Effect of Yeonryeonggobon-dan (YRGBD), an herbal complex, on glycemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case series

•We reviewed medical records of 38 Type 2 DM patients treated with YRGBD.•Thirty-eight patients took YRGBD for 135.40 ± 63.59 d (average ± standard deviation).•After YRGBD therapy, the glycated haemoglobin level reduced from 76.16 ± 19.90 mmol/mol (9.11 ± 1.82%) to 51.21 ± 8.82 mmol/mol (6.84 ± 0.81%).•There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001, by a paired t test) between HbA1c values before and after treatment.•Twenty-four out of 38 patients (63.16%) had HbA1c levels indicative of a well-controlled Type 2 DM (<53 mmol/mol, <7.0%).

SummaryIntroductionDiabetes mellitus has significant effects on the human body. Recently, herbal medicines have received attention as complementary anti-diabetic agents on the basis of the results of several experimental studies. We present a series of 38 cases that demonstrate the positive effect of Yeonryeonggobon-dan (YRGBD), an herbal complex, in lowering blood sugar levels in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of 38 patients treated with YRGBD. The types and doses of other hypoglycemic agents administered to the patients remained unchanged during treatment with YRGBD.ResultsAfter YRGBD therapy, the glycated haemoglobin level decreased from 76.16 ± 19.90 mmol/mol (9.11 ± 1.82%) to 51.21 ± 8.82 mmol/mol (6.84 ± 0.81%). There was a statistically significant difference between the glycated haemoglobin levels measured before and after treatment (paired t test, p < 0.001).DiscussionIn the present study, we show the clinical effects of YRGBD on blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Further clinical studies investigating the effects of YRGBD are needed.