Natural products used for diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To review the efficacy and safety of natural products commonly used for diabetes.


METHODS
English and Spanish-language journals retrieved through a MEDLINE search of articles published between 1960 and December 2001 using these index terms: Opuntia, karela, gymnema, tecoma, alpha lipoic acid, thioctic acid, ginseng, panaxans, and diabetes.


RESULTS
Natural products have long been used in traditional systems of medicine for diabetes. Products in common use include nopal (prickly pear cactus), fenu-greek, karela (bitter melon), gymnema, ginseng, tronadora, chromium, and alpha-lipoic acid. The popularity of these products varies among people of different ethnicities. Nopal is the most commonly used herbal hypoglycemic among persons of Mexican descent. Karela is more commonly used by persons from Asian countries. Some of these agents have gained universal appeal. For a select number of products, studies have revealed single or multiple mechanisms of action. For several of these, high soluble fiber content is a contributing factor.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the available evidence, several natural products in common use can lower blood glucose in patients with diabetes. Commonly used natural products often have a long history of traditional use, and pharmacists who have a stronger understanding of these products are better positioned to counsel patients on their appropriate use.
Shapiro
Karen
K
College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, Calif 91766-1854, USA. kshapiro@westernu.edu
Gong
William C
WC
D002857:Chromium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000628:therapy*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008517:Phytotherapy; D008063:Thioctic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
D004043:Dietary Fiber; D002857:Chromium; D008063:Thioctic Acid