London: A traditional Chinese herbal medicine may help fight Type-2 diabetes and obesity, scientists said.
Berberine, a bitter-tasting yellow chemical found in some roots and barks, has been documented in Chinese literature as being able to lower glucose levels in diabetics.
To investigate its reported glucose-lowering effects, an international team examined the effect of berberine on mice and rats.
One of the scientists found that a dose of the compound, given orally, caused blood sugar levels to go down.
It also led to fewer fats circulating in the bloodstream, made insulin work better and lowered the animals' body weights.
Writing in the Diabetes journal, the scientists added that berberine reduced the animals' body weight, suggesting it could also be used to treat obesity.
Berberine is found in several plants, including goldenseal, the Oregon grape and barberry.
It has been used in many cultures for medicinal purposes, most commonly to treat diarrhoea.
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