New Thailand medical research finds that Thai herbal remedies show promise in managing blood sugar levels
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Oct 13, 2024 1 month, 1 week, 1 day, 4 hours, 14 minutes ago
Thailand Medical: Researchers from Chiang Mai University in Thailand have conducted a promising study investigating the effects of Thai herbal medicines on blood glucose levels, which could offer a natural remedy for those living with diabetes. The study focused on several well-known Thai medicinal plants traditionally used for their potential to manage blood sugar levels. The research team was composed of Athit Bunyakitcharoen from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Weerakit Taychaworaditsakul from the Department of Biochemistry, and Seewaboon Sireeratawong from the Department of Pharmacology, along with Sunee Chansakaow, who led the research effort.
New Thailand medical research finds that Thai herbal remedies show promise in managing
blood sugar levels
The Growing Challenge of Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting millions worldwide, with numbers expected to rise in the coming years. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), which accounts for 95% of all diabetes cases, is primarily driven by insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Managing diabetes requires ongoing treatment, often with drugs like insulin or metformin. However, some people experience side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or weight gain, prompting researchers to explore herbal alternatives. This
Thailand Medical News report delves into how Thai herbal medicines may offer a natural solution.
Herbal Remedies Explored
The researchers selected seven herbs for their potential blood sugar-lowering properties: Coccinia grandis, Gymnema inodorum, Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Momordica charantia, Morus alba, and Zingiber officinale (ginger). Each herb was carefully extracted using ethanol to produce potent extracts, which were then analyzed for their antioxidant and antihyperglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) properties.
Among the herbs studied, ginger stood out with the highest levels of beneficial compounds like phenolics and flavonoids, which are known for their antioxidant properties. Ginger showed the highest antioxidant activity and had an IC50 value of 19.16 µg/mL, meaning it was able to neutralize free radicals at very low concentrations. Antioxidants are crucial in managing diabetes, as oxidative stress can worsen the disease and lead to complications.
Blood Sugar Control: Key Study Findings
The researchers used two methods to evaluate the blood sugar-lowering potential of these herbs: α-glucosidase inhibition and glucose consumption activities. In layman’s terms, α-glucosidase is an enzyme that helps break down carbohydrates into glucose (sugar) during digestion. Inhibiting this enzyme helps reduce spikes in blood sugar after meals. Among the herbs tested, Morus alba (white mulberry) and Gynostemma pentaphyllum showed the highest inhibitory effects, with Morus alba outperforming the common diabetes drug acarbose.
In addition to inhibiting sugar digestion, the researchers also tested how well the herbs increase
d glucose consumption in insulin-resistant liver cells (a common model for studying diabetes). Ginger and Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) were the top performers, with ginger showing a 145% increase in glucose consumption, which could suggest its ability to help the body’s cells better utilize sugar and reduce high blood sugar levels.
Potential of Combined Herbal Remedies
The study didn’t stop at testing individual herbs. The research team also created three different herbal remedies by combining the herbs in various proportions. The most effective remedy (named R1) combined Gynostemma pentaphyllum and Morus alba. This mixture was particularly effective at inhibiting α-glucosidase, making it potentially useful in preventing spikes in blood sugar after meals.
The R1 remedy had an IC50 value of 122.10 µg/mL for α-glucosidase inhibition, far surpassing the positive control, acarbose, which had an IC50 value of 571.27 µg/mL. This means that R1 was more effective in smaller amounts at controlling blood sugar compared to the commonly prescribed drug.
Quality Control and Safety Considerations
While herbal remedies are often considered safer than conventional drugs, it’s essential to ensure they are free from contaminants and prepared properly. In this study, the researchers conducted thorough chemical analyses of the herbs and their mixtures. They used techniques like Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) to confirm the presence of key compounds such as chlorogenic acid and rutin, which have been associated with health benefits, including improved blood sugar control.
The remedies also underwent tests to confirm their physical properties, such as moisture content, which is important to ensure their stability and shelf life. The study confirmed that the herbal extracts met the necessary quality standards, ensuring that they were safe for further study.
A Promising Step Forward
This research marks a significant step forward in the search for natural remedies to help manage diabetes. With more and more people seeking alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs due to their side effects, Thai herbal medicines could offer a solution for millions. The researchers are hopeful that their R1 remedy, which combines Gynostemma pentaphyllum and Morus alba, can be developed further and tested in clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness in humans.
Conclusion
The study demonstrated that selected Thai herbal medicines have strong potential in managing blood sugar levels. Ginger and Morus alba showed the most promise individually, while the R1 remedy, which combined Gynostemma pentaphyllum and Morus alba, was particularly effective at inhibiting α-glucosidase, a key enzyme in sugar digestion. The results suggest that these herbs could be developed into safe and effective remedies for people with type 2 diabetes.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Plants.
https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/13/20/2862
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