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Chamomile tea: herbal hypoglycemic alternative for conventional medicine
Saira Saeed Khan1, Rahila Najam1, Humera Anser2
1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.
Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|September 2, 2014
Summary
Chamomile tea effectively lowers blood sugar and HbA1C in diabetic rats, offering a potential natural treatment for hyperglycemia. Its glucose-lowering effects were comparable to standard medication.
Area of Science:
- Phytomedicine
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Chamomile is a historically recognized medicinal plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Emerging research suggests chamomile may possess glucose-lowering capabilities, particularly in managing hyperglycemia.
- This study investigates the anti-diabetic potential of chamomile tea in an animal model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pharmacological effects of chamomile tea on fasting and postprandial glucose levels in diabetic rats.
- To assess the impact of chamomile tea on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels in diabetic rats.
- To compare the efficacy of chamomile tea with a standard anti-diabetic drug, glibenclamide.
Main Methods:
- Alloxan-induced diabetic rat model was utilized.
- Chamomile tea was administered, and its effects on blood glucose and HbA1C were monitored over 30 and 60 days.
- Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with glibenclamide serving as the positive control.
Main Results:
- Chamomile tea significantly reduced fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in diabetic rats.
- A significant reduction in HbA1C levels was observed, comparable to the glibenclamide group.
- Chamomile tea also mitigated weight loss in diabetic rats, similar to the standard treatment group.
Conclusions:
- Chamomile tea demonstrates a notable glucose-lowering effect in diabetic rats, suggesting its potential utility in managing hyperglycemia.
- Daily consumption of chamomile tea could serve as a beneficial adjunct or alternative to conventional anti-diabetic treatments.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms underlying chamomile's anti-diabetic action.
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