Role of Natural Supplements
Diabetes requires a traditional pharmacological treatment, but alongside this therapy it may be useful to use medicinal plants active on glucose metabolism: in fact, in cases of mild hyperglycemia, a correct diet - associated with a correct lifestyle, and to the use of appropriate herbal teas - it may suffice, while in more serious cases (when diabetes is overt) to synthetic drugs - which are indispensable - some types of anti-diabetic herbal teas can be added, always taking care not to incur undesirable effects or in unwanted interactions.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus leaves (Eucaliptus globulus) : the eucalyptus seems to act as a hypoglycemic agent due to the presence, among its chemical components, of polyphenols with antioxidant effect, and of tannins capable of preventing the digestion of amylaceous substances and reducing glycogenolysis in tissues.
Myrtle
Myrtle (Myrtus communis) : myrtle acts as an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor; it therefore inhibits the action of the intestinal enzyme which - by transforming sugars from complex to simple - allows the intestinal absorption of glucose.
Elder
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) : the elderberry is used for its inflorescences which, containing terpenoids and phytosterols (beta-sitosterol), seem to possess an insulin-stimulating action.
Galega
Galega officinalis : the galega is a plant known mainly for its galactogenic activity, but also hypoglycemic; the latter derives from the enhancement of the effects of insulin, the reduction of hepatic glucose synthesis and the strengthening of peripheral glucose uptake by the muscle. Of the galega the seeds are used as therapeutic drug, containing the active principle galegina, a guanidine derivative endowed with the true hypoglycemic activity; the galegina, hypoglycemic alkaloid, has the same activities as the synthetic biguanides and has the same side effects but greater tolerability: it acts at the level of the pancreatic alpha cells inhibiting the production of glucagon and increasing the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin. It should be emphasized that the galega should be used under strict medical supervision and that in its fresh state it can be toxic.
Opuntia
Opuntia (Opuntia streptacantha) : Opuntia is a succulent plant native to Mexico; it is commonly found in the United States and is used in phytotherapy for its cladodes, which in their spongy tissues contain lipids, protides, but above all high molecular weight polysaccharides (pectins, cellulose, xylose and galacturonic acid). It is precisely to the polysaccharidic fraction, opuntia mannano, that the therapeutic properties exploitable in the diabetic pathology are ascribed: in fact the polysaccharides adsorb nutrients, sugars and cholesterol in the intestinal lumen; in doing so they block absorption.
Gymnema
Gymnema ( Gymnema silvestre ): climbing plant native to India and Africa; the therapeutic drug is given by its leaves, which contain gymnemic acids (glycosidic acids), amino acids, choline, betaine, adenine and trimethylamine oxide. The hypoglycemic action is due to gymnemic acids, which reduce the intestinal absorption of glucose and stimulate the activity of pancreatic beta cells in the production of insulin.
American Ginseng
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) : be careful not to confuse it with Korean Ginseng, although both types contain ginsenosides and are used in phytotherapy for their roots, or rhizomes. American ginseng, due to the presence of polysaccharides and ginsenosides, reduces the absorption of carbohydrates, promotes the release of insulin and increases the tissue uptake of glucose (a hypothesis seems to be that of an increase in the number of insulin receptors) .
