Do Aak Leaves Have Benefits For Diabetes? Read Expert Views

Aak Leaves Diabetes: Aak leaves have found uses in traditional medicine for treating different types of diseases. Recently, it is in talks as a treatment for diabetes. Our expert, Dr. Pramod Tripathi, Founder Of Freedom From Diabetes, has shared his views on the subject. Let’s see if aak leaves can really help with regulating blood sugar levels.

Do Aak Leaves Really Help With Diabetes?

Dr. Tripathi says, “Swarnabhasma – an ayurvedic medicine contains Calotropis gigantea (Aak) and is used in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus.” He also mentioned that only one scientific study had been conducted to date in rats.

The scientists used Chloroform extract from the leaves and flowers of the Aak plant. The study showed that the extracts prevented insulin-induced resistance.

How Do Extracts From Aak Leaves Affect Our Bodies?

The professional opinion of Dr. Tripathi is that the exact mechanism of how aak leaves or extracts from aak plants function in the body is still unknown. He suggests more studies be conducted in order to study the mechanism and toxicological impact of the plant on the human body.

Do Aak Leaves Have Other Benefits?

It will interest you to know that aak leaves are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Dr. Pramod Tripathi said, “These are used in the treatment of ailments like rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma and nervous disorders.”

He further added, “The roots of the Aak plants are used in the treatment of leprosy, eczema, ulceration, diarrhoea, syphilis, elephantiasis and cough in Indian traditional medicine. Alcohol extract of roots has anti-pyretic and analgesic activity.”

He shared that the milky juice of the leaves and plant had been reported to be a gastric irritant. It could be used for inducing abortion (abortion laws in India). However, “Aak plant is reported to have anti-amoebic, wound healing and liver-protective property,” Dr. Tripathi added.

What Are Other Plants, Fruits And Vegetables That Can Regulate Blood-Sugar Levels?

Dr. Pramod Tripathi reported, “Around 12,000 plants have been reported to possess anti-diabetic properties. Root menthol extract of another member of the same genus - calotropis (Calotropis Procera) is found to be effective in diabetic neuropathy.”

He suggests diabetic patients add okra, fenugreek (methi oil for hair), jamun (java plum), curcumin, gymnema, cinnamon, cayenne, holy basil, shilajit, arugula and bay leaves to their meals to reduce blood sugar levels in the body.

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How To Use Aak Leaves?

Dr Tripathi suggests,

1. Take two leaves of the Aak plant and place them on the sole of the feet from the opposite side.
2. Wear socks, and make sure that the leaves are in full contact with the soles.
3. Keep it for a full day or night, and later wash the feet. Use this process for at least a week.

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Caution

Dr Pramod Tripathi said that the milk from aak leaves is poisonous. Hence, you must not consume it raw and avoid contact with your eyes. He added, “It should not be given to children, pregnant and lactating mothers.”

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