Beneficial Synergistic Effect of Supplementation with Combined M. oleifera and L. speciosa Leaf Capsules in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic non-communicable chronic disease in which the body's ability to process glucose is impaired, resulting in higher blood glucose levels.  If not controlled, this disease can lead to severe complications.  Various plants with medicinal properties can treat chronic diseases, such as diabetes, due to therapeutically important phytochemicals and bioactive compounds.  This study investigated the effect of antidiabetic medicinal plant leaves in controlling blood glucose levels among Wakhi diabetic patients in the Hunza district of Pakistan.  The "Wakhis" are an ethnic group living in the remote region of Pakistan.  The method used in this study was a placebo-controlled study.  Leaf powders of Moringa oleifera and Lagerstroemia speciosa were filled in capsules of 1000 mg each.  The antidiabetic potential of the medicinal plants was estimated by performing the biochemical blood profiles of diabetic patients before and after the trial.  After the intervention, the level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reduced from 8.3±1.8 to 7.5±1.2% significantly (P = 0.0401).  The fasting blood sugar (FBS) in the intervention group reduced significantly from 191±49 mg/dL to 169±41 mg/dL (P = 0.0041) after the trial.  According to the findings of this study, the combined herbal capsules effectively controlled the blood sugar of type 2 diabetic patients.  Conclusively, the combination of M. oleifera and L. speciosa have the potential to lower blood sugar levels supplementary to existing regimens.  Further investigation is warranted to explore the mechanism resulting in the observed reduction in sugar levels in type 2 diabetic patients.