GLYCEMIC CONTROL EFFICACY OF BERBERIS LYCIUM IN DIABETIC PATIENTS

Abstract

The rising global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has intensified interest in plant-derived therapeutic agents as complementary strategies for glycemic management. The present study investigated the efficacy of Berberis lycium in improving glycemic control and evaluated its potential as a nutraceutical intervention for patients with T2DM. Root extracts of Berberis lycium were analyzed for phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity using total phenolic content estimation and DPPH radical scavenging assays. A randomized 90-day clinical intervention trial was conducted involving patients diagnosed with T2DM, who were allocated into control and experimental groups. Participants in the experimental group received 500 mg Berberis lycium capsules daily in addition to conventional antidiabetic therapy and a prescribed therapeutic diet, whereas the control group received placebo capsules alongside standard medication and dietary management. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, including body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and total cholesterol levels, were assessed at baseline, 45 days, and 90 days. The findings demonstrated considerable antioxidant potential in Berberis lycium root extracts and revealed significant improvements in BMI, FBG, OGTT, and total cholesterol levels among subjects receiving the supplementation. Although HbA1c levels exhibited a declining trend, the observed changes were not statistically significant. In conclusion, Berberis lycium supplementation may represent a safe, cost-effective, and supportive herbal approach for enhancing glycemic regulation and metabolic health in individuals with T2DM.