Is Goldenseal Good for Diabetes?

Have you ever heard of Goldenseal, a popular herbal remedy that has been studied for its potential to help manage various conditions, including diabetes?

The unique root of Goldenseal shows promise in helping individuals with diabetes control their blood sugar levels naturally.

In this article, let's dive into the effects of Goldenseal on diabetes, screening its benefits, and clarifying its therapy approach.

Does Goldenseal Lower Blood Sugar?

The primary component of Goldenseal contains Berberine, which may reduce insulin resistance and promote insulin secretion. These factors may help lower blood sugar levels and benefit individuals with diabetes.

A meta-analysis of Berberine across 28 studies (2313 subjects) revealed significant reductions in fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose, and A1C levels, especially when combined with oral diabetes medications, compared to alone.

However, its efficacy diminishes over time and in older individuals [1].

Goldenseal Potential Benefits for Diabetes

May Help for Blood sugar Control

Berberine in Goldenseal may promote insulin secretion and protect pancreatic cells through its antioxidant activity in type 1 diabetes patients.

Studies suggest that Berberine stimulates glucose uptake by regulating glucose transporter expression in fat and muscle cells [2].

To investigate the effectiveness of BBR, in a study of 36 adults with type 2 diabetes, random assignment was made to BBR or metformin (500 mg three times a day) for the first 3 months of the study.

Research has shown that the hypoglycemic effect of BBR is similar to metformin, without any side effects observed in patients who use Berberine [2].

May Reduce Metformin In the Body

For people taking metformin, a common diabetes medication, there may be concerning side effects such as gastrointestinal upset. Meanwhile, Goldenseal is used to self-treat respiratory infections and digestive disorders.

According to a study in rats, the mechanism for reduced systemic metformin concentrations is due to Goldenseal's inhibition of intestinal absorption transporters involved in metformin absorption [3].

Moreover, combination therapies with Berberine and Western drugs have provided better glycemic control than Western drugs alone. In many trials, Berberine has been used with metformin. It has shown to be more effective in lowering blood sugar and improving diabetes symptoms than metformin alone in type 2 diabetes patients [2 ].

May Reduce Sugar Absorption from the Gut

BBR has significant antibacterial activity against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections and parasites and worms. Therefore, BBR may exert therapeutic effects on diabetes by regulating intestinal microbiota [2].

The effect of Berberine in reducing intestinal Glucose absorption is because BBR can reduce intestinal glucose absorption to reduce blood sugar levels potentially by inhibiting the activity of α -glucosidase. This intestinal enzyme has digestive effects [2].

Goldenseal may contribute to reduced intestinal sugar absorption, reducing post-meal blood sugar spikes. These effects suggest that Goldenseal may be beneficial when included in a diet plan for diabetes control.

May Lower Insulin Resistance

Several studies have demonstrated that Berberine can stimulate glucose uptake into cells by upregulating type 1 glucose transporter expression, which ultimately helps to improve insulin resistance.

As mentioned above, Berberine can be combined with other Western medicines.

According to research demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of Berberine and glipizide combined in patients with type 2 diabetes, 152 cases of diabetic patients in the BBR group (51 cases), glipizide group (50 cases) combination) and BBR combined with glipizide group (51 cases) ministered for 12 weeks, showing that using Berberine or Berberine combined with glipizide in diabetic patients can not only potentially benefit insulin resistance and restore islet function but also effectively reduce blood lipid levels and no obvious side effects were observed in this study [2].

Besides, Goldenseal also offers other potential benefits for human health. Explore these effects in this video:

Are There Any Risks and Concerns When Using Goldenseal for Diabetes?

According to studies using Goldenseal in diabetic patients, although mild gastrointestinal reactions, including diarrhea and constipation, there were no significant side effects [2].

However, Goldenseal may have many potential side effects, including nausea, anxiety, indigestion, uterine cramps, and jaundice in newborns. If taken in large doses, Goldenseal can cause convulsions and respiratory failure and can affect cardiac contractions [1]. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and infants should not use Goldenseal without a doctor's supervision.

Safe Way to Use Goldenseal for Diabetes

Diabetic patients using Goldenseal should periodically monitor their blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring helps diabetes evaluate the effectiveness of the herbs and detect any changes that require adjusting the process.

Furthermore, Goldenseal should not be used for long periods without supervision.

Long-term use may lead to unwanted side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. The duration of Goldenseal use for diabetic patients is 3 months, with a dose of Goldenseal containing 1000 - 1500 mg of Berberine per day, based on studies on type 2 diabetic patients [2].

However, Goldenseal may benefit diabetes management but cannot replace other elements of diabetes care, such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Diabetic patients should combine Goldenseal with a healthy lifestyle and diet to improve effectiveness and protect their health.

Conclusion

Goldenseal is an herb of interest for diabetes due to its potential benefits in blood sugar control, influence on metformin levels, and positive effects on sugar absorption and insulin resistance. Goldenseal may offer potential advantages for those with diabetes. Yet, having a consultant with supervision and guidance is crucial to guarantee its safe and efficient utilization.