Abstract

THE EFFECTS OF ROSEMARY (ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS) LEAVES POWDER ON GLUCOSE LEVEL

*Anu Tyagi, Dr. Krishan Pal

Abstract

Various herbs have been used as treatment and prevention for several chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and triglyceridemia; one of those herbs is Rosemary, which has biological antioxidant mechanisms. Rosemary is a thorny Rhamnaceous plant which is widely distributed in Europe and South-Eastern Asia. It’s used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaves powder on glucose level in human. Material and Methods: Forty eight adults’ men and women participated in this study which has been carried out in the Pantnagar University. The participants were randomly selected and divided into 3 groups. The first group was given 3 g/day of Rosemary leaves powder; the second group was given 6 g/day of Rosemary leaves powder while the third group was given 10 g/day of Rosemary leaves powder for a period of 4 weeks. Blood samples were analyzed for glucose, at the beginning and the end of the study and the results were statistically analyzed. Results: The results indicated that a significant decrease in blood glucose level in the groups given 6 g and 10 g of the herb powder was observed but the difference was more significant in the group given 10 g/day. Conclusion: In conclusion Rosmarinus officinalis appears to improve hyperglycemia.

Keywords: Rosemary; Hypoglycemic; Antioxidants.