Dietary management of hyperglycemia in diabetes through inclusion of some plants and vegetables

ABSTRACT

The effect of addition of each of Azadirachta indica [neem], Colligonum comosum, [orta], radish and onion on the blood glucose level and lipid parameters, in the diet of alloxan diabetic rats was studied. Results revealed that these plants or vegetables when included in the diet of diabetic rats could reduce the hyperglycemia and decrease the serum total lipids and cholesterol content. The effect of each of neem or orta in this respect is more or less similar to that excerted by inclusion of radish or onion in the diet of diabetic rats. The conclusion was reached that the plants neem and orta could be used with food to diabetic patients to reduce hyperglycemia with a minimal toxic effect. However, longitudinal studies are still needed to elucidate any hazardous effect due to long use of these plants for this purpose: