According to scientists at Sheba Medical Center in Israel, a new botanical composition shows promise for controlling Type 2 diabetes. Their study, reported on in September of 2018 in the journal Integrative Medical Research, tested an herbal supplement designed at the moment, as SR2004. It includes herbs with Latin names …
- morus alba,
- artemisia dracunculus,
- urtica dioica,
- cinnamomum zeylanicum, and
- taraxacum officinale.
A total of one hundred and three people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes received SR2004 along with their usual treatment. After 12 weeks their …
- average HbA1c level went from 9.0 percent to 7.1 percent.
- average fasting blood sugar decreased from 211 mg / dL to 133 mg / dL (11.7 mmol / L to 7.4 mmol / L).
- total cholesterol went down 13 percent to 184 mg / dL.
- blood fats went down 40 percent.
Of thirteen Type 2 diabetics who took insulin at the start of the study, five reduced their insulin requirements by 30 percent and five took only oral medication by the end of the 12 weeks. Two of the diabetics shown improvement in their retinas, at the backs of their eyes. Unfortunately, twelve of the participants had no response to the supplement.
Further research is needed to learn whether the results can be repeated. A study with a control group not given supplement would help confirm or deny the purported effects of the supplement.
Morus alba is also known as the white mulberry, a tree native to China. Its bark has been used to treat …
- a cough,
- wheezing,
- swelling,
- fever,
- a headache, and
- red, dry, sore eyes
Artemisia dracunculus, a relative of the sunflower, is also known as tarragon. Its leaves can be sprinkled over food as an herb like parsley or mixed into green salads. It is occasionally used to treat …
- insomnia,
- indigestion,
- poor appetite,
- water retention,
- a toothache,
- menstrual problems, and
- depression and anxiety
Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle, is a native of California in the United States and is also found in other parts of North America. It has been used to treat …
- painful muscles and joints,
- eczema, and
- benign enlarged prostate.
Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark, or cinnamon, is a common flavoring sometimes used to lower blood sugar levels. Other folk medicinal uses include treating …
- diarrhea and gas,
- indigestion,
- infection,
- menstrual cramps,
- the common cold, and
- influenza
Taraxacum officinale, better known as the dandelion, is used in green salads, and to treat …
- diabetes,
- urinary problems,
- liver disease,
- certain cancers,
- upset stomach,
- gallbladder disease,
- intestinal gas,
- joint pain, and
- muscle aches.
Growing research does suggest some herbs may be helpful with Type 2 diabetes and used in combination with traditional methods to give relief from many symptoms.