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Magnesium Cellular magnesium seems to play an important role in glucose metabolism, both in regulating glucose's entrance into the cell where it can be utilized for fuel, and in its involvement in key enzymatic reactions in the metabolism of glucose for energy. Studies indicate that diabetics who supplement with magnesium show significantly lower levels of resting blood glucose than controls, indicating improved metabolism of glucose. A magnesium deficiency is commonly seen in type 2 diabetes, because high glucose levels cause magnesium to be flushed from the body. In a recent clinical study, four months of magnesium supplementation improved insulin sensitivity. Magnesium works with glucose to improve insulin regulation. Several studies have shown magnesium can also lower the risk of developing heart conditions such as coronary artery disease and abnormal heart rhythms. Alpha Lipoic Acid A collaborative study between Mayo Clinic and a medical center in Russia found that alpha lipoic acid (ALA) significantly and rapidly reduces the frequency and severity of symptoms of the most common kind of diabetic neuropathy. Symptoms decreased include burning and sharply cutting pain, prickling sensations and numbness. Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Anemarrhena is a rare herb that grows wild in Japan and the northern part of China. It has a 2,000-year history of use, and written records of its use date from 200 A.D. Animal studies show that anemarrhena contains two pharmacologic agents, mangiferin and mangiferin-7-0-beta glucoside, which appear to increase the effectiveness of insulin and can lower blood glucose levels. Anemarrhena has the greatest effect in mild to moderate diabetic conditions. However, it does not affect glucose levels in nondiabetic conditions 
Astragalus Membranaceous Astragalus is a perennial plant that is native to the northern and eastern parts of China as well as Mongolia and Korea. The dried root is used in TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) for a diverse array of health problems. Astragalus is an adaptoge, meaning it helps protect the body against various stresses, including physical, mental, or emotional stress. Astragalus may help protect the body from diseases such as cancer and diabetes.  Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia) Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is also known as bitter gourd, bitter cucumber, bitter apple, karolla and karela. Bitter melon is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family and is related to honeydew and Persian melon, cantaloupe, muskmelon and casaba. Bitter melon is a vegetable cultivated and eaten in many parts of the world, including India, Asia, Africa and South America. Bitter melon contains a lectin that has insulin-like activity. The insulin-like bioactivity of this lectin is due to its linking together 2 insulin receptors. This lectin lowers blood glucose concentrations by acting on peripheral tissues and, similar to insulin's effects in the brain, suppressing appetite. This lectin is likely a major contributor to the hypoglycemic effect that develops after eating bitter melon and why it may be a way of managing adult-onset diabetes  Gynostemma Pentaphyllum (Jiaogulan) Better known as Jiaogulan, Gynostemma Pentaphyllum is a member of the gourd family that grows in southern China and some neighboring countries. 16 species and 3 variations of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum have been discovered and documented so far. Gynostemma Pentaphyllum has been used in China for over a thousand years in traditional Chinese medicine. It generally reinforces overall health and is viewed as a virtual "cure-all" in Asia. Ongoing use of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum has a protective quality strengthening the adaptive capacity of the person at every stage of their life. In 1976, Japanese scientists first isolated the key ingredients in Gynostemma Pentaphyllum, the gypenosides. 82 gypenosides have been identified by Chinese scientists thus far, 4 of them have the exact same chemical structures as the ginsenosides Rb1, Rb3, Rd, and F2 found in popular ginseng (1, 2, 3 and 4). Gynostemma Pentaphyllum is relatively new to the list of adaptogens. According to recent studies, it contains nearly four times as many saponins as Panax ginseng. These saponins, known as gypenosides, are similar to the ginsenosides and panaxosides found in Asian ginseng. Preliminary studies also suggest Gynostemma Pentaphyllum may have even more powerful regulatory effects on a number of body systems than does Asian ginseng. In addition, Gynostemma Pentaphyllum has demonstrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and a beneficial effect on blood pressure regulation. Gynostemma Pentaphyllum also has been shown to bolster the immune system, improve fat metabolism, moderate cholesterol levels, and enhance strength and physical endurance.  Panax Ginseng Asian Panax Ginseng has been a part of Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. The first reference to the health-enhancing use of Asian Panax Ginseng dates to the first century A.D. Results of clinical research studies demonstrate that Panax ginseng may improve psychological function, immune function, and conditions associated with diabetes.  Pueraria Lobata Pueraria Lobata also known as Kudzu, is a perennial, trailing or climbing vine of the Legume family. The first written mention of the kudzu herb as a medicine is in the ancient herbal text of Shen Nong (circa A.D. 100) in China. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kudzu herb is used in prescriptions for stomach discomforts, thirst, diabetes, and temporary high blood pressure. Kudzu herb is also used in modern Eastern medicine for angina pectoris, allergies, migraines, and diarrhea. In laboratory animals, chemicals derived from kudzu herb have affected blood sugar levels. For some animals, kudzu herb reduced blood sugar levels, but not by increasing insulin release. Instead, it is thought that these chemicals increase the body's production of a substance known as beta-endorphin. In turn, glucose tolerance (the ability of body cells to absorb sugar and convert it into energy) also increases. In general, animals with diabetes experienced a bigger reduction in blood sugar when treated kudzu herb than normal animals. It is known with certainty if kudzu herb will work in reducing glucose levels of non-diabetics.  Rehmannia Glutinosa Rehmannia is a perennial herb with reddish-violet flowers native to China, Japan and Korea. Its common name is Chinese Foxglove. Rehmannia has been used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Although thorough clinical trials are lacking, rehmannia has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, urticaria (hives), and chronic nephritis (kidney inflammation) in Chinese studies. Rehmannia may also be used to prevent the suppressive effects of corticosteroid (steroid) drugs.
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