation of traditional or herbal medicine show promise in diabetes management, both as potential remedy and as adjunct to diabetic management approaches. At present, supplements are not used to replace standard diabetic treatment. Herbs cannot be a standalone treatment, but their use may help in relieving symptoms and avoiding complications. It is important to note, however, that harnessing the therapeutic potential of herbs should only be complementary to conventional treatments. It is crucial to integrate use of herbs and supplements only under medical supervision and in addition to a comprehensive diabetes management plan.
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