• Cinnamon highlights its hypoglycemic properties in some of the newest research studies. Extracts of Cinnamon have been reported to increase insulin activity, increasing the breakdown of glucose, and improving blood sugar concentrations. Our water-soluble cinnamon botanical extract has been shown to be the most beneficial form of dietary cinnamon according to studies done by the USDA. Consuming roughly one half a teaspoon of Cinnamon daily may lead to dramatic reductions in blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides in Type-2 diabetic patients who are not taking insulin. (Click here for more information on Cinnamon)
• Fenugreek Seed showed positive results in treating diabetes according to recent research. The herb was shown to lower blood glucose levels for Type-2 diabetes sufferers. Some insulin-dependent diabetics in one study in India, who were on low doses of insulin, took Fenugreek, and it reduced blood sugar and other harmful fats. Furthermore, an amino acid in Fenugreek (hydroxyisoleucine) is said to stimulate the pancreas to secret insulin, another way the herb may help diabetics. (Click here for more information on Fenugreek Seed)
• Gymnema is said to help lower blood sugar levels in type-2, adult onset diabetics by blocking sugar's efficacy in the system and reducing blood sugar levels after sugar consumption. Substances in Gymnema's leaves, called gymnemic acids, are believed to increase the flow of insulin in the pancreas (boosting the amount available to process sugar), or possibly regenerate the cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin. Other research has claimed that Gymnema reduces glucose absorption from the intestine, improves uptake of glucose into cells and prevents adrenal hormones from stimulating the liver to produce glucose, thereby reducing blood-sugar levels. It is interesting to note that the active ingredient, gymnemic acid, is an organic acid, atomically composed similarly to glucose molecules. The molecules fill the receptor sites in the intestines when gymnemic acid fills the receptors on the outer layers of the intestines, blocking the absorption of sugar molecules. Gymnema also blocks the taste of sugar on the tongue. The similar molecular structure of gymnemic acid and glucose has the same effect of filling receptor sites on the taste buds for several hours, thus suppressing the desire for sweets. (Click here for more information on Gymnema)
• Banaba has been used for a very long time for blood sugar control. One of its active constituents, corosolic acid, is suggested to possess insulin-like activity, stimulating glucose uptake. Recent research claims that this component was observed to be an activator of glucose transport into cells, which ultimately results in a lowering of blood glucose levels. Transporting glucose into cells is critical to provide the energy necessary for the cells to carry out their vital functions. Any compound that can stimulate glucose transport will effectively help to lower blood sugar levels. In both human trials and laboratory research, it is said that there were hypoglycemic effects produced by Banaba Leaf on those who were genetically predisposed to diabetes. In a small study in patients with Type-2 diabetes, it was found that an extract from Banaba Leaf (called Glucosol) lowered glucose levels in the blood.(Click here for more information on Banaba)
• Glucomannan is believed to regulate blood sugar levels (both high and low), which may be of great help in cases of diabetes (and obesity). It is slow moving and not digested by the body but forms a bulky, soft mass that is said to absorb dietary sugar and insulin and help to regulate variable blood sugar levels that often occur after a meal. There are also many current studies that show promise in the treatment of pregnancy-related diabetes and may possibly also help in cases of hypoglycemia for those who have undergone recent stomach surgery. (Click here for more information on Glucomannan)
• American Ginseng was found to lower the rise in blood sugar following the consumption of high glucose beverages by people with Type-2 diabetes. Researchers also believe that it may be a viable alternative to conventional forms of treatment for Type-2 diabetes. American Ginseng contains ginsenosides, which are thought to fight fatigue and stress by supporting the adrenal glands and the use of oxygen by exercising muscles. (Click here for more information on American Ginseng)
• Korean Ginseng is considered an "adaptogen" in that it normalizes body functions during stressful or other situations that would alter those functions, helping the body to adapt and return to an overall sense of good health. For example, if blood sugar levels drop too low, or blood pressure climbs too high, an adaptogen will aid the body's return to normal function. The non-saponin constituents in Korean Ginseng root appear to be responsible for its ability to lower blood sugar in diabetics. (Click here for more information on Korean Ginseng)
