The Notorious Herbs for Treating Diabetes of Chinese Medicine

Some herbs for diabetes can effectively improve this common disease together with drug medication. Treating diabetes with natural herbs can be quite complicated because more than one healing aspect are involved. Therefore, you need to take a few types of herbs for diabetes and Ganoderma Lucidum is one of them.

Diabetes happens when blood sugar level constantly stays at a higher level. This disease can lead to many other diseases such as high blood pressure, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, food ulcer and even impotence.

How Herbs For Diabetes Help To Reduce Your Blood Sugar

Conventional treatment for diabetes uses drug medications to suppress sugar level. Before taking any herbs for diabetes, you too must begin your treatment with medication. It helps to quickly reduce sugar level and maintain it. However, medication doesn't cure it. It only controls this disease and prevent other associated health problems.

There are 2 groups of medication.

The first type forces the already weakened pancreas to produce more insulin hormone to reduce sugar level. The second type suppresses the absorption of sugar in intestines, thus maintaining sugar level in the blood.

However, long term consumption of diabetes medication causes two main side effects. One is the hardening of blood vessels, causing stroke and heart disease. The other side effect is the interference with fats metabolism, causing a patient to become fatter.

As you might have seen, some diabetes patients under long term medication are still affected with kidney failure and stroke. The recommended treatment for diabetes is to combine western medication with herbs for diabetes prescribed according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

TCM looks at diabetes from a different view. It regards diabetes as a disease of too much heat in the body. TCM divides it into 3 groups, namely:

• Upper part (lung) heat
• Middle part (stomach) heat
• Lower part (kidney) heat

According to each specific case, TCM doctor will prescribe the suitable herbs for diabetes to uproot the actual cause of this disease. In the above 3 cases, the main healing functions of these herbs are:

• Reduce body heat
• Enhance kidney energy
• Enhance "yin" energy
• Boost body energy

With these healing principles, the first recommended herbs for diabetes are Five Leaves Ginseng herb (Rhinacanthus Nasutus) and White Crane Lingzhi herb (Gynostemma Pentaphyllum). These herbal plants effectively reduce body heat of the upper, middle and lower part. Both can help to reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol too.

The second herb is Cordyceps Sinensis. This precious fungus is proven to improve kidney energy. It was used since ancient times by the Chinese to improve weak body constitution.

The third supplement for diabetes is bee Royal Jelly. This natural supplement has the highest content of natural hormones. It helps to increase "yin" energy of the body. In TCM, "yin" is associated with body fluid such as blood, hormones, saliva, eye tear and joints fluid. Therefore, taking Royal Jelly helps to naturally increase the insulin hormone produced by pancreas.

The fourth herb is Ganoderma Lucidum. This herb helps to boost body energy for the fourth healing requirement. That's why Ganoderma Lucidum is one of the important herbs for diabetes.

Although Ganoderma Lucidum alone is not enough, it does help to improve a diabetes patient's blood circulation and increase their immune system. This prevents the disease from worsening.

If a patient can take all these four herbs for diabetes together with western medication, healing chances are greatly increased. However, they must take note of the following...

• Reduce sugar and sweet food intake
• Don't get angry and stressful
• Exercise regularly

With the above lifestyles kept in mind, taking herbs for diabetes certainly improve this common disease in the long run.

Herbs that treat diabetes in Traditional Chinese Medicine

1. Radix Rehmanniae

Radix rehmanniae is the root of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch, under the family of Scrophulariaceae or Gesneriaceae. It has been widely used for treatment of diseases relating to blood, immune, endocrine, nervous, and cardiovascular systems.

The bioactive components of Radix rehmanniae include catalpol, rehmannioside A, B, C, and D, phenethyl alcohol derivatives such as leucosceptoside A and purpureaside C, monocyclic sesquiterpenes as well as their glycosides .

Radix Rehmanniae showed hypoglycemic activity in normal and STZ-induced DM mice. In Chinese medicine, it is usually prepared in combination with other herbs such as Radix ginseng, Radix scutellariae , and Radix astragali . These combinations stimulated insulin secretion and β-cell proliferation through insulin receptor substrate 2 induction. It also showed improvements in diabetic foot ulcer healing in rats through the processes of tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and inflammation control . The postulated mechanisms of action are stimulation of insulin secretion, regulation of glucose metabolism in DM rats, and reduction of hepatic glycogen content of non-DM mice 

2. Stephania tetrandra Moore

Stephania tetrandra Moore is an herbaceous perennial vine of the Menispermaceae family, which is a fundamental herb used in TCM for the reduction of swelling and also providing an analgesic effect. The root of S. tetrandra has demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and hypotensive effects in experimental animal studies .

