Medicinal plants in the adjunctive treatment of patients with type-1 diabetes: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials

What this study found

Overall, the evidence was insufficient to support routine use of these medicinal plants for glycemic control in type 1 diabetes. Cinnamon pills and Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum showed potential reductions in glycemic measures, while fenugreek and fig-leaf decoction did not demonstrate statistically significant effects. The review could not pool results in a meta-analysis because the trials were heterogeneous. Evidence quality was low to very low, with limited reporting and small, methodologically varied studies.

Study & population

Systematic review of randomized clinical trials in people with type 1 diabetes, including adolescents and adults.

Intervention

This review evaluated four adjunctive herbal regimens used alongside insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes: cinnamon pills for 90 days in adolescents (dose not stated), fenugreek powder added to local bread for 20 days, oral fig leaf decoction (dose not stated), and a Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum tablet at 588/105…

Key limitation

Only four randomized trials were available, and they were small, heterogeneous, and methodologically varied.

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