An Exploratory Study into the Effectiveness of a Combination of Traditional Chinese Herbs in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes

While a range of drugs are used to ameliorate the effects of type 2 diabetes and its complications, they tend to slow rather than stop the progression of the disease (1). Many herbs have been used traditionally by different cultures in the management of type 2 diabetes (2); however, in general there is little scientific evidence to support their efficacy. The aim of this project was to conduct a small-scale trial to examine the effects of a commercial combination of Trichosanthes kirilowii, Polygonatum sibiricum, Dioscorea oppostia, Panax ginseng, and Stevia rebaudiona and chromium nicotinamide (Glucostat; Health World Limited, Eagle Farm, Australia) on type 2 diabetic subjects who are not yet taking orthodox medication.