Investigating the potential of ashwagandha in diabetes management
Ashwagandha, a plant with a rich history in traditional medicine, is gaining attention for its potential benefits in managing type 2 diabetes. Originating from the Withania somnifera family, also known as Indian ginseng, this herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years.
Recent research suggests that ashwagandha may help regulate blood glucose levels and improve key markers related to type 2 diabetes, such as glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation.
Promising Results in Preclinical Studies
An experimental study conducted on a mouse model of type 2 diabetes found that ashwagandha treatment for 8 weeks resulted in significant reductions in systemic inflammation, improved glucose tolerance, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and restoration of pancreatic β-cell function. The treatment also seemed to reduce liver fat accumulation and adipose inflammation by modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways [1].
Human Studies Show Mixed Results
Smaller and shorter-term human studies show reductions in fasting blood glucose levels for diabetic participants taking ashwagandha supplements. One study of six type 2 diabetic patients reported improved fasting glucose after 30 days of supplementation [3][4].
Interaction with Diabetes Medications
It's important to note that ashwagandha may interact with common diabetes medications, such as metformin, sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, and SGLT2 inhibitors. This interaction could potentially lower blood glucose levels further, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia or drug interactions. Therefore, any supplementation should be supervised by a healthcare professional [2].
Need for Further Clinical Trials
Despite promising preclinical and limited clinical data supporting ashwagandha’s glucose-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects relevant to diabetes, larger, well-designed clinical trials are still needed to conclusively determine its efficacy and safety in managing blood glucose and A1C levels in people with diabetes [5].
Caution and Consultation
While ashwagandha appears to have beneficial effects on blood glucose regulation and related inflammatory markers, its role in routine diabetes management requires further clinical validation. It's always important for a person to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new diabetes treatment, even if the product has natural origins.
[1] Kaur, M., et al. (2015). Ashwagandha improves insulin sensitivity and modulates inflammatory markers in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Phytotherapy Research, 29(12), 1839-1845.
[2] Aggarwal, R. B., et al. (2013). Ashwagandha improves insulin sensitivity and reduces blood glucose levels. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 148(3), 611-615.
[3] Chandrasekhar, K., et al. (2008). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 30(3), 255-262.
[4] Nagendra, H. S., et al. (2017). Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 208, 187-194.
[5] Dongre, S., et al. (2015). An investigation on antidiabetic potential of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides: Role of insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, and glucose utilization. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews, 9(1), 7-13.
- The type of herb, ashwagandha, which is also known as Indian ginseng, has been used for over 3,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine.
- Recent scientific studies suggest that ashwagandha may play a role in managing type 2 diabetes by regulating blood glucose levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing inflammation.
- In preclinical studies, ashwagandha treatment showed significant reductions in systemic inflammation, improved glucose tolerance, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and restoration of pancreatic β-cell function.
- Smaller and shorter-term human studies indicate that ashwagandha supplementation may lead to reductions in fasting blood glucose levels for diabetic participants.
- However, it's important to be aware of the potential interactions between ashwagandha and common diabetes medications like metformin, sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, and SGLT2 inhibitors, as this could increase the risk of hypoglycemia or drug interactions.
- Given the promising preclinical data and limited clinical research, larger, well-designed clinical trials are still needed to definitively determine the efficacy and safety of ashwagandha in managing blood glucose and A1C levels for people with type 2 diabetes.
- As the benefits of ashwagandha appear promising for managing blood glucose regulation and related inflammatory markers, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diabetes treatment, even if the product has natural origins.
- In addition to managing chronic diseases like diabetes, maintaining mental health, adhering to a balanced diet, utilizing therapies and treatments, and engaging in fitness and exercise are crucial components of overall health and wellness.
