Effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) on lipid profiles and blood glucose in human diabetic patients (type-2)

Investigation of the effect of oral administration of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) as powder on lipid profiles and blood glucose in healthy and type-2 diabetic human patients was done. Forty-five type-2 diabetic patients and 15 non-diabetic persons of age 40 years or older participated in the study. Patients selected in this study had fasting blood glucose in the range 160-300 mg/dl, and high lipid profiles levels. In addition, patients were allowed to take their routine diet and usual diabetic medicine but not any other health medication. All participants were told to take 3 g of rosemary per day for 4 weeks. Plasma lipid profiles and blood glucose were measured before and after rosemary administration. Significant effect of rosemary is obviously noticed in diabetic patients. Lipid profiles (low density lipoprotein LDL, