A formulation of grape seed, Indian gooseberry, turmeric and fenugreek helps controlling type 2 diabetes mellitus in advanced-stage patients

IntroductionThe aim of this clinical study was to determine whether an add-on treatment with a herbal product (Plantabetics®) containing extracts of grape seed, Indian gooseberry, turmeric and fenugreek seeds, improved glycemic control in advanced-stage patients, who were no longer responding to a combination therapy of metformin and sulfonylurea.MethodsThis was an open label, single arm before/after study of 84 days duration. A total of 50 patients with type 2 diabetes, who were on a stable dose of metformin and sulfonylurea but not showing any improvement in diabetic control, were recruited. Patients were not taking any other herbal supplements or medication. They were instructed to take one capsule of the investigational product two times daily along with their diabetes medication. End points were glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar, and postprandial blood sugar. Safety parameters were also evaluated.ResultsTreatment with the investigated herbal product in conjunction with prescribed diabetes medication resulted in a > 1% unit reduction in average glycated hemoglobin value (from 8.8%/73 mmol/mol to 7.5%/58 mmol/mol; p < 0.001) as well as significant reduction in average fasting (from 8.8 mmol/l to 6.6 mmol/l; p < 0.001) and post prandial blood sugar values (14.6 mmol/l to 10.4 mmol/l; p < 0.001) in the majority of the study population. The herbal product was moreover well-tolerated and safe to use.ConclusionsThe investigated product in combination with oral hypoglycemic agents is a promising candidate for regaining glycemic control in advanced-stage type 2 diabetes patients.