Top 7 Best Anti-Diabetic Plants & Herbs to Control Diabetes
Diabetes is a life-long disease that occurs due to high blood sugar levels, but with a healthy lifestyle, a diabetics can live a normal life. According to the most recent statistic of IDF, over 371 million people in the world are affected by this disease. This figure is going to double in coming years. The number of diabetic patients is increasing in numbers these days. Moreover, the disease is becoming genetical and affecting the younger generation.
Useful AntiDiabetic Plants (Herbs) to Control Diabetes
Though diabetes is an incurable disease, but it can be controlled to large extent by taking care of your food diet. Eating herbs can be really beneficial. Most preferable list of antidiabetic plants has been mentioned below. These top natural antidiabetic herbs have shown some promise in lowering blood sugar, boosting insulin sensitivity and reducing high blood pressure, cholesterol, and all.
Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar or Miracle Fruit)
Gymnema sylvestre known as Gurmar is one of the most powerful herbs for controlling blood sugar. Sugar crusher/destroyer, translating it in Hindi, is well known for reducing the ability to detect sweetness. It boosts the activity of enzymes helping the cells use glucose. Thus the sugar level decreases or it stimulates the production of insulin. Though, all its effects or possible side effects still hasn’t been studied extensively, but no report of serious side effects has been found.
Azadirachta Indica (Neem or Indian Lilac)
Azadirachta indica, popularly known as Neem is widely popular as one of the best medicinal plant used for treatment of diabetes. Since immemorial time, this has been used as an antidiabetic plant, even mentioned in the early Vedic text. It is used alone or combined with other antidiabetic herbs for decreasing the sugar levels. But in some cases it is found that the blood sugar level went too low due to the use of neem. So it is advised to monitor your blood sugar level regularly while using neem as an antidiabetic herb and change the dose of it according to the need.
Morus Indica (Mulberry)
Morus indica or mulberry leaves are recommended by ayurvedic medics to decrease the sugar level and fight against diabetes. According to the research, it is found that using mulberry for at least 15 days on a regular basis with recommended dose will reduce the sugar level almost 38 to 40 %. Correcting lipid abnormality using mulberry leaves is also popular. Diabetic patients can use this plant for the protection from oxidative stress as it improves the antioxidant defence system of the body. No report of side effects has been found.
Momordica Charantia (Karela or Bitter Gourd)
Also known as Bitter Gourd, Momordica charantia has set a good example as a natural remedy for diabetes and also used extensively in ayurvedic medicines. It helps fighting diabetes by increasing the insulin secretion hence improving the function of beta cells of the pancreas. Bitter gourd fruit pulp helps in increasing the number of beta cells in the pancreas. No serious side effect has been reported.
Eugenia Jambolana (Jamun or Java Plum)
It is known to us that diabetes makes it harder for the body to heal a wound. Eugenia Jambolana seed extract makes wound healing process faster for a diabetes patient. This is the reason of it being a preferable herb in the list of antidiabetic plants. Its fruit and seeds reduce the sugar level effectively by stimulating the secretion of insulin. It also helps in reducing the risk of kidney dysfunction in diabetes. It has no side effects.
Curcuma Longa (Haldi or Turmeric)
Studies have found that Curcuma longa lowers plasma glucose level. It is a promising ingredient in functional food aiming at preventing different kinds of diabetes. It raises the secretion of insulin and thus glucose level stays in control. It has no side effects. It even helps in fighting different other diseases as well.
Tinospora Cordifolia (Guduchi or Heart-Leaved Moonseed)
Tinospora cordifolia is an herbal bush found usually in India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. Its leaves, stems and root have different uses in Ayurveda. This plant not only reduces high cholesterol and allergic rhinitis, but also very useful in controlling diabetes. It has antioxidant effects. Tinospora cordifolia also helps in improving the immunity system and fight against diabetes. No noticeable side effect has been recorded. It is not only a medicinal plant used for treatment of diabetes but also cures diseases like Cancer, RA, and PUD too.