#206 Moringa, Aloe Vera, Nettle and Fenugreek for sugar control with Dr Merlin Willcox

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Jul 26, 2023

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ANECDOTE

Moringa Lowers Post-Meal Glucose In Mali

In Mali they gave moringa after white bread and saw post-meal glucose fall by ~1 mmol/L.
That quick clinical experiment sparked wider reviews of herbs for diabetes.

INSIGHT

Different Herbs Work By Different Mechanisms

Different plants act by different mechanisms like enzyme inhibition, insulin release, or soluble fibre.
Combining herbs with complementary mechanisms could produce larger, synergistic glucose-lowering effects.

INSIGHT

Most Trials Come From Outside The UK

Much of the clinical trial evidence originates outside the UK (China, India, Iran, US-funded trials).
Geographic clustering and variable trial quality mean some findings need independent replication.

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Merlin Willcox, may have the answer to.

Today, we’re diving into the world of therapeutic herbs and spices. Travelling across generations and cultures from around the world to discuss traditional medicine practices, whether they hold up to scientific scrutiny and if these herbs and spices have a place in our drug cabinets as well as our kitchens.

Dr Willcox has worked as a GP in the NHS since 2003 and currently works in a practice in Oxford. His research interests at the University of Southampton include global health, clinical trials of herbal medicines, and improving care for vulnerable people.

Dr Willcox has researched different aspects of primary health care in low-income countries, with a particular focus on child health, malaria and traditional medicines.He has been involved in several clinical trials of herbal medicines in Uganda, Madagascar, Mali and the UK and coordinates the RITAM network (Research Initiative on Traditional Antimalarial Methods).

We’re talking about a bunch of compounds today including moringa, ginseng, cinnamon, nigella, fenugreek, psyllium and will be discussing their potential mechanism of action plus the evidence for them. But please, if you are thinking of supplementing or trying these items, particularly if you have a condition or take pharmaceuticals, please do discuss this with your physician.

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