Traditional Medicine vs Modern Medicine

Bauhinia forficata and Myrcia uniflora 

Bauhinia forficata grows in South America, and is used in Brazilian herbal cures. This plant has been referred to as ‘vegetable insulin'. Myrcia uniflora is also widely employed in South America. Studies utilising the herbs as tea infusions suggest that their hypoglycaemic effects are overrated.

Coccinia Indica ( Coccinia grandis  )

Coccinia indica is also known as the ‘ivy gourd’ and grows wild across the Indian subcontinent. Traditionally employed in ayurverdic remedies, the herb has been found to contain insulin-mimetic properties (i.e; it mimics the function of insulin). Significant changes in glycaemic control have been reported in studies involving coccinia indica, and experts believe that it should be studied further.

Ficus carica ( Ficus carica L )

Ficus carica, or fig-leaf, is well known as a diabetic remedy in Spain and South-western Europe, but its active component is unknown. Some studies on animals suggest that fig-leaf facilitates glucose uptake. The efficacy of the plant is, however, still yet to be validated in the treatment of diabetes.

Ginseng  ( Panax L )

Ginseng is a collective name for a variety of different plant species. In some studies utilising American ginseng, decreases in fasting blood glucose were reported. Varieties include Korean ginseng, Siberian ginseng, American ginseng and Japanese ginseng. In some fields the plant, particularly the panax species, are hailed as ‘cure-all.’ As is the case with many of the herbs employed around the world in the treatment of diabetics, further long-term studies are needed to verify the efficacy of ginseng. 

Gymnema sylvestre ( Gymnema sylvestre R )

Gymnema sylvestre is also employed in traditional ayurverdic medicine. The plant grows in the tropical forests of southern and central India, and has been linked with significant blood glucose lowering. Some studies in animals have even reported regeneration of islet cells and an increase in beta-cell function. 

Momordica charantia

Momordica Charantia goes under a variety of names and is native to some areas of Asia, India, Africa and South America. Marketed as charantia, it is also known as karela or karolla and bitter melon. The herb may be prepared in a variety of different ways, and may be able to help diabetics with insulin secretion, glucose oxidation and other processes. Acute effects on blood glucose levels have also been reported.

Ocimum sanctum  ( Ocimum tenuiflorum L )

Ocimum sanctum is an herb employed in traditional ayurverdic practises, and is commonly known as holy basil. A controlled clinical trial showed a positive effect on postprandial and fasting glucose, and experts predict that the herb could enhance the functioning of beta cells, and facilitate the insulin secretion process. 

Opuntia streptacantha 

Opuntia streptacantha (nopal) is commonly known as the prickly-pear cactus in the arid regions where it grows. Inhabitants of the Mexican desert have traditionally employed the plant in glucose control. Intestinal glucose uptake may be affected by some properties of the plant, and animal studies have found significant decreases in postprandial glucose and HbA1c. Once again, to validate the prickly-pear cactus as an effective means of aiding diabetic patients, long-term clinical trials are needed.

Silibum marianum

Silibum marianum is also known as milk thistle, and is a member of the aster family. Silymarin contains high concentrations of flavinoids and antioxidants, some of which may have a beneficial effect on insulin resistance. The role of milk thistle in glycaemic control is little understood. Trigonella foenum graecum Trigonella foenum graecum is known as fenugreek and is widely grown in India, North Africa, and parts of the Mediterranean. It is also a part of Ayurverdic treatment, and is used extensively in cooking. Of the few non-controlled trials that have been carried out on type 2 diabetics, most report improved glycaemic control. Further study is certainly warranted. Further herbs that have been studied, and may have positive effects for diabetic patients include:

• Berberine Cinnamomym tamala 
• Curry Eugenia jambolana 
• Gingko 
• Phyllanthus amarus 
• Pterocarpus marsupium 
• Solanum torvum and Vinca rosea