The website YubaNet is running a report on a traditional Chinese medicine that some believe could treat Type 2 diabetes. The medicine is called berberine. It is derived from the roots and bark of various plants (including Goldenseal, pictured) and has traditionally been used in China to treat a number of health complaints, including diarrhea. Claims have also been made in the past that berberine lowers blood glucose. Well, it turns out there may be something to this claim: a research project conducted by researchers at Sydney's Garvan Institute, involving scientists from China, Korea and Australia, suggests berberine could be effective in this capacity. Lab experiments found that berberine activates an enzyme that is found in the muscle and liver. This enzyme is known to improve the body's sensitivity to insulin, thereby helping to lower blood sugar levels.

Why would anyone have a need for berberine? Well, I was interested to learn that many Type 2 diabetics cannot tolerate metformin, the drug often prescribed as a blood sugar lowering medicine. In addition, another common group of drugs, known as TZDs, can cause weight gain. Therefore, the hunt is very much on for alternative meds that lower blood sugar. Berberine may fit the bill because it's known to have few side effects.