Dr. I-Net
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Herbal
Solution for Diabetes
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Recently prescribed diabetes drug Avandia is linked to a greater risk of heart attack and possibly death, says a new scientific analysis. The study, published in the 2003 issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, reported on six cases of congestive heart failure in people taking pioglitazone (Actos) or rosiglitazone (Avandia) to help control their diabetes. The first approved drug in the class, Rezulin, was taken off the market in 2000 after it was linked to dozens of cases of fatal liver disease. The story goes on and on for several modern drugs causing long term side effects.
There's absolutely no doubt that dietary changes weight loss and exercise can have a major impact on diabetes treatment. If you just lose 10 pounds, for example, you may be able to decrease your insulin resistance. That's a significant breakthrough because insulin ushers blood sugar, or glucose, into your cells. In order for your cells to get the life-giving energy they need, they must accept rather than resist insulin.
Cinnamon - Research has indicated that cinnamon - the common aromatic spice - can help regulate blood glucose levels in persons who suffer diabetes. According to a 2003 study of cinnamon and diabetes that involved type 2 diabetics, ingesting as little as one gram (roughly one-half teaspoon) of cinnamon per day may lower one's blood glucose levels by 18%; and perhaps as much as 29%. Cinnamon contains chemical substances (polyphenols) believed to enhance one's sensitivity to insulin. As such, cinnamon may be beneficial for both type 2 diabetics and prediabetics with impaired insulin sensitivity. This link between cinnamon and diabetes stirred widespread interest.
Gardenia fruit - Recently, a research team found that a chemical from the Gardenia fruit blocks the action of an enzyme which stops the production of insulin. The new founding is that Gardenia extract contains the chemical called "genipin." This chemical is able to block the function and activity of the enzyme named uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) through a special mechanism. As many studies have shown that an increase in UCP2 function has an important role in pathogenesis of diabetes, this genipin with its inhibitor action on UCP2, represents a solution for improving beta cell function in type 2 diabetes. Like the extract, Genipin stimulates the secretion of insulin in control but not UCP2-deficient pancreas.
Magnesium - Magnesium also decreases the need for vitamin B6 and if it is increased in the diet, the amount of xanthurenic acid in the blood is reduced, even without vitamin B6 supplement. Moreover, magnesium is also necessary to active enzymes containing vitamin B6. Blood magnesium being particularly low in diabetic, it may be reasonably inferred that diabetes can result from a combined deficiency of vitamin B6 and magnesium. It may therefore, be advisable for any person with diabetes or a family history of the disease to take the at least 500 mg of magnesium and 10 mg of B6 daily.
Bitter Melon - A popular Asian vegetable has been steadily gaining acceptance as a safe and natural way to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. The Ampalaya, or Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia Linn.), has been found to contain several key compounds that researchers agree may be beneficial to diabetics, in helping them regulate blood sugar levels. Even before researchers started unlocking the plant’s anti-diabetes properties, the Ampalaya had long been used as a traditional home remedy in many Asian countries to help control blood sugar levels. Diabetics who have come to trust this natural remedy claim to be able to live a normal, active life by eating the Ampalaya as part of a healthy daily diet.
Green tea - How can drinking green tea help control an all-consuming disease like diabetes? Green tea polyphenols have been found to be potent inhibitors of amylase. In recent study, it was shown that just one cup of green tea was found to inhibit 87% of amylase's activity. And if less sugar gets into the bloodstream, blood glucose levels will automatically be lowered.
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. 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 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.
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.
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).
Shilajit - Wonder Mineral of Ayurveda Shilajeet, also known as mineral pitch, comes from the rocks in the lower Himalayas during the warm, summer months. It is believed that its origin is from the decomposition of vegetable substances. This organic matter is composed of a large variety of minerals along with the main active ingredient - Benzoic acid. A purified form is used which may have been processed with a number of different herbs including Triphala, Dashamula or Ashwagandha. Having tonic properties, this substance is useful in a wide variety of imbalances. It has been said that there is hardly any bodily imbalance which cannot be assisted with the aid of Shilajeet. General debility and fatigue is among the list of ailments which can be helped with Shilajeet. The overall action is alterative, tonic, slightly laxative, cholagogue, respiratory stimulant, disinfectant, expectorant, intestinal antiseptic, diuretic.
Aloe vera - Aloe Vera is a widely known household plant originating from arid countries and resembling the cactus. Grown across the globe, aloe is used as an after-sun lotion, to treat burns and to promote wound healing. It is well-regarded as a ‘healing herb.’ In some parts of the world, dried aloe vera sap and gel (taken from the inner portions of the leaves) are used traditionally to treat diabetes. Aloe vera may be able to lower fasting blood glucose levels as well as HbA1c.
Jamun seed powder - Indian blackberry seeds or Jamun seed powder (scientific name of Jamun is Eugenia jambolana or Syzygium cumini L and) is very good for diabetes. Take 1/4th teaspoon with 1 teasoon honey for 50 days.