• Flaxseeds are not only rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, but they are also a wealth of nutrients, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, vanadium, zinc, protein, mucilage, digestive enzymes, saponin, beta carotene, B-vitamins and vitamin E. In reducing the risk factors of coronary heart disease, recent research has shown that Flaxseed's high Omega-3 fatty acid and its soluble fiber content have helped to reduce serum triglycerides and blood pressure. It also helps to reduce the hardening effects of cholesterol on cell membranes. Most of the soluble fiber in Flax is mucilage gum, which is a thick, sticky substance that blocks cholesterol absorption and also helps balance blood-glucose levels, thereby making it useful for reducing high blood sugar. (Click here for more information on Flaxseed)
• Bitter Melon shows evidence that it may be helpful in the treatment of Type-2, adult-onset diabetes. In clinical and lab tests, the herb showed some ability to reduce rises in blood sugar after eating. Constituents, charantin and polypeptide-b, appeared to help reduce blood glucose and urine glucose levels in subjects with diabetes mellitus, and by improving utilization of carbohydrates, there was also a decrease in the frequency of urination. It is important to remember though, that diabetics should always consult with a physician before embarking on a regime of Bitter Melon supplements. (Click here for more information on Bitter Melon)
• Cayenne is called a carrier or catalyst herb that increases the efficacy of almost every other herb or herbal combination. Cayenne speeds up the metabolism of fat and may reduce weight gain due to a high fat diet by increasing the liver enzymes accountable for fat metabolism and decreases fat deposits in the liver caused by high fat diet. It is particularly rich in lutein and beta carotene, two substances that are thought to be beneficial to good eye health. (Click here for more information on Cayenne)
• Psyllium has been shown in preliminary studies to help lower blood glucose levels by slowing the absorption of dietary sugar, which may be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. Supplementing with psyllium has been shown to be a safe and well-tolerated way to improve control of blood glucose and cholesterol. (Click here for more information on Psyllium)
• Turmeric Root is a warming herb that protects liver cells, and its curcumin content is beneficial for treating liver disease and may reverse liver damage caused by very excessive iron consumption and alcohol. Turmeric is known to increase bile production and boost the production of enzymes that digest sugar and fat and, thereby, may inhibit cholesterol from crystallizing into gallstones. (Click here for more information on Turmeric Root)
• Stevia Leaf has been shown in recent studies to increase glucose tolerance and inhibit glucose absorption. Furthermore, it is also thought to lower blood sugar levels. In some South American countries, Stevia is also sold (in addition to its popularity as a natural sweetener and sugar substitute) to aid people with diabetes and hypoglycemia, since studies have demonstrated that it has a regulating effect on the pancreas and helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. (Click here for more information on Stevia Leaf)
• Maitake Mushroom is considered an adaptogen, an agent that increases resistance to stress and helps the body adapt to stressful conditions and normalize bodily functions when those functions have been altered. New research claims that Maitake Mushroom may be useful for treating diabetes in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes. Another potent polysaccharide in Maitake may increase the body's ability to recognize glucose levels and improve the insulin levels. (Click here for more information on Maitake Mushroom)
• Green Tea is a powerful stimulant that increases energy and may be useful in weight loss programs. It also has a stimulating effect on the brain that may increase alertness, perhaps because of its caffeine content. Several of the constituents included in Green Tea are astragalin, beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, caffeine, catechins, cinnamic acid, eugenol, isoquercitrin, lutein, lycopene, procyanidins, quercetin, rutin, salicylic acid, tannic acid, amino acids, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, B-vitamins and vitamin C. (Click here for more information on Green Tea)
• Ginkgo Biloba improves blood and oxygen flow to the brain and has been most effective in treating senility, dementia, depression, anxiety, forgetfulness, inability to concentrate and ADD (attention deficit disorder) in adults. Ginkgo's most exciting application may be in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease by helping to speed the blood flow to the brain and aiding the brain to utilize glucose efficiently. Improved blood flow to the brain also helps to prevent strokes, cerebral arteriosclerosis and other diseases of peripheral circulation. (Click here for more information on Ginkgo Biloba)
• Peppermint promotes good digestion and improves the appetite. Its foremost use as a medicine (in both home remedies and pharmaceutical preparations) is applied to relieve indigestion and the intestinal gas caused by certain foods; hence, its use in after-dinner mints and liqueurs. (Click here for more information on Peppermint Leaf)
