The effect of Teucrium polium extract on blood sugar and insulin level of type II diabetic patients

Abstract EN

Background: In traditional medicine, Teucrium Polium (TP) has been known as an anti diabetic plant and has a folk reputation as a hypoglycemic agent and it is widely used by diabetic patients in Iran and other Middle East countries. Objective: Evaluation of hypoglycemic effect of Teucrium polium in Shiraz used traditionally to reduce blood glucose level. Method: The study was done on 32 cases with to subgroups: patients and control group.

Patients received 0.4 gram of dried alcoholic extract of T.P equivalent to 1.6 gm dry plant orally, two time daily and control group receive placebo for two weeks.

Results of insulin and blood sugar obtained before and after T.P consumption, and fasting and 2 hours after standard diet, were compared with paired 1 test.

Results: There was no significant change in fasting blood sugar (0.050.5) and post prandial insulin (P>0.2). Discussion: In some experimental studies, use of T.P.

extract has resulted in significant drop of blood sugar in lab animals.

The doses used in these studies were very high and resulted in significant hepatic damage.

There is a report of hepatic damage in human after using T.P. Conclusion: Considering the results of this study and occasional serious hepatic complication of T.P.

its use by diabetic should be discouraged.