Diabetes Treatment With Herbs

One Chinese herb that shows promise in the treatment of diabetes in called mai men dong or ophiopogon. Research done in China has demonstrated that it can potentially stimulate regeneration of cells in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. The cells in this part of the pancreas are responsible for the proper production of insulin, and therefore the proper processing of blood sugar in the body. Stimulating regeneration of these cells can potentially reverse diabetes in adult-onset diabetics.

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.

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).

Vaccinium Myrtuillus is commonly called blueberry. A concoction of the leaves of the blueberry plant injected is only slightly less effective but less toxic than insulin. Its beneficial effects can last several weeks. The active ingredient is myrtillin, used to improve the functioning of the vascular system and effective in preventing diabetic retinopathy—an eye disorder associated with diabetes.

Blueberry Leaves – Leaves of Blueberries or Vaccinium Myrtillus have been commonly used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. They contain an active ingredient called Myrtillin. Myrtillin is an anthocyanaoside that increases capillary integrity, inhibit the damage caused by free radicals and improve the patient’s vascular health. In Europe it is commonly used as an anti-hemorrhagic agent for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Myrtillin is also injected intravenously. It is a little weaker than insulin but said to be less toxic even when taken 50 times a gram per day therapeutic dose. Even a single dose of Myrtillin is said to produce effects that last several weeks.

Vizaysaar (Pterocarpus marsupium)

Vizaysaar is a big tree whose bark is very useful for diabetes. The bark of the tree is made into a wooden glass and the glass is termed as “The miracle cure for diabetes”. Some water is kept in the wooden glass overnight and is consumed early morning by diabetes patients. The color of the water changes to brown and glass is changed after around 1 month when the water color does not change. Diabeta Plus contains extract of bark of this miracle tree.

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

This medicinal herb has been used in ayurvedic medicine for diabetes treatment for a long time. In clinical studies it has been shown to provide a blood sugar balancing property. Epicatechin, a flavonoid extracted from the bark of this plant, protects the beta cells in the pancreas from damage that causes a reduction in insulin production. In studies involving rats, this herbal treatment for diabetes even showed promise in rejuvenating damaged beta cells in the pancreas. This is the only herb, or drug, with this potential.