Hibiscus has potential to cure diabetes

Indian Scientists from northeast and West Bengal have unlocked the potential of natural chemicals derived from a particular Hibiscus species which is known for its cottony colour changing blossoms and medicinal properties. This could generate a new and better therapeutic agent for diabetes, a disease that afflicts around 62 million Indians. Researchers at Tezpur University and West Bengal’s Visva-Bharati University zeroed in on a phytochemical, plant-derived compound from the leaves of Sthalpadma or land-lotus which is scientifically known as Hibiscus mutabilis and commonly called Confederate rose. It restores insulin sensitivity of cells and thereby helps lower blood sugar levels in diabetic rats. Probably, there isn’t any known inhibitor of Fetuin-A, a protein associated with insulin insensitivity. By blocking Fetuin-A, ferulic acid restores sensitivity of cells towards insulin and lowers blood sugar level.