The major components are alkaloids, including tetrandrine, fangchinoline, bisbenzylisoquinoline, protoberberine, morphinane, and phenanthrene. At 0.3–3 mg/kg, fangchinoline significantly decreased blood glucose and increased blood insulin in STZ-mice by potentiating insulin release. In another study, formononetin, one of the active components in Radix astragali, potentiated the effect of S. tetrandra on lowering the blood glucose level and increasing the blood insulin level, although no direct anti-hyperglycemic effect of formononetin was observed. The postulated antidiabetic mechanism of S. tetrandra extract is the stimulation of insulin release in pancreatic β-cells

3. Rhizoma coptidis

Rhizoma coptidis is the rhizome of Coptis chinensis Franch that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, recorded as Coptidis Rhizoma (CR) in the Chinese Pharmacopeia with the Chinese name of Huang Lian. It has been widely used to clear heat, dry dampness, and eliminate toxins from the body. It is also a commonly used herb in various formulas against intestinal infections, diarrhea, inflammation, hypertension, and hypoglycemia.

The most well-known components of Rhizoma coptidis are isoquinoline alkaloid and berberine which has variety of biological activities such as tumor reduction, anti-microbial, anti-Alzheimer's disease, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-malarial. The berberine compounds of Rhizoma coptidis have been studied for its anti-hyperglycemic effects. The other alkaloids include palmatine, jateorrhizine, epiberberine, and coptisine.

Both the extract and pure berberine significantly decreased blood glucose and serum cholesterol levels in high fat diet-fed mice at the dose of 200 mg/kg by gavage. In alloxan-induced diabetic mice, berberine showed an anti-hyperglycemic effect and also blunted blood glucose increase induced by intraperitoneal glucose or adrenaline administration in normal mice. The activity of berberine was similar to sulfonylureas or biguanides.

The anti-hyperglycemic effects of berberine could be due to the improvement of insulin sensitivity by activating the AMPK pathway or inducing insulin receptor expression. Berberine could also improve fatty acid oxidation via activation of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Furthermore, six quaternary protoberberine-type alkaloids of berberine inhibited aldose reductase activity in vitro with an IC50 less than 200 μM . However, no evidence from in vivo studies is available to verify this mechanism.

4. Radix astragali

Radix astragali, Chinese name of Huang Qi, is the dried root of perennial herbs Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge and Astragalus mongholicus (Fabaceae) Bunge of the Leguminosae family and grows in northern China. The major active compounds in Radix astragali are isoflavones and isoflavonoids (formononetin, calycosin, and ononin), saponins (astragaloside IV, astragaloside II, astragaloside I and acetylastragaloside), and astragalus polysaccharides.

Radix astragali possesses a broad spectrum of effects such as immunostimulation, hepatoprotection, diuresis, analgesia, expectorant, and sedation. In traditional Chinese medicinal theory, the herb is capable of consolidating the exterior of the body and can alleviate heat in the muscles by ascending positive qi.

After treating DM Sprague-Dawley rats with Radix astragali decoction (500 mg/kg IP daily) for two months, improvements in insulin sensitivity and attenuation of fatty liver development were observed. However, blood glucose levels, β-cell function, and glucose tolerance were not substantially improved. Radix astragali polysaccharides reduced hyperglycemia and led to indirect preservation of β-cell function and mass via immunomodulatory effects in T1DM mice. In addition, its polysaccharides restored glucose homeostasis in T2DM mice/rats by increasing insulin sensitization. Formononetin, calycosin and ononin might exert a synergistic hypoglycemic effect with fangchinoline in STZ-diabetic mice, most likely by increasing insulin release.

5. Eriobotrya japonica Lindl

The loquat Eriobotrya japonica Lindl., a fruit tree in the family Rosaceae, is indigenous to central and south China. The dried leaves of E. japonica, also called Folium eriobotryae, have been used for treatment of chronic bronchitis, cough, and diabetes. The active compounds in E. japonica are identified to be triterpenes, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, megastigmane glycosides and polyphenolic compounds including ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, cinchonain Ib, procyanidin B-2, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin.

