Herbs for Diabetes
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Name not given
Posted on: September 29, 2000

I am hoping you can answer the question about the following herbs: Pterocarpus marsupium powder (wood), Gymnema sylvestre powder (leaf), Cinnamomum tamala powder (leaf), Agele marmelose powder (leaf), Momordica charantia powder (seed), Azadirachta indica powder (leaf), Tinospora cordifolia powder (stem), Trigonella foenum-graecum powder seed, Ficas racemosa powder (leaf), Syzygium cumini powder (fruit ). These herbs have been proclaimed to be extremely beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. Can you verify this infoormation?

Clinical studies on Gymnema sylvestre show that it reduces insulin requirements in both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetics. It was also found to decrease appetite and reduce sweet cravings.

Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) reduces blood sugar levels for a short time, and may be of some limited use in diabetes.

I don’t know the other herbs that you mention. Although herbs may be of some use in diabetes, dietary therapy and insulin are the prime therapies. It is important to closely monitor the effects of any herbs that may alter blood-sugar levels to avoid damage that may be caused by irregular levels.

Herbal therapy for diabetes usually considers the body systems that need support in this disease, primarily the circulation system and the immune system. For more information, please see our website at http://www.richters.com, choose "Q&A" from the main menu, then choose "Search Richters Q&A", and enter the word "diabetes" for the search.

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