Ethnomedicinal Uses, Pre-clinical Studies of a Syrian Herbal Blend as an Adjuvant in Reducing Glycemic Biomarkers of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Ethnopharmacological Relevance
Syrian ethnomedicine, shaped by the country’s rich historical heritage, includes herbal treatments for managing Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study explores the traditional use of a Syrian herbal blend containing olive leaves, thorny burnet root, centaury, and fennel fruits, which are recognized in Arab ethnomedicine for their potential blood sugar-lowering effects.
Objective
To assess the hypoglycemic efficacy of this herbal blend on glycemic biomarkers in Type 2 diabetic male Wistar rats, with a focus on its role as a potential adjunct therapy.
Materials and Methods
Plant samples were collected from the Tallet area in Al-Qadmous, Syria, and preserved in the herbarium of Syrian Scientific Association for Medicinal Herbs. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups, including a healthy control, a diabetic control, and three diabetic groups treated with either glibenclamide, the herbal blend, or a combination of both.
Results
The blend demonstrated significant hypoglycemic activity, leveraging synergistic interactions among its components. This effect was especially notable when combined with glibenclamide, indicating enhanced glycemic control through combined therapies.
Conclusion
The Syrian herbal blend shows promise as an adjunct treatment for T2DM, utilizing complementary mechanisms that improve insulin sensitivity, secretion, and protect pancreatic β-cells. This polyherbal therapy offers a multi-faceted approach to blood glucose management, presenting an effective, traditional alternative with potentially fewer side effects.