Herbal remedies unproven as diabetes treatments, researchers warn

From Holly Firfer
CNN Medical Correspondent

June 13, 2000
Web posted at: 1:18 p.m. EDT (1718 GMT)

ATLANTA (CNN) - Many diabetics are resorting to herbal remedies to ease their symptoms, even though such treatments may have unknown side effects, doctors warned Monday.

Researchers at the American Diabetes Association convention in San Antonio, Texas, said fenugreek, bitter melon and gymnema sylvestre are among the herbs commonly taken by diabetics. But they said little research has been done to prove these remedies work or to determine potentially harmful effects they might have.

"It is important not to take these herbs lightly," said pharmacist Laura McWorter, adding that many could cause adverse reactions even though they are "extracted and developed from natural sources."

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Sales of herbs and supplements have topped $1.5 billion. Many consumers say they turn to alternative therapies because they are dissatisfied with conventional medicine and want to take more control over their health care decisions. For diabetics who must often inject insulin several times a day, the idea of a less intrusive alternative is alluring, doctors said.

"There are a number of botanical supplements that are marketed in this country and throughout the world as helpful for diabetics," said Bernadette Mariott, former director of the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health, "but we have very little data on these in terms of scientific clinical trials."

In many cases, Mariott said, the active ingredient of a particular herb is unknown - as are its potentially harmful side effects.

For instance, the spice fenugreek is thought to decrease blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of glucose. But it can also cause digestive problems and bleeding, interfere with antiplatelet agents and induce labor.

The dried fruit powder or juice of bitter melon, taken to lower blood glucose levels after eating, also can induce labor and cause infertility problems in women, as well as cause diabetic comas in children.

Gymnema sylvestre is thought to block the absorption of blood sugars in the digestive tract and block sweet tastes and lessen cravings; undesirable side effects include abdominal problems and low blood sugar levels.

Because of such findings, researchers said diabetics should consult their doctors before trying any herbal remedies.

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American Diabetes Association
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
Diabetes Research Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

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