The beneficial effects of Coccinia indica on diabetes mellitus
It lowers blood sugar levels and A1c in people with type 2 diabetes, according to researchers from the Institute of Population Health and Clinical Research in Bangalore, India.
First, the details.
- 60 adults with diabetes were studied for 90 days.
- They were randomly assigned to be treated with placebo or Coccinia indica extract (synonym Coccinia cordifolia), a herb that grows in India and used in the traditional treatment of diabetes mellitus.
- Neither the patients nor the researchers knew the treatment given.
And, the results.
- At day 90 there were significant decreases of 16% in fasting blood sugar levels and 18% lower blood sugar levels after a meal (postprandial) in the group taking Coccinia indica compared to the placebo group.
- Those taking Coccinia indica also had significantly lower A1c blood levels compare to the placebo group.
The bottom line?
A1c (aka: hemoglobin A1c) indicates a patient?s blood sugar control over the last 3 months. It is the most widely accepted measure for evaluating blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
“This study suggests that Coccinia cordifolia extract has a potential hypoglycemic action in patients with mild diabetes,” stated the authors. “However, further studies are needed to elucidate mechanisms of action,”
These results support earlier studies in animal models, here and here.
12/5/07 22:53 JR
