Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that happens due to either the inadequacy of insulin production by the pancreas or the inability of the body to use insulin effectively. Insulin is hormone that regulate the blood sugar.
There are many challenges in the management of DM. The first treatment of DM is to use an antihyperglycemic medicine, but the use of this conventional medicine also has adverse effect. So that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is starting to become an option for the treatment of chronic diseases such as metabolic disorder. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States stated that CAM is a group of the health system, health practice, and health product considered as not part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used with conventional therapy whereas alternative medicine is used as a substitute for conventional therapy. More than 400 plants and substances are evaluated for DM treatment especially DM type 2.
The use of CAM has become increasingly popular for the treatment of DM in that it is related to minimal complication and minimal cost. Moreover, CAM is become an option considering that cultural and psychosocial factor, health belief as well as value related to religion.
The population was individuals with type 1 DM, type 2 DM, and gestational DM, Study was randomized controlled trials (RCT), and the outcome was glycemic control. Results showed Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum had positive effect on glycemic control in type 1 DM compared to the control group, one tablet at lunch and one tablet at dinner, for 6 months. Fenugreek contains alkaloids and steroidal saponins which can be used as an antidiabetic agent. Fenugreek seed (FS) has beneficial to reduce fasting blood sugar in type 2 DM compared to the control group. 5g FS powder was consumed mixed with water, three times daily, for 8 weeks. Bitter melon has positive effect to reduce blood sugar in patients with type 2 DM compared to the control group. Bitter melon was consumed twice a day for 12 weeks. The combination of herbal plants, C. spinosa, R. canina and S. securigera was as effective as glycemic control in type 2 DM patients. This combination was consumed two tablets, once a day.
The use of cinnamon or whortleberry supplements as an additional treatment could reduce blood sugar levels in type 2 DM patients. This study divided respondents into three groups, the cinnamon, whortleberry, and placebo. Respondents received cinnamon (1000mg/day) or Caucasian whortleberry (1000mg/day) for 3 months. Blood sugar levels decreased in the cinnamon or whortleberry supplement group compared to the placebo group. Chicory was also used as a supplement for type 2 DM patients and had effect to decrease fasting blood sugar. Chicory was consumed 10g daily for 2 months.
Nigella sativa, this plant contains active substances known as thymoquinone and has antioxidant effect. Nigella sativa oil 1350mg/day, for 3 months in newly diagnosed with type 2 DM patients had effect to decrease fasting blood sugar, 2 hour post-prandial, and A1C compared to metformin. Mulberry leaves (1000mg) was given three times a day with meals, for 3 months had effect to decrease post prandial blood sugar levels compared to placebo in type 2 DM patients. Chamomile tea has an effect as a glycemic control (3g/150ml with hot water) among type 2 DM patients, three times a day after meals for 8 weeks compared to a control group.
Bell pepper is the main source of vitamin C. Bell pepper contains antioxidant. Bell pepper juice with the integrated approach of yoga therapy (IAYT) for four consecutive days had effect to reduce post prandial blood sugar levels compared to the control group who only received the integrated approach of yoga therapy (IAYT) in type 2 DM patients.
Penulis: Mochammad Bagus Qomaruddin
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Erni Setiyorini, Mochammad Bagus Qomaruddin, Sony Wibisono, Titik Juwariah, Anggi Setyowati, Ning Arti Wulandari, Yeni Kartika Sari and Levi Tina Sari. Complementary And Alternative Medicine For Glycemic Control of Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review. Journal of Public Health Research, 2022, Vol. 11(3), 1“10 DOI: 10.1177/22799036221106582
