Anti-Diabetic Effect of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Tea as add-on Therapy With Sulfonylureas in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

The present study aimed at investigating effect of Gynostemma pentapyllum (GP) extract, administered as a \"tea\", as add-on therapy with Sulfonylurea (SU) in drug-naive patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. After screening, all patients received gliclazide MR 30mg and instruction regarding diet and physical exercise for 12 weeks. After 4 weeks treated with gliclazide MR 30mg, the patients was randomized to additional GP tea or placebo tea, 3 g twice daily during 8 weeks. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed at baseline, after 4 and 12 weeks. Blood tests were taken with the purpose to monitor lipids, kidney and liver function.