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What can herbs do to aid the treatment of diabetes?

     The history of treating diabetes is rooted in phytotherapy. The first medicines to decrease the level of glucose in the blood serum were of herbal origin. Generally those were Goat's Rue (Galega officinalis), bean-pod and the root of ginseng. They were used individually or together with other herbs, usually diuretic ones.
     Nowadays that modern medicines stabilizing the level of glucose in the blood serum are widespread, the use of herbs to achieve this has become rare. The Phytotherapy Centre sometimes recommends using an extract from the root of ginseng in the early stages of diabetes. An ingredient present in Ginsengbon preparation is generally recommended to be used individually or together with an extract from Ginkgo biloba, present in Memobon.
     Nowadays the role of herbs in treating diabetes is centred around prophylaxis and neutralizing complications which this disease may cause. The main herbal ingredient used in treating diabetes is the aforementioned Ginkgo biloba which thanks to its composition (flavonoids, terpenes) neutralizes the vascular complications caused by the disease. This is connected with the positive influence on microcirculation and rheological properties of blood.
     An extract from Ginkgo biloba increases the release of EDRF (endothelium-derived relaxing factor) in the endothelium of vessels, which has recently been identified as nitric oxide, i.e. natural nitroglycerin and prostaglandin. In the smooth muscles the extract decreases extra-neuronal disintegration of catecholamines. The extract also inhibits platelet aggregation by influencing their cell membrane and stimulating the release of prostacyclin through the anti-oxidizing effect.
     The extract from Ginkgo biloba may be used together with the corymb of Hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha). Such a combination is recommended for diabetics who also suffer from coronary disease or circulatory insufficiency. Hawthorn improves the blood flow in the myocardium and intensifies the strength of cardiac contraction.
     If a diabetic also suffers from varicose veins, he or she will a good combination in Venobon which, apart from Ginkgo, contains an extract from the fruit of Horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum). The extract decreases the permeability and fragility of vessels and capillaries while improving the condition of the endothelium of vessels. It also has anti-phlogistic effects on the vascular system.
     If a patient suffering from diabetes also has an increased level of cholesterol, he or she should use, apart from Ginkgo, an extract from the leaf of artichoke (Cynarae scolymus). This herbal ingredient has long been known to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood serum by inhibiting its synthesis in the liver and increasing its secretion with bile.
     Extracts from artichoke and Ginkgo are present in Lipobon. Lipobon is supported with Chitobon (used before meals, especially these rich in fats). Chitobon contains chitosan (a substance derived from crustaceans) which swells in the stomach and absorbs fat from food. In addition, it reduces craving. Another ingredient of Chitobon is organic chromium in the form of chromium-rich yeast. Chromium is a part of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF) and chromium deficiency has negative effects on the insulin metabolism.
     If a patient is overweight (which is common for diabetes type 2), it is recommended that, apart from Chitobon, he or she should use Adipobon containing CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) which produces positive results also in symptoms of cellulite.
     Retina is one of the most neuralgic spots which is exposed to injury in diabetes. That is why preparations from bilberry (but only these with the stated amount of anthocyanins) are recommended to patients. An extract containing 25% of anthocyanins is suggested as such amount is not present even in dried fruit. The carotenoid lutein is extremely important as it has beneficial effects on the retinal macula. Beta-carotene and anti-oxidizing vitamins are also beneficial to retina. All these ingredients are present in Oculobon which should be used (1 to 2 capsules per day) depending on the extent of retinal damage.
     A diet without monosaccharides and with small amounts of animal fats but with much fruit and many vegetables is a crucial practical advice. A patient must learn to count calories and carbohydrate exchangers (so called bread units).