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Glucose Balancing Herbs and Nutrients
Jambul
The powdered seeds of Jambul (Syzygium cumini), traditionally used in India to control blood glucose levels, are believed to slow the conversion of starches into glucose.
Devil's Club
Devil's club (Oplopanax horridus) is an important medicinal plant to the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, many of whom used it to balance blood sugars.
Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle, (Silybum marianum) supports the liver, the main organ involved in glucose storage and metabolism. Research has shown patients with high blood glucose and liver problems were able to significantly decrease blood sugar and the need for insulin by taking Milk Thistle. Also, recent research indicates that the liver's secretion of the compound HISS (Hepatic Insulin Sensitizing Substrate) and nitric oxide are powerful aids in the stabilization of blood glucose levels.
Prickly Pear
Nopal opuntia, or Prickly Pear, is a cactus high in flavanoids that have been shown to decrease blood sugar and cholesterol while curbing the appetite.
Lipoic Acid/Peripheral Neuropathy
Lipoic acid is a strong antioxidant which has been shown to decrease insulin resistance and peripheral neuropathy in randomized controlled human trials.
Reduced Glycosylated hemoglobin with Chromium
A clinical study of 180 patients with high glucose levels documented significant decreases in glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting glucose, two-hour postprandial glucose levels, fasting and two-hour postprandial insulin values, and total cholesterol, with 500 mcg of chromium picolinate twice daily.
Vanadium improves insulin sensitivity
A number of studies have shown improved insulin sensitivity with vanadium supplementation. Organic forms of vanadium (such as BGOV), as opposed to inorganic vanadium sulfate, are recognized as safer, more absorbable, and able to deliver a therapeutic effect up to 50% greater than the inorganic forms.
References:
1. Teixeira CC, Pinto LP, Kessler FH, Knijnik L, Pinto CP, Gastaldo FFD. The effect of syzygium cumini seeds on post-prandial blood glucose. J Ethnopharmacol 1997; 56 (3) : 209-13.
2. Lantz T, Swerhun K, Turner NIssue: Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridus): An Ethnobotanical Review HerbalGram. 2004;62:33-48 American Botanical Council.
3. Velussi M, Cernigoi AM, De Monte A, et al: Long-term (12 months) treatment with an anti-oxidant drug (Silymarin) is effective on hyperinsulinemia, exogenous insulin need and malondialdehyde levels. J Hepatol 1997; 26(4):871-9.
4. Zhang JQ, Mao XM, Zhou YP: Effects of silibin on red blood cell sorbitol and nerve conduction velocity. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1993; 13(12):725-6, 708.
5. Lucy Dey, MD, Anoja S. Attele, DDS, Chun-Su Yuan, MD, PhD Alternative Therapies for Type II. Alternative Medicine Review 2002;7(1):45-58.
6. Anderson RA, Cheng N, Bryden NA, et al. Elevated intakes of supplemental chromium improve glucose and insulin variables in individuals with type 2. Diabetes 1997;46:1786-1791.
7. Badmaev V, Prakash S, Majeed M Vanadium: a review of its potential role. Altern Complement Med. 1999 Jun;5(3):273-91.