Herbal Medicine for Diabetes: Ginseng
While several types of plants are referred to as
ginseng, most studies on ginseng and
diabetes have used American ginseng. Those studies have shown some glucose-lowering effects in fasting and post-prandial (after meal) blood glucose levels as well as in A1c levels (average blood glucose levels over a 3-month period).
However, larger and more long-term
diabetes research studies are needed before doctors recommend using this herbal medicine for diabetes. Researchers also have determined that the amount of glucose-lowering compound in ginseng plants varies widely.
Herbal Medicine for Diabetes: Garlic
Garlic (Allium sativum) is an herb used to flavor food. Garlic can also be processed and made into
dietary supplements. In some cultures, garlic is used for medicinal purposes. The chemical in garlic of most interest for health purposes is allicin, which gives garlic its strong taste and odor. One of the claims for garlic is that the rates of certain diseases are lower in countries where more garlic is consumed. However, it has not been proven that this herbal medicine for diabetes (and not some other factor, such as lifestyle) is the reason.
Research Findings on Garlic
Few rigorous studies have been conducted on garlic and allicin for
type 2 diabetes. In the diabetes research studies that have been done, findings have been mixed. There are some studies that suggest that garlic has some biological activities that are relevant to the treatment of diabetes. However, the evidence so far does not support the belief that there is a benefit from this herbal medicine for diabetes.
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