Biological Complementary Therapies: A Focus on Botanical Products in Diabetes

In Brief Several botanical and biological products claim to lower blood glucose or decrease complications of diabetes, and some of these are being used by people with diabetes. Products thought to lower blood glucose include gymnema, fenugreek, bitter melon, ginseng, and nopal. Claims have also been made for aloe, bilberry, and milk thistle, but there is less evidence in support of these. Botanical products thought to decrease diabetes complications include γ-linolenic acid, ginkgo biloba, and garlic. A vitamin-like substance, α-lipoic acid, has been used to treat neuropathic complications.