Effect of Glycogol on Blood Glucose Level of Patients with Type II Diabetes

Most antidiabetic agents have side effects and over one-third of patients with diabetes mellitus use some types of complementary and alternative medicines. Herbs are most commonly used to treat diabetes. In this study the effect of we investigated the Glycogol (Diabetan) pill, a blend of Saliva officinalis, Trigonella foenum and Ginseng, on blood glucose levels of diabetic patients. In a double-blind clinical trial, conducted in 2010, 80 diabetic patients referred to endocrine and metabolism clinic in Shahrekord (Iran) were selected and randomly designated into two groups of cases and controls. The case group received Glycogol and the control group received placebo tablets, three times a day for three months. Glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and 2 hours postprandial (2hpp) glucose were measured at the beginning and every 2 weeks, for three months. Hepatic enzymes were also evaluated and the results of the two groups were compared. In Glycogol treated patients, compared to controls, 2hpp blood sugar and cholesterol levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05). There were no significant changes in glycosylated hemoglobin and FBS between the two groups. Results showed that glycogol tablets might be beneficial in diabetic patients to reduce 2hpp and cholesterol. More investigations however are needed to ensure the benefits of its long term usage in these patients.