Iranian Journal of Diabetes and Obesity

Objective Diabetes mellitus (DM) as a metabolic disorder is becoming a serious threat of health. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the treatment against different diseases using medicinal plants. The present randomized clinical trial was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of Ziziphus in improving glucose control in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods: Women were randomized to treatment with Ziziphus (30 gr/day) or control group (age match). This trial was done during three months. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (2hpp) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured before and after the intervention.

Results Ziziphus consumption was associated with significant reductions in serum levels of 2hpp glucose and HbA1c (P<0.05) in women with T2DM. As well as marginally significant effect was observed from Ziziphus of serum levels of FBS (P=0.06) after the intervention.

Conclusion: Consumption of Ziziphus for 3 months has anti-diabetic effects on women with T2DM. These findings suggest Ziziphus as a beneficial supplement for diabetic women.