Hibiscus may help diabetics

From NDTV: 

Scientists from Assam's Tezpur University and West Bengal's Visva-Bharati University have unlocked the potential of natural chemicals derived from a particular species of Hibiscus that can help generate a better therapeutic agent for diabetes.

According to International Diabetes Federation, diabetes affects more than 62 million Indians. Moreover, the World Health Organization claims that it will be the seventh leading cause of death by 2030. Dubbed as a silent killer by experts worldwide, diabetes mellitus (Type 2 diabetes), or simply diabetes, is one of the four major non-communicable diseases in India, the other three being cardiovascular disease, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Diabetes exists in two forms. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone responsible for breaking down glucose in the body for its utilization. In case of Type 2 diabetes, the body stops responding to insulin or produces less of it.

Researchers found that a phytochemical (plant-derived compound) from the leaves of Sthalpadma or land-lotus (scientifically known as Hibiscus mutabilis and commonly called Confederate rose) restored insulin sensitivity of cells and thereby helped in lowering blood sugar levels in diabetic rats.

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