Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
2
Department of Medical Sciences, Shahrood Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran
3
Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
4
Dietary Supplements and Probiotic Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
5
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
Abstract
In Persian Medicine, herbal therapists prescribe several herbs with different combinations for treatment of diabetic patients.
Among these plants, an herbal combination including Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (silymarin), Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm), Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. (Caucasian whortleberry), Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek), Urtica dioica L. (nettle), and Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (colocynth) is prescribed for treatment of diabetic patients by some herbalists. The efficacy and safety of this herbal combination were evaluated in animal and cell culture studies in the Institute of Medicinal Plants. However, no clinical studies have been conducted to confirm its clinical safety and effectiveness. The present study was performed to investigate the efficacy and safety of this herbal combination on the blood glucose control in type 2 diabetic patients. The herbal combination and placebo capsules (500 mg) were provided by the Institute of Medicinal Plants. Sixty eligible type 2 diabetic patients referred to the Diabetes Research Center affiliated to the Alborz University of Medical Sciences were selected. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 30 people. Patients in both groups continued their standard anti-diabetic therapy. In addition, one group was administered one 500 mg herbal capsule and the other group placebo capsule every 12 hours for three months. The blood biochemical tests including, fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile, creatinine, urea and liver enzymes including SGOT, SGPT, ALP were performed at the baseline, and then, at the end of the study after 3 months. The results showed that the fasting blood glucose level and glycosylated hemoglobin in the patients treated with herbal combination decreased significantly after 3 months compared with the baseline and also the placebo (p = 0.000). No significant (p > 0.05) changes were observed in the blood lipid profile, liver enzymes and kidney function tests. No side effects were observed during the study in both groups. In conclusion, the present study showed that, consumption of this herbal combination for 3 months has anti-diabetic effect without any side effects.
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