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The clinical investigation of citrullus colocynthis (L.) schrad fruit in treatment of Type II diabetic patients: a randomized, double blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Author(s) -
Huseini H. Fallah,
Darvishzadeh F.,
Heshmat R.,
Jafariazar Z.,
Raza Mohsin,
Larijani B.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.2754
Subject(s) - citrullus colocynthis , medicine , creatinine , aspartate transaminase , placebo , diabetes mellitus , gastroenterology , glycemic , traditional medicine , adverse effect , alanine transaminase , triglyceride , clinical trial , lipid profile , alkaline phosphatase , cholesterol , insulin , endocrinology , biochemistry , biology , alternative medicine , pathology , enzyme
Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad fruit is an herbal medicine used by traditional herbalists for the treatment of diabetes in Iran. To determine its efficacy and toxicity, a 2 month clinical trial was conducted in 50 type II diabetic patients. Two groups of 25 each under standard antidiabetic therapy, received 100 mg C. colocynthis fruit capsules or placebos three times a day, respectively. The patients were visited monthly and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglyceride, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, urea and creatinine levels were determined at the beginning and after 2 months. The results showed a significant decrease in HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels in C. colocynthis treated patients. Other serological parameters levels in both the groups did not change significantly. No notable gastrointestinal side effect was observed in either group. In conclusion, C. colocynthis fruit treatment had a beneficial effect on improving the glycemic profile without severe adverse effects in type II diabetic patients. Further clinical studies are recommended to evaluate the long‐term efficacy and toxicity of C. colocynthis in diabetic patients. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.