Effect of rosemary on fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c and Vitamin B12 in healthy person and Type 2 diabetic patients taking glucomid or/and metformin

ABSTRACT Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is risky threats to human health nowadays, and various trials of treatments were announced including chemical and drugs extracted from medicinal plants. Rosemary plants were shown to have antidiabetic and antilipidemic effects. Aims and Objective: Evaluate and investigate the effect of Rosemary administration on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) and Vitamin B12 in healthy and diabetic patient who intake glucomid or metformin. Materials and Methods: Forty individuals with Type 2 diabetes of both genders and 10 healthy persons of age 40 years or older were recruited for participating in this study. Diabetic patients were divided into two groups: The first one was taking only glucomid, and the other group was taking both glucomid and metformin together. Rosemary was supplemented as 500 mg powder-encapsulated. All participants were asked to intake 3 g/day (2 capsules at breakfast, lunch, and dinner)and be conducted for 8 weeks. Results: Our data and results showed that rosemary has potentially significant effects on fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c and Vitamin B12 in both healthy and patient?s participants. In healthy persons, level of Vitamin B12 was improved 29%, with some effect on HbA1c and FBG (5%, 14%, respectively). In diabetic patients, who were uptaking glucomid only, a significant reduction about 16-18% in both FBG and HbA1c, with a prominent increase in Vitamin B12 level (25%). On the other hand, patients who were receiving both glucomid and metformin responded more effectively to rosemary in FBG and HbA1c (23%) with less increase in Vitamin B12 (10%). In comparison between the levels of Vitamin B12 before rosemary consumption, data indicated that Vitamin B12 level in diabetic patients was 40% less than healthy persons notifying that diabetic patient may suffer from Vitamin B12 deficiency. Conclusion: The present results declare that rosemary can exert significant effects on improving levels of FBG, HbA1c, and Vitamin B12 in both healthy persons and diabetic patients involved in antidiabetic medication. KEY WORDS: Rosemary; Glucomid; Metformin; Vitamin B12; Hemoglobin A1c