What Is the Japanese Diabetic Herb? Ashitaba Explained
For centuries, various plants have been integral to traditional medicine systems worldwide. In Japan, one such plant has gained particular attention for its potential in managing blood sugar. While some popular herbs for diabetes, like Banaba, are widely studied in Japan, they are not native. The authentic Japanese diabetic herb that scientific research has identified as having potent insulin-like activity is Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei). Ashitaba is a leafy green perennial native to Japan, especially found on the Izu Islands, and is notable for the yellowish sap in its stem. This sap contains unique compounds called chalcones, which are the primary focus of its antidiabetic research.
The Power of Ashitaba's Chalcones
Recent scientific investigations, including a key study published in 2007, have revealed the specific compounds responsible for Ashitaba's potential health benefits.
- 4-hydroxyderricin (4-HD): This chalcone was specifically highlighted for its strong, preventive effects on the progression of diabetes in genetically diabetic mice. Its action is independent of the pathway involving PPAR-gamma activation, suggesting a unique mechanism for its insulin-like activity.
- Xanthoangelol: Also found in Ashitaba's extract, xanthoangelol is another chalcone that exhibits powerful insulin-like properties, working alongside 4-HD to enhance glucose uptake.
These compounds are believed to enhance insulin sensitivity and promote glucose uptake at a cellular level, helping to regulate blood sugar, and are distinct from other antidiabetic mechanisms.
Traditional Japanese Kampo Medicine and Diabetes
Ashitaba, while a significant herb, is part of a larger tradition of Japanese herbal medicine known as Kampo. This system utilizes specific combinations of herbs to treat various ailments. Several Kampo formulas are prescribed for diabetes and related complications.
- Goshajinkigan (GJG): This formula, composed of ten different herbs, is frequently prescribed in Japan to address diabetic neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes. Research suggests GJG can improve insulin resistance.
- Ninjin'yoeito (NYT): A compound formula that includes ginseng, atractylodes rhizome, glycyrrhiza, and processed ginger. Studies have shown it can prevent the progression of diabetes symptoms and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Rokumigan and Hachimijiogan: These Kampo medicines, like GJG, have been shown to inhibit glucagon-induced CREB activation, thereby improving diabetes symptoms.
Other Japanese Foods and Herbs for Blood Sugar
Beyond the specific Kampo formulas and Ashitaba, several other Japanese food items and herbs are valued for their potential role in blood sugar management:
- Green Tea: As a staple of the Japanese diet, green tea is packed with potent plant compounds like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). Japanese studies have shown that regular, high-volume consumption of green tea is associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. EGCG works by several mechanisms, including improving insulin sensitivity and inhibiting glucose absorption.
- Konjac (Shirataki): The root of the konjac plant is processed into noodles and other foods known as shirataki. It contains a high concentration of the soluble fiber glucomannan. This fiber slows the absorption of glucose in the digestive tract, helping to prevent sharp blood sugar spikes after a meal.
- Kumazasa Bamboo: Research, including some studies in Japan, indicates that bamboo shoots and leaves may help regulate blood glucose levels. This is attributed to their high fiber content and antioxidants, which support overall metabolic health.
- Folium mori (Mulberry Leaf Extract): Traditionally used to treat hyperglycemia, mulberry leaf extract contains alkaloids and flavonoids that have been shown to improve insulin resistance and suppress postprandial blood glucose spikes.
Comparison of Japanese Antidiabetic Herbs and Foods
Here is a comparison of some notable Japanese remedies and their primary mechanisms for blood sugar management.
| Herb/Food | Bioactive Compound(s) | Mechanism of Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) | Chalcones (4-HD, xanthoangelol) | Increases insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake independent of PPAR-gamma pathway. |
| Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) | EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) | Improves insulin sensitivity, inhibits glucose absorption, and suppresses liver gluconeogenesis. |
| Konjac Root (Amorphophallus konjac) | Glucomannan (viscous fiber) | Slows the absorption of dietary carbohydrates and fats, reducing post-meal blood sugar spikes. |
| Goshajinkigan (Kampo formula) | Mixture of 10 herbs | Improves insulin resistance and addresses diabetic neuropathy. |
| Kumazasa Bamboo (Sasa veitchii) | Fiber, Polyphenols | Lowers glycemic index of meals, provides antioxidants, and enhances insulin sensitivity. |
| Folium mori (Mulberry Leaf) | 1-deoxynojirimycin, flavonoids | Inhibits alpha-glucosidase and enhances glucose uptake in adipocytes. |
The Holistic Approach of Japanese Remedies
While Ashitaba and other single herbs offer specific benefits, the Japanese approach, particularly in Kampo medicine, often emphasizes the synergistic effect of multiple ingredients in a single formula. This holistic perspective contrasts with the Western tradition, which tends to isolate a single active compound. In Japanese practice, these herbal remedies are often integrated with dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes, such as post-meal walking, which also contributes to better blood sugar control. The emphasis on whole foods like green tea, konjac, and bamboo shoots reflects a deep-seated belief in using diet as a primary tool for health maintenance and disease prevention.
Conclusion: A Traditional Approach Backed by Science
The search for the authentic Japanese diabetic herb leads to Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei), a plant whose unique chalcone compounds have been scientifically validated for their potential in managing blood sugar. However, it is crucial to understand Ashitaba in the broader context of Japanese traditional and modern remedies, including Kampo formulas, green tea, and konjac. These provide a more comprehensive picture of how traditional Japanese practices support metabolic health. While research shows promise, these natural products should not replace prescribed medication or medical advice. A healthcare professional should always be consulted before incorporating new herbal supplements into a diabetes management plan, especially since they can interact with conventional medications. The ongoing research into these traditional remedies continues to shed light on how nature can contribute to modern health concerns.
Antidiabetic activities of chalcones isolated from a Japanese Herb, Angelica keiskei
