Blood glucose lowering effect of Tridax procumbens in type 2 diabetes may be attributed to AMPK activation and suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis (259.8)

Traditional knowledge and anecdotal evidence suggest that Tridax procumbens Linn may have anti-inflammatory and blood glucose lowering properties. Recent studies have shown that T.procumbens extract was effective in lowering blood glucose (42-71% blood glucose reduction at 250-500 mg/kg body weight) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The goals of this study were to evaluate blood glucose lowering potential of T.procumbens extract in subjects with type 2 diabetes and characterize underlying molecular mechanisms. Twenty individuals with established type 2 diabetes were orally administered (15 ml, twice daily) T.procumbens extract, prepared according to Ayurveda guidelines, for a period of 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose concentrations were reduced by 11% in men and 20% in women, and post-prandial blood glucose concentrations were decreased by 26% in men and 29% in women. No adverse effects were reported by the participants. Chemical and microbial analyses of T. procumbens extract demonstrated the presence of ...