Herbs and plantsHerbs for diabetes — can they replace pills?
Sources: 12 · Article: 13 011 characters
Henryk Różański emphasizes that, in type 1 diabetes, herbs can only support insulin therapy.
- Jerzy Jaśkowski recommends an herbal mixture and claims that diabetes can be cured.
- Henryk Różański describes herbs and mixtures that may help treat diabetes, and warns that some herbs can interfere with the absorption of medicines.
What the authors write
Henryk Różański
In type 1 diabetes, no medicinal plant can replace insulin therapy; herbal medicine can only support it.
„From a scientific point of view, no medicinal plant can replace insulin therapy. In this type of diabetes, herbal medicine can only be a supportive treatment. Unfortunately, it cannot replace insulin therapy, but it may help control blood glucose and modulate the immune response.”Z punktu widzenia naukowego żadna roślina lecznicza nie zastępuje insulinoterapii. Fitoterapia w tym typie cukrzycy może stanowić wyłącznie terapię wspomagającą, niestety nie zastępuje insulinoterapii, lecz może pozwalać na kontrolę glikemii i modulować odpowiedź immunologiczną.
Jerzy Jaśkowski
Jerzy Jaśkowski recommends an herbal mixture, attributes antidiabetic effects to herbs, and claims that diabetes can be cured.
„However, diabetes can be cured and its symptoms can be effectively minimized. People with diabetes should be given an herbal mixture such as diabetosan. The mixture consists of:
25 g goat’s rue;
20 g bilberry leaves;
5 g dandelion root.”Cukrzycę można jednak wyleczyć i skutecznie zminimalizować objawy choroby. Osobom cierpiącym na cukrzycę warto podawać mieszankę ziół typu diabetosan. Mieszanka składa się z:
25 g rutwicy lekarskiej;
20 g liści borówki czernicy;
5 g korzenia mniszka lekarskiego.
Henryk Różański
Some mucilage-containing herbs may interfere with the absorption of medicines.
„Mucilage-containing herbs interfere with the absorption of all nutrients and medicines, while also speeding up the passage of intestinal contents. Tannin-containing herbs cause dysenzymia, meaning the inactivation of many enzymes that digest food components into simple chemical forms that can be absorbed.”Zioła powlekające utrudniają wchłanianie wszystkich substancji pokarmowych i leków, a jednocześnie przyspieszają pasaż treści pokarmowej. Zioła garbnikowe są powodem dysenzymii, czyli inaktywacji wielu enzymów trawiących składniki pokarmowe to form chemicznych prostych i możliwych do wchłonięcia.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański gives examples of plants and preparations that he says lower blood glucose levels.
„Fenugreek; seeds and herb — Semen, Herba Trigonellae (Foenugraeci) — clearly lowers blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Ground seeds (1–2 teaspoons twice a day), dry extract (1–2 g per day), an infusion of the herb (200 ml twice a day for one month, then 1 cup of infusion in the evening for two months), juice from the herb (50 g per day), or a paste made from ground seeds soaked in warm water (1 tablespoon twice a day) work well.”Fenugreek; nasiona, ziele – Semen, Herba Trigonellae (Foenugraeci) wyraźnie wpływa na obniżenie poziomu glukozy i cholesterolu we krwi; doskonale sprawdza się zmielone nasienie (1-2 łyżeczki 2 razy dziennie), ekstrakt suchy (1-2 g dziennie), napar z ziela (200 ml 2 razy dziennie przez miesiąc, potem wieczorem 1 szklanka naparu przez 2 miesiące), sok z ziela (50 g dziennie), papka z mielonych namoczonych nasion w ciepłej wodzie (1 łyżka 2 razy dziennie).
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański describes chickpeas as part of a diet that supports blood glucose control.
„Common chickpea can be used to treat diabetes by consuming extracts and cooked seeds, which have a blood-glucose-lowering effect. Traditional uses recommend eating 50–100 g of cooked chickpeas daily as part of a diet that supports blood glucose control.”Ciecierzyca pospolita może być wykorzystywana w leczeniu cukrzycy poprzez spożywanie ekstraktów i gotowanych nasion, które wykazują działanie obniżające poziom glukozy we krwi. W tradycyjnych zastosowaniach zaleca się spożywanie 50–100 g gotowanych nasion ciecierzycy dziennie jako element diety wspierającej kontrolę glikemii.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański describes herbs and mixtures as helpful in treating diabetes and preventing its complications.
„Dr. med. Gerhard Madaus (1890–1942) described various herbs and mixtures that could help treat diabetes and prevent its complications in several publications, not only in Lehrbuch der Biologischen Heilmittel. Madaus specifically recommended preparing water extracts from herbal mixtures.”Dr med. Gerhard Madaus (1890-1942) opisał w różnych swoich publikacjach (nie tylko w Lehrbuch der Biologischen Heilmittel) różne zioła, jak i mieszanki pomocne w leczeniu cukrzycy oraz profilaktyce następstw cukrzycy. Madaus zalecał specyficznie przygotowywać wodne wyciągi z mieszanek ziołowych.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański gives recipes for herbal mixtures recommended for diabetes.
„Prescription: Antidiabetic herbal mixture 2
Sem. Curcurbitae decort. — hulled pumpkin seeds, crushed
Fol. Uvae ursi — bearberry leaf
Rhiz. Valerianae — valerian rhizome
Fol. Myrtilli — bilberry leaf
Mix in equal parts. Use 4 teaspoons of the mixture for 2 cups of water and steep.”Rp. Ziółka przeciwcukrzycowe 2Sem. Curcurbitae decort. – łuskane nasiona dyni, rozdrobnioneFol. Uvae ursi – liść mącznicy lekarskiejRhiz. Valerianae – kłącze kozłkaFol.Myrtilli – liść borówkiZmieszać w równych częściach. 4 łyżeczki mieszanki na 2 szklanki wody, parzyć.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański gives further antidiabetic herbal mixtures and instructions for preparing them.
„Prescription: Antidiabetic herbal mixture 7
Fol. Eucalypt — eucalyptus leaf
Fol. Bucco — buchu leaf (Agathosma betulina (Berg.) Pillans)
Follic. Sennae — senna pods
Fol. Myrtilli — bilberry leaf
Legum. Phaseol. — bean pods
Mix all the herbs in equal proportions, 20 g of each. Prepare a decoction or infusion using 4 teaspoons per 2 cups of water; drink in small portions throughout the day.”Rp. Ziółka przeciwcukrzycowe 7Fol. Eucalypt – liść eukaliptusaFol. Bucco – liść Bukko (gruczlin) – Agathosma betulina ( Berg. ) PillansFollic. Sennae – strąki senesowe (senesu)Fol. Myrtilli – liść borówki czarnejLegum. Phaseol. – strąki fasoliWszystkie zioła zmieszać w równych proporcjach, po 20 g. Odwar lub napar z 4 łyżeczek na 2 szklanki wody; wypić małymi porcjami w ciągu dnia.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański describes Dendrobium as a plant whose extracts may affect insulin pathways and glucose absorption.
„Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo — noble dendrobium — extracts from the leaves, stems, or whole shoots activate insulin-signaling pathways and inhibit glucose absorption in the intestinal epithelium. The compounds mainly responsible for this effect are 3,4′-dihydroxy-5-methoxybibenzyl and dihydroresveratrol.”Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo – dendrobium szlachetne – ekstrakty z liści i łodyg lub całych pędów aktywują szlaki sygnałowe insuliny i hamują wchłanianie glukozy na poziomie nabłonka jelitowego. Za to działanie odpowiadają głównie 3,4′-dihydroxy-5-metoksybibenzyl i dihydroresweratrol.
Hubert Czerniak
Hubert Czerniak describes pills used for diabetes and how they work.
„These are usually sulfonylurea derivatives: substances that bind to the receptor for this compound and increase the activity of the beta cells in the islets of Langerhans, encouraging them to produce the insulin that is still available. They may also be biguanides, substances that mimic insulin’s action and help glucose enter cells.”Zwykle są to pochodne sulfonylomocznika, czyli substancje, które łącząc się z receptorem tego związku, zwiększają aktywność ß komórek wysepek langerhansa, do produkcji insuliny, która jeszcze pozostała. Mogą to być także biguanidy, czyli substancje, które naśladują funkcjonowanie insuliny i ułatwiają przenikanie glukozy do komórki.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 3 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 10 665.
The review evaluates Ayurvedic treatments for diabetes, but the summary provided does not report results confirming that they can replace medicines.
Aim of the study: Patients with diabetes frequently use complementary and alternative medicines, including Ayurvedic medicines, so it is important to determine their efficacy and safety. To assess the effects of Ayurvedic treatments for diabetes mellitus.
Results: Only results from a limited number of studies could be combined, given the different types of interventions and variable quality of the data. We found six trials of proprietary herbal mixtures and one of whole-system Ayurvedic treatment. These studies enrolled 354 participants (172 receiving treatment, 158 in control groups, and allocation unknown for 24). Treatment lasted from 3 to 6 months. All these studies included adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. For our primary outcomes, significant reductions in glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), or both were observed with Diabecon, Inolter, and Cogent DB compared with placebo or no additional treatment. No significant hypoglycaemic response was found with Pancreas tonic or Hyponidd treatment. The study of whole-system Ayurvedic treatment did not provide HbA1c or FBS data. One study of Pancreas tonic treatment found no significant change in health-related quality of life.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · NCCIH NIH HHS
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studycombined analysis of many studies (meta-analysis)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In diabetic rats, an herbal mixture improved blood glucose, lipid, and inflammation markers, but the study did not test whether it could replace pills.
Aim of the study: To investigate the material basis for the efficacy of Buxu Xiaoke Mixture (BXM) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Results: A total of 81 compounds were identified from BXM. Among these, 25 prototype compounds and 14 metabolites derived from BXM were detected in rat serum. Core targets (HSP90AA1, PIK3R1, SRC), mechanistically linked to insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, and inflammation, were identified. The strong binding of BXM components to these targets, together with in vivo evidence of improved blood glucose, lipid, and inflammation indicators, supports BXM’s multi-target action and shows its effectiveness in controlling T2DM progression. These components may represent the potential material basis for BXM’s efficacy in treating T2DM.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Heilongjiang Province Science and Technology Department, Key Research and Development Program of Jiangxi Province
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyanimal study
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review points to promising preclinical results for herbs, but human study results are mixed and do not show that herbs can replace medicines.
Aim of the study: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a global health concern characterized by a cluster of interrelated metabolic abnormalities, including insulin resistance, central obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and chronic low-grade inflammation. These factors significantly increase the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), and other complications.
Results: While preclinical data strongly support their efficacy, human clinical trials have shown mixed results due to factors such as inconsistent formulations, poor bioavailability, and individual variability. Despite these challenges, the evidence suggests that plant-based therapies may serve as effective adjuncts to conventional treatment, particularly in the early or preventive stages of MetS. The review highlights the importance of standardized formulations, enhanced delivery systems, and well-controlled clinical trials to validate their efficacy and integrate them into evidence-based therapeutic protocols. These findings support the growing role of natural products in the holistic management of metabolic syndrome.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Allogenic Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal/Stem Cells and Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients With Recent-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A 3-Month Follow-Up Pilot Study. Front Immunol. 2020;11:993. 121. Stem Cells Portal. Boosting the effects of vitamin D to tackle diabetes [Internet]. 2018. Wu Y ying, Yu T, Yang X yong, Li F, Ma L, Yang Y, et al. Vitamin D3 and insulin combined treatment promotes titanium implant osseointegration in diabetes mellitus rats. Bone. 2013 Jan;52(1):1-8. 123. Posa F, Di Benedetto A, Cavalcanti-Adam EA, Colaianni G, Porro C, Trotta T, et al.”Allogenic Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal/Stem Cells and Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients With Recent-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A 3-Month Follow-Up Pilot Study. Front Immunol. 2020;11:993. 121. Stem Cells Portal. Boosting the effects of vitamin D to tackle diabetes [Internet]. 2018. Wu Y ying, Yu T, Yang X yong, Li F, Ma L, Yang Y, et al. Vitamin D3 and insulin combined treatment promotes titanium implant osseointegration in diabetes mellitus rats. Bone. 2013 Jan;52(1):1-8. 123. Posa F, Di Benedetto A, Cavalcanti-Adam EA, Colaianni G, Porro C, Trotta T, et al.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Endocrinologist and Professor of Medicine (University of Kentucky) J. W. Anderson is perhaps the world's leading researcher on fiber and diabetes. L. Thornalley PJ: The potential role of thiamine (vitamin B-1) in diabetic complications. Curr Diabetes Rev, 2005; 1:287-298 2. Brighthope IE (2012) The Vitamin Cure for Diabetes: Prevent and Treat Diabetes Using Nutrition and Vitamin Supplementation. Basic Health Publications ISBN-13: 978-1591202905. 3. World Health Organization. Diabetes.”Endocrinologist and Professor of Medicine (University of Kentucky) J. W. Anderson is perhaps the world's leading researcher on fiber and diabetes. L. Thornalley PJ: The potential role of thiamine (vitamin B-1) in diabetic complications. Curr Diabetes Rev, 2005; 1:287-298 2. Brighthope IE (2012) The Vitamin Cure for Diabetes: Prevent and Treat Diabetes Using Nutrition and Vitamin Supplementation. Basic Health Publications ISBN-13: 978-1591202905. 3. World Health Organization. Diabetes.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Brighthope IE (2012) The Vitamin Cure for Diabetes: Prevent and Treat Diabetes Using Nutrition and Vitamin Supplementation. Basic Health Publications ISBN-13: 978-1591202905. 3. World Health Organization. Diabetes. Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes Study Group, Gerstein HC, Miller ME, Byington RP, et al: Effects of intensive glucose lowering in type II diabetes. N Engl J Med, 2008; 358: 2545-2559. 6. Substituting Vitamins and Supplements for Pharmaceuticals in Type 2 Diabetes. Confessions of a Frustrated Pharmacist by Stuart Lindsey, PharmD. Editorial Review Board: Albert G. B. Amoa, MB.Ch.B, Ph.D.”Brighthope IE (2012) The Vitamin Cure for Diabetes: Prevent and Treat Diabetes Using Nutrition and Vitamin Supplementation. Basic Health Publications ISBN-13: 978-1591202905. 3. World Health Organization. Diabetes. Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes Study Group, Gerstein HC, Miller ME, Byington RP, et al: Effects of intensive glucose lowering in type II diabetes. N Engl J Med, 2008; 358: 2545-2559. 6. Substituting Vitamins and Supplements for Pharmaceuticals in Type 2 Diabetes. Confessions of a Frustrated Pharmacist by Stuart Lindsey, PharmD. Editorial Review Board: Albert G. B. Amoa, MB.Ch.B, Ph.D.
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