Diabetes: The Plant Extract That Can Help In The Fight Against Diabetes And Cancer

Elecampane (Inula helenium) is a perennial plant that grows throughout Europe and Asia and produces distinct yellow spiky flowers... which is how it gained its nickname wild sunflower. It has been used in folk medicine for thousands of years and was prized by ancient Greek healers as an effective remedy for the treatment of respiratory problems like coughs, bronchitis and emphysema.

It is still used for this purpose today. The dried plant roots and rhizomes (branching part of the root) are collected in the spring or early winter, as they are a rich source of volatile oils that act as an expectorant helping to clear the lungs of any phlegm. In addition, the root extract contains inulin a natural chemical, which soothes and relaxes the lungs.

Elecampane is a beneficial treatment for numerous other disorders including diabetes, circulation problems, joint pains, indigestion and the common cold (by promoting perspiration). It is also an effective tonic that promotes overall well-being. On top of that it is showing promise in the fight against cancer too.

Potent anti-inflammatory properties can reduce swollen joints in arthritis sufferers
Recently, Korean scientists from the College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, analysed the active ingredients present in the plants root. They found that it contains chemicals called sesquiterpene lactones, which are known to have various beneficial effects on the body.1

For example, a particular sesquiterpene lactone, called britannilactone, possesses powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it useful against inflammatory conditions like arthritis and heart disease.

Elecampanes potential to help combat serious conditions like these is so promising that hundreds of thousands of pounds have now been invested to fund further research into its exact anti-inflammatory mechanisms. HSI promises to keep you fully updated on future research findings in this area, as soon as they become available.

Root extract helps defend against harmful free radicals
Japanese scientists from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, at the University of Tokushima, examined several Asian herbs, including Elecampane, for their ability to reduce levels of harmful free radicals such as nitric oxide and oxygen peroxide.

Free radicals are dangerous chemicals that are implicated in causing numerous serious conditions, including cancer, and are produced by your cells following exposure to pollution, cigarette smoke, alcohol and stress.

When the scientists studied elecampane they discovered that it contains several hitherto unknown about chemicals variants of sesquiterpene lactones that have turned out to be powerful antioxidants that can neutralise harmful free radicals.2

More evidence to support the theory that elecampane may play an important role in the fight against cancer has come from additional research conducted in Japan. Doctors studying the effects of the root extract found that several types of cancer cells including those of the liver, lung and skin were killed by the extract. They believe that certain types of sesquiterpenes such as germacrane, elemane and alantolactone present in the root, are responsible for this anti-cancer action.3

Promising news for managing diabetes
As already mentioned, elecampane root is a rich source of inulin. Not only does this carbohydrate-based fibre help soothe and relax the lungs, it also helps regulate blood sugar levels.

In an animal study, scientists from the Thyroid Research Unit, School of Life Sciences, Indore, in India, looked at the effect the root extract has on blood sugar levels. They studied the effect of the plant on its own, and at a later stage, in association with another anti-diabetic herb called gymnema sylvestre. They found that both plants were able to significantly lower blood sugar levels when taken individually but were far more effective when given in combination.4

The root extract has also been found to prevent another detrimental effect caused by too much sugar. Scientists have discovered that it helps protect against a process called glycosylation chemical damage to your cells and proteins caused by excess sugar which can stress internal organs like your heart and liver.5

Helps keep your skin, hair and nails in good condition
Another active ingredient in Elecampane is alantolactone. Several studies have revealed that it has powerful health-boosting properties. For example, Ukranian medical researchers found that alantolactone stimulates blood circulation, particularly in the small arteries of the body.6

This action helps ensure that blood is able to reach distant parts of your body such as your hair, nails, fingertips and toes to nourish these areas and provide them with oxygen.

While research has yet to confirm it, scientists believe that this action could make the plant a useful treatment for vertigo one of the causes of which is a circulation problem inside the ear. Research in this area is currently ongoing and HSI will let you know as soon as the results come in.

It is the plants alantolactone content that is thought to be responsible for its antibacterial and antifungal actions too.

What to take for best results
The recommended dosage for Elecampane root is two capsules (each containing 503mg of Elecampane root) taken three times a day with water or as otherwise directed on the products label.

For the treatment of diabetes, Elecampane can be more effective when taken alongside gymnema sylvestre the recommended dosage for this herb is one 300mg capsule a day. It is important that you consult your doctor first before taking either herb, especially if you are currently on any medication.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not use elecampane.

1. Arch Pharm Res. 2004 Jan; 27(1):83-5
2. Phytomedicine. 2004 Nov;11(7-8):645-51
3. Biol Pharm Bull. 2002 Oct; 25(10):1370-2
4. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2003 Jul-Aug; 66(4):63-5
5. Gholap S, Kar A. Pharmazie. 2003 Jun; 58(6):413-5
6. Fiziol Zh. 2003; 49(5):72-5