Indonesian researchers work on diabetes treatment using plants

Cinnamon, ground cherry and Dayak onion: could these plants be the future of diabetic treatment?

Diabetes and hypertension go hand-in-hand and may trigger serious health risks.

But in groundbreaking research, the Indonesian province of West Sumatra is looking into natural ways of helping treat the condition.

The researchers from Jambi University, Andalas University and Malang State University have been studying the potential of combining plants: cinnamon, ground cherry and dayak onion.

They have developed the extract of bioactive compounds from the plants, containing polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and organosulfur compounds – which can provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Researchers’ development

The study revealed that the combined extract reduced systemic inflammation, noting its aid in the functions of kidneys and pancreas.

The researchers also noted that the extract helped in normalising blood glucose levels, as shown in the laboratory animals that have diabetes and hypertension.

Meanwhile, the results showed that blood pressure from animals with both conditions have returned to normal much faster than animals with hypertension alone.

UNAND Faculty of Agricultural Technology Professor Fauzan Azima noted that diabetes and hypertension are metabolic disorders that go hand-in-hand, emphasising its possible trigger of chronic inflammation, organ damage over time and oxidative stress.

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Development  of medicines through local plants

“Indonesia’s biodiversity provides significant opportunities for developing natural-based alternative medicines,” said Professor Fauzan Azima.

The professor also highlighted that traditional medicinal plants are not only for solidifying scientific processes and evidence, but also to “support natural treatment development using local resources”.

He noted that studies on plant-based compounds have seen a rising number of explorations, as such treatments are expected to have less side effects from long-term synthetic drug use, and may aid in regulating the body’s metabolism.

It was reported that the study will continue with additional safety, mechanism and clinical trials prior to human use.

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