Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Tabas school of nursing, Birjand University of Medical Science, Birjand ,Iran.
2 Department of Cell Engineering, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Kurdistan, Iran.
4 Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
5 Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: Diabetes, as a chronic metabolic disease, presents patients with numerous challenges despite advances in modern medicine. The present study aimed to examine the patterns of herbal medicine consumption and its association with glycemic control and biochemical parameters in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes )T2D(.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted from June 2023 to March 2024 at Qaen Hospital, involved 285 individuals with T2D, including 106 non-consumers and 179 consumers of herbal medicines. The participants' socio-demographic and medical information, as well as details on herbal medicine use, were collected through structured face-to-face interviews. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for biochemical parameters, including FBS, HbA1C, and lipid profiles. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA software, with a significance level of p<0.05.
Results: 62.81% of participants used herbal medicines, with saffron being the most consumed (22.35%). Herbal teas were the preferred form (71.51%), and 56.42% reported concomitant use with prescribed medications, with most reporting no interference. Biochemical analysis revealed significant improvements in FBS, HbA1C, and lipid profiles (TG, TC, LDL, and HDL) among consumer groups compared to the non-consumer groups.
Conclusion: Coadministration with prescribed medications raises pharmacological concerns, despite significant improvements in FBS, HbA1C, and lipid profiles in users. Recommendations include conducting pharmacological studies on mechanisms and interactions, developing standardized guidelines, improving patient and provider education, and implementing regulatory systems to ensure product quality for safe and effective integration with conventional treatments.
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