In an in vitro study using insulin receptor substrate-1 cells, the aqueous extract and the cinchonain Ib (one of the components in E. japonica) enhanced insulin secretion in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo studies showed that the aqueous extract of E. japonica could transiently reduce blood glucose levels. The 70% ethanol extract exerted a significant hypoglycemic effect on alloxan-diabetic mice following oral doses of 15, 30, and 60 g/kg (crude drug). The total sesquiterpenes were found to significantly lower blood glucose levels in both normal and alloxan-diabetic mice. Shih et al. found that the extract, with major components of tormentic acid, maslinic acid, corosolic acid, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid, could ameliorate high fat induced hyperglycemia, hyperleptinemia, hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia . Another study found that the co-fermentation of Folium eriobotryae and green tea leaf reduced the blood glucose level by 23.8% within 30 min in maltose-loaded SD rats at a dose of 50 mg/kg, although this effect was not observed in the sucrose- and glucose-loaded rats 

6. Ginkgo biloba

The Ginkgo biloba tree, native to China, dates back to the prehistoric ages of 250–300 million years and is frequently called a “living fossil”. Today, the biloba tree can live more than 1,000 years. In the United States, G. biloba is one of the most frequently used over-the-counter (OTC) herbal supplements. Extract from its leaves contains ginkgo flavonoid glycosides, terpene lactones, and ginkgolic acids. Many human clinical trials have examined possible ginkgo uses in cerebrovascular disease, tinnitus, sexual dysfunction, intermittent claudication, migraine prophylaxis, and alleviating symptoms of the common cold. However, the most common use of ginkgo is the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

The administration of the ginkgo extract, EGb 761, in rats with DM increased glucose uptake into hepatic and muscle tissues and decreased atherogenesis, a common comorbidity of DM. In vitro assays determined the possible anti-diabetic effect of ginkgo to be through the inhibition of α-glucosidase and amylase activities. Clinical investigations of the anti-diabetic properties of ginkgo in humans have produced mixed results. Healthy human subjects showed no reduction in blood glucose levels with an accompanying significant increase in plasma insulin levels. The randomized double-blinded clinical study involving non-DM, pre-T2DM, and T2DM patients showed that ginkgo did not increase insulin sensitivity nor reduced blood glucose levels. However, in T2DM patients, ingestion of G. biloba extract showed increased clearance of insulin, resulting in a reduction plasma insulin levels and elevated blood glucose. Gingko may improve endothelial function in T2DM patients with early stages of nephropathy, but without affecting blood glucose levels . While popular for its many possible indications, gingko appears to have limited anti-diabetic properties to warrant its use in diabetes.

7. Radix ginseng

Radix ginseng is native in the northern hemisphere, most notably, in eastern Asia (northern China, Korea, and eastern Siberia) and northern America. Subsequently, ginseng is often named from its origin—Asian ginseng, American ginseng, Chinese ginseng, to name a few. More than 700 compounds have been identified in ginseng, with the most active components being identified as the ginsenosides (Rb1, Re, Rd), polysaccharides, peptides, and polyacetylenic alcohols. The geographical origin of ginseng, in combination with the extraction and processing method, produces variable anti-diabetic results.

The anti-diabetic activity of Ridix ginseng has been explored in both animal and human studies. Hypoglycemic activity is greater in lipophilic extracts than aqueous extracts. In DM rats, Korean ginseng (0.1–1.0 g/mL) stimulated the release of insulin from isolated pancreatic islets. American ginseng (100 mg/kg) produced lowered levels of serum glucose and HbA1C in DM rats. Vuksan and colleagues have conducted a number of human clinical trials demonstrating that ginseng reduced postprandial blood glucose, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1C levels. Similar results were presented at American Diabetes Association Annual Meeting in 2003.

Pharmacologically, ginseng has antioxidant properties. It also reduces β-cell apoptosis by upregulating adipocytic PPAR-γ protein expression. Ginseng impairs glucose absorption by decreasing glucosidase activity. It may also increase insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. One of the active components, ginsenoside Rb1, can enhance glucose transport by inducing the differentiation of adipocytes via upregulating the expression of PPAR-γ and C/EBP-α. In addition, ginsenoside Rb1 can increase GLUT-4 activity leading to increased uptake of glucose from blood by adipocytes

8. Fructus schisandrae

Fructus schisandrae (also known as “five-flavor berry” in China), the fruit of a deciduous woody vine native to forests of northern China, is traditionally used as a tonic or sedative agent. It has been used in TCM to astringe the lungs and nourish the kidneys. It was reported that Fructus schisandrae can enhance hepatic glycogen accumulation and decrease hepatic triglycerides. It has also been used in various TCM formulas, such as the modified Ok-Chun-San and modified Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang, to treat diabetes. The major chemical components include lignans such as schizandrins (schizandrin A) and gomisins (gomisin A, J, N, and angeloylgomisin H), and polysaccharides,

In vitro, gomisin J, gomisin N and schizandrin A increased basal glucose uptake in HepG2 cells. Several other schizandrins were found to be able to prevent β-cell apoptosis and decrease insulin resistance. In an in vitro study using 3T3-L1 adipocytes, several fractions of ethanol extract showed the stimulation effect of PPAR-γ. Among these fractions, FS-60, a subfraction from the 70% ethanol extract, was identified to be most potent with the major components of schizandrin A, gomisin A, and angeloylgomisin H. In an in vivo study using pancreatectomized DM rats, FS-60 lowered serum glucose levels during the OGTT similar to the level of the fasting stage. During hyperglycemic clamp, FS-60 increased the first phase insulin secretion in diabetic animals 

The major mechanisms are hypothesized to be the stimulation of insulin secretion and increased insulin sensitivity by ameliorating insulin resistance via increased PPAR-γ activity. Fructus schisandrae can also improve glucose homeostasis in DM mice by inhibiting aldose reductase 

9. Pueraria lobata (Gegen)

Gegen is the dried root of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi, a semiwoody, perennial and leguminous vine native to South east Asia, and also known as yegen, kudzu root, and kudzu vine root. For more than 2000 years, gegen has been used as an herbal medicine for the treatment of fever, acute dysentery, diarrhea, DM, and cardiovascular diseases. Over seventy compounds have been identified in gegen, with isoflavonoids (puerarin) and triterpenoids being the major constituents.

In vitro studies showed that puerarin contained in P. lobata can enhance the glucose uptake in a dose-dependent manner performed in high glucose-treated preadipocytes. Puerarin also promoted insulin-induced preadipocyte differentiation and upregulated mRNA expression of PPARγ, which can regulate glucose homeostasis, adipocyte differentiation, and lipid metabolism. In China, a clinical trial was conducted in DM patients using the Gegen Qin Lian decoction which showed a dose-dependent effect on reducing HbA1C and FBG. Possible mechanisms of action from in vitro and in vivo studies include α-glucosidase inhibition, increased expression and activity of PPAR-γ, upregulation of GLUT-4 mRNA, increased plasma endorphins, and preservation of pancreatic islets

10. Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc

Cornus officinalis Zucc., native to China, Japan, and Korea, is a common herbal medicine of the family of Cornaceae. Fructus corni is the dried ripe sarcocarp of C. officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. Cornaceae, which has been widely prescribed as a tonic agent in Chinese medicinal formula and possess activities of improving the function of the liver and kidney. The major active components are iridoid glycosides, morroniside, loganin, mevaloside, loganic acid, ursolic acid and oleanolic acid, 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural, and 7-O-galloyl-D-sedoheptulose.

The ethanol extract of Fructus corni induced the expression of GLUT-4 by stimulating the proliferation of pancreatic islets, resulting in increased insulin secretion. One of the active components, ursolic acid, was found to be an inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) 1B, which sensitizes the effects of insulin. The Fructus corni extract decreased blood sugar in STZ mice and reduced renal oxidative stress and glycation products in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The underlying mechanisms include the inhibition of glucosidase, reduction of gene expression for hepatic gluconeogenesis, protection of β-cells against toxic challenges, and enhancement of insulin secretion.

References:

1. Treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Traditional Chinese and Indian Medicinal Herbs: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3662109/

2. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): East-West Perspective: https://energy-medicine-blog.blogspot.com/2018/12/traditional-chinese-medicine-tcm-east.html

And if you are looking for a type 2 diabetes solution:  KACHIN DIABETES SOLUTION - East-West Perspective