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Are Ayurvedic herbs for diabetes effective?
Paul G Shekelle1, Mary Hardy, Sally C Morton
1Southern California Evidence-Based Practice Center, Santa Monica, CA 90073, USA. shekelle@rand.org
The Journal of Family Practice
|October 6, 2005
Summary
Ayurvedic therapies, primarily herbal treatments, show potential for lowering blood glucose in diabetes mellitus. Several herbs and formulas warrant further investigation despite study heterogeneity.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a global health concern.
- Ayurvedic medicine offers traditional treatment approaches.
- Evidence on Ayurvedic therapies for diabetes requires systematic evaluation.
Observation:
- A systematic review analyzed 62 studies on Ayurvedic treatments for diabetes.
- Botanical therapies, including single herbs and formulas, were most commonly studied.
- Commonly investigated herbs included Gymnema sylvestre, Coccinia indica, fenugreek, and Eugenia jambolana.
Findings:
- Several herbs (e.g., Coccinia indica, holy basil, fenugreek, Gymnema sylvestre) and herbal formulas (Ayush-82, D-400) demonstrated glucose-lowering effects.
- Evidence for other herbs like Aegle marmelos, Eugenia jambolana, and Momordica charantia was less extensive.
- A significant heterogeneity was observed in the types of herbs, formulas, and preparation methods used across studies.
Implications:
- Specific Ayurvedic herbs and formulas show promise for managing diabetes.
- Further rigorous research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to confirm efficacy and safety.
- Standardization of Ayurvedic preparations and study methodologies is crucial for future research.