Effects of Rosa canina L. fruit on glycemia and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Background: Rosa canina L. (rose hip) has been traditionally used to treat diabetes mellitus in Iran. However, no scientific human study has determined its efficacy in diabetic patients. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of R. canina fruit aqueous extract in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: Sixty patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 35-60 years with fasting blood glucose levels between 130 to 200 mg/dL and HbA1c between 7-9 despite using conventional oral hypoglycemic drugs were divided randomly to two groups. Two groups of 25 and 23 patients completing the trial received 750 mg R. canina fruit extract and 750 mg toast powder as placebo two times a day respectively for three months. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as primary outcomes and postprandial blood glucose (PBG), lipid profile and hepatic and renal function tests as secondary outcomes were determined at baseline and at endpoint of treatment. The patients were asked to note down any gastrointestinal or other side effects during the study. Results: The FBG level decreased significantly (P = 0.002) in R. canina group after 3 months compared to the baseline. In addition total cholesterol/HDL-C was significantly (P = 0.02) decreased in the R. canina group compared to the baseline. Other blood parameters were not significantly changed during the study compared with placebo and baseline. No serious side effects were reported in both groups during the study. Conclusion: Rosa canina 3-month administration to type 2 diabetic patients may reduce fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol/HDL-C without any side effect

Efficacy of Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) extract on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial

Melissa officinalis is a plenteous source of antioxidant flavonols and flavonoids that contain health-promoting and antidiabetic properties, so this study was undertaken to provide the first assessment of the antidiabetic properties of hydroalcoholic extract of M. officinalis in type 2 diabetic patients. We did a randomized, placebo-controlled trial which included 62 patients, receiving either M. officinalis capsules (700 mg/d; n = 31) or the placebo (n = 31) twice daily for 12 weeks. There were significant differences in serum FBS (P = 0.007), HbA 1c (P = 0.002), β-cell activity (P = 0.05), TG (P = 0.04), HDL-c (P = 0.05), hs-CRP (P = 0.001), and systolic blood pressure (P = 0.04) between the two groups at the end of the study; but total cholesterol, LDL-c, insulin, and HOMA-IR showed no significant changes between the groups. In M. officinalis group, there was a significant change in HDL-c (P = 0.009) and QUICKI (P = 0.005) compared with baseline values. No adverse effects were observed. It seems that M. officinalis is safe and effective in improvement of lipid profile, glycemic control, and reduction of inflammation. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Effect of <it>Zingiber officinale</it> R. rhizomes (ginger) on pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea: a placebo randomized trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Z<it>ingiber officinale</it> R. rhizome (ginger) is a popular spice that has traditionally been used to combat the effects of various inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ginger on pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>This was a randomized, controlled trial. The study was based on a sample of one hundred and twenty students with moderate or severe primary dysmenorrhea. The students were all residents of the dormitories of Shahed University. They were randomly assigned into two equal groups, one for ginger and the other for placebo in two different treatment protocols with monthly intervals. The ginger and placebo groups in both protocols received 500 mg capsules of ginger root powder or placebo three times a day. In the first protocol ginger and placebo were given two days before the onset of the menstrual period and continued through the first three days of the menstrual period. In the second protocol ginger and placebo were given only for the first three days of the menstrual period. Severity of pain was determined by a verbal multidimensional scoring system and a visual analogue scale.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>There was no difference in the baseline characteristics of the two groups (placebo n = 46, ginger n = 56). The results of this study showed that there were significant differences in the severity of pain between ginger and placebo groups for protocol one (P = 0.015) and protocol two (P = 0.029). There was also significant difference in duration of pain between the two groups for protocol one (P = 0.017) but not for protocol two (P = 0.210).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Treatment of primary dysmenorrhea in students with ginger for 5 days had a statistically significant effect on relieving intensity and duration of pain.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>IRCT201105266206N3</p