Viewed all over the world, there are hundreds of plants with a blood sugar lowering effect. However, not all of them can be used in diabetes because of their sometimes aggressive or excessive effect. Fortunately, there are also very normal and safe plants such as garlic, onion and fenugreek seed, which can be useful in adult diabetes. We would like to discuss some safe and less safe plants here.
Allium varieties
Allium cepa (Liliaceae; onion) and Allium sativum (garlic) can also act hypoglycaemic. Eating raw onion in particular can lower blood sugar. Hypoglycaemic components of Allium species are the organic sulfur compounds allyl propyl disulfide (APDS) and diallyl disulfide oxide (allicin). The blood sugar lowering effect of these two compounds can possibly be explained by a slower breakdown rate of insulin. Another orally hypoglycaemically active compound in Allium cepa is diphenylamine, which is more potent than tolbutamide at the same dose.
Galega officinalis
Galegine is an extremely strong hypoglycaemic compound from Galega officinalis (Fabaceae) and belongs to the chemical group of the biguanides. Galegine works by blocking the action of oxidative enzymes in the Krebs cycle; this will increase anaerobic glycolysis and decrease gluconeogenesis. As a result, the rate of glucose uptake by the cells will increase, leading to a drop in the sugar level in the blood. Experiments with laboratory animals have shown that the action of galegine is independent of insulin. Despite these special properties, the therapeutic value of galegine is limited by its toxicity.
Trigonella foenum-graecum
Trigonella foenum-graecum or fenugreek is known as a plant rich in steroids (including saponins). The mechanism of action in diabetes mellitus is not fully known, but these steroids probably play a role in lowering blood sugar levels. Other plants used in traditional medicine for diabetes mellitus (Dioscorea dumetorum, Panax ginseng, P. quinquefolius and Momordica charantia) are also rich in steroids.
Steroids have numerous physiological effects: they are immune modulating, have cardiotonic effects, and influence hormone regulation, protein synthesis, the central nervous system and energy management (including the glucose level).
However, the main hypoglycemic component of fenugreek is said to be trigonelline, a betaine. This compound is also found in another hypoglycaemic plant, Coffea arabica, which is just coffee whose raw, unroasted beans are chewed to reduce blood sugar.
Blighia sapida
The ripe fruits of the African tree Blighia sapida (Sapindaceae) are eaten for their chestnut flavor. On the other hand, unripe and rotting fruits are poisonous and are used in Africa as a means of fishing. The poisonous compounds are hypoglycine A and B. Both compounds are derived from the amino acid glycine. Hypoglycine A and B have a strong, too strong blood sugar lowering and unfortunately also an emetic effect in humans. Hypoglycin A has even been shown to be teratogenic in rats. Fatty degeneration of the liver was observed in experimental animals treated with hypoglycin A and B, in which the glycogen content was also reduced.
Other safe blood sugar-regulating plants from us are Jerusalem artichoke, artichoke and possibly also pig grass.
Research
- Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds on glycemic control and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double blind placebo controlled study. Alternative Medicine Review, June, 2002 by A Gupta, R Gupta, B Lal
- Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2007; 16 (Suppl 1): 422-426. Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) extract on blood glucose, blood lipid and hemorheological properties in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Wan-Li Xue PhD and others
- http://www.integrativepractitioner.com/article_ektid14294.aspx monograph Blighia