Evaluation of a new herbal formulation (Viabet®) efficacy in patients with type 2 diabetes as an adjuvant to metformin: A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing rapidly worldwide and blood glucose tight control is essential for reducing mortality and morbidity. To date, several herbal medicines have been used in the management of diabetes. The present study evaluated the effect of a commercially available capsule in Iran, Viabet® in patients with type 2 diabetes. This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on thirty diabetic patients who referred to the Ghaem Hospital endocrine clinic in Mashhad, Iran, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The participants randomly received 500 mg Viabet® capsules containing Trigonella foenum-graecum, Urtica dioica Cinnamomum cassia, Stevia rebaudiana and Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub. (Fabaceae)or the placebo three times daily for three months. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and weight were assessed monthly and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and lipid profile at the beginning and the end of treatment. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 16 software. FBS did not significantly change within or between the groups whereas HbA1C reduced considerably in the treatment group after three months (P = 0.03). Also, noticeable weight loss was observed in the treatment group (P = 0.001), although it was not significant in the monthly evaluation in comparison with the controls. Furthermore, evaluation of lipid profile in both groups did not indicate meaningful variations. In case of safety, no considerable adverse reactions were reported. Using Viabet® thrice daily for three months was not significantly effective on FBS and HbA1C in comparison with the placebo group. Further studies on this supplement are needed for better judgment. [Display omitted]