Evidence-Based Human Clinical Trials on Antidiabetic Herbal Remedies Commonly Used in the Middle East.

2025-05-17
Sultan Qaboos University medical journal 25(1)
- Shihab Al-Makhmari
- Abir Al-Aufi
- Saleh Al-Kindi
- Maha Alriyami
- Hussein Sakr
- Mohamed-Rachid Boulassel
- Khalid M Abu Khadra
- Rahma Al-Haddabi
- Ammar Boudaka
- Jumana Saleh

PubMed: 40641727
DOI: 10.18295/2075-0528.2852

Study Design

Type: Review
Methods: A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted for human randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses on black seed (Nigella sativa), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) and curcumin (Curcuma longa), with at least 6 human studies per herb.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder with significant health and economic impacts. This review examined Middle Eastern herbs as alternative T2DM treatments in human randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses. A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted for human randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses on black seed (Nigella sativa), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) and curcumin (Curcuma longa), with at least 6 human studies per herb. The results revealed that N. sativa and fenugreek improved glycaemic control and lipid profiles, while ginger regulated carbohydrate metabolism enzymes. Curcumin was found to control blood sugar and lipids through its antioxidant effects, although its bioavailability remains a challenge. Cinnamon enhanced glucose transport and enzyme inhibition. Notably, N. sativa demonstrated consistent positive effects across studies. These findings highlight the potential of medicinal herbs as alternative therapies in T2DM management, emphasising the need for further research in this field, considering relevant safety profiles.

Research Insights

Black Cumin→Improved Blood Lipid Profile
The results revealed that N. sativa and fenugreek improved glycaemic control and lipid profiles
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Black Cumin→Improved Insulin Sensitivity
The results revealed that N. sativa and fenugreek improved glycaemic control and lipid profiles
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Fenugreek→Improved Blood Lipid Profile
The results revealed that N. sativa and fenugreek improved glycaemic control and lipid profiles
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Fenugreek→Improved Insulin Sensitivity
The results revealed that N. sativa and fenugreek improved glycaemic control and lipid profiles
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Ginger→Regulated Carbohydrate Metabolism Enzyme Level
ginger regulated carbohydrate metabolism enzymes
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Turmeric→Reduced Blood Glucose Level
Curcumin was found to control blood sugar and lipids through its antioxidant effects
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Turmeric→Reduced Blood Lipid Levels
Curcumin was found to control blood sugar and lipids through its antioxidant effects
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small

Adverse Events Reported

Turmeric→Overall tolerability
Curcumin was found to control blood sugar and lipids through its antioxidant effects, although its bioavailability remains a challenge.
Finding
Reported
Black Cumin→Overall tolerability
Notably, N. sativa demonstrated consistent positive effects across studies.
Finding
Reported
Fenugreek→Overall tolerability
These findings highlight the potential of medicinal herbs as alternative therapies in T2DM management, emphasising the need for further research in this field, considering relevant safety profiles.
Finding
Reported
Ginger→Overall tolerability
These findings highlight the potential of medicinal herbs as alternative therapies in T2DM management, emphasising the need for further research in this field, considering relevant safety profiles.
Finding
Reported