Herbal Remedy for Diabetes: Two Case Reports

Abstract

We present case histories of two patients with type 2 diabetes who were taking herbal medicines that was claimed to be effective for the management of diabetes. Both patients had purchased their herbal medicines from India. On chemical analysis, these medicines were found to contain glibenclamide. Here we discuss the use of alternative medicines in the developed world and highlight the problem that adulteration of complimentary alternative medicines with modern medicines can cause in the management of diabetes.

Effect of flavonol glycosides from Cinnamomum osmophloeum leaves on adiponectin secretion and phosphorylation of insulin receptor-β in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

“…In such circumstances, natural plant extracts and purified constituents have been evaluated for their role in prevention and control of type 2 DM (Padinjakara et al, 2009). The genus Cinnamomum having 250 species is among the world's oldest and most frequently consumed spices.…”

Unproven Therapies for Diabetes and Their Implications

“…Several Indian herbal medicines were also found to cause lead toxicity in patients with diabetes [61–63]. Some Indian herbal products claiming to be antidiabetic were even reported to be contaminated with hypoglycemic agents such as glibenclamide [64]. Since 2007, the FDA has imposed an import alert on certain Ayurvedic products to prevent such products from entering the USA [65].…”

Adulteration of Herbal Remedies with Conventional Drugs: Role of the Clinical Laboratory

“…[6] The data are arranged by year of publication. Yong Gang Tadalafi l and sildenafi l The product claim is " good health and stamina food supplement. "…”

“…Adulteration of herbal remedies with modern diabetes drugs has been reported through case studies or product analyses (Tables 18.1 and 18.2 ). Kulambil Padinjakara et al [6] recently described two patients with type 2 diabetes who were taking herbal medicines. One patient was a 30 -year -old postgraduate researcher who was prescribed gliclazide and metformin for her diabetes.…”

“…Out of 2609 samples, caffeine was found in 213 samples. 6 To make the detection of additives diffi cult, herbal remedies are often adulterated with parent drug metabolites and analogues. These metabolites and drug analogues may put the patients at a higher risk due to their unknown effects and safety.…”