Comparing the therapeutic effects of three herbal medicine (cinnamon, fenugreek, and coriander) on hemoglobin A1C and blood lipids in type II diabetic patients

BACKGROUND: Cinnamon, fenugreek and coriander are among those herbs that are probably effective in lowering glucose; however, different results have been found in observed studies, and the effectiveness of these herbs is still controversial. This study was designed to compare the effects of three herbs of cinnamon, fenugreek and coriander on hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) and blood lipids in type II diabetic patients. METHODS: This was a double-blind randomized controlled trial study and 150 non-insulin dependent diabetic patients were recruited in the study. Five similar concolor 500mg capsules containing cinnamon, fenugreek, coriander, -a mixture of three herbs-, and placebo were prescribed two capsules every 12 hours. Variables of HbA1C, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride were tested after 6 weeks. Data were analyzed by chi-square, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney test and one way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA). RESULTS: There was no statistical significant difference between the intervention and placebo groups regarding basic characteristics. Man age of patients was 53.76 ± 8.74 years and the disease duration was 8.00 ± 5.66 years. Mean fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HbA1C was 189.4 ± 51.05 mg/dl and 9.2 ± 1.42 percent, respectively. CONCLUSION: In type II diabetic patients, herbal medicines of cinnamon, fenugreek, and coriander and their mixture with a daily dosage of 2 g did not have any stronger effect than the placebo on lowering blood glucose, HbA1C, and blood lipids; it might be the result of several factors including prescribing little amounts of medicine, short period of intervention, and ineffectiveness of the mentioned herbs.