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Curry leaf and diabetes
I have been reading about some of the encouraging findings over the use of curry leaf for diabetes. Is there any particular supplement that you would recommend?
The research you refer to was carried out by scientists at King’s College, London, who reported at the end of last year that curry leaves - which are used in traditional Indian or Ayurvedic medicine (where the plant is known as karapincha) to help manage diabetes - really can make a difference in helping to control blood sugar levels.
The theory, tested and proven by the researchers, is that therapeutic extracts taken from the curry leaf tree can slow down the rate of starch breakdown in the body leading to a more consistent trickle of glucose into the bloodstream. This would then aid diabetics who do not produce enough insulin naturally to cope with rapid rises in blood glucose levels.
The only curry leaf supplement I have found that is available in the UK is made by Herba Naturelle and costs £14.99 for 120 capsules. The dose is two capsules twice a day. Since this research is preliminary, and with a condition as serious as this, I would advise you find a qualified naturopath (these practitioners draw on herbal, nutritional and homeopathic expertise to tailor a treatment regimen for patients) who has experience of this condition to advise on how best to use natural remedies and diet to manage symptoms.
You can contact The British Naturopathic Association on 01458 840072 for a free referral to a practitioner in your area. At your first appointment, you might like to ask their view on another Ayurvedic herb called gymnema sylvestre which is also used to help manage diabetes and which has undergone more trials in the West.
If you and your practitioner decide to take this route, you need to be aware that some preparations, which are made from the leaf of this plant, can interfere with iron absorption in the body and that the extract used in clinical trials is called GS4 so this would be the one to use. You need a daily dose of 400mg and can mail order both the curry leaf supplement and GS4 from the Nutricentre (0800 587 2290) if you cannot find it in your local health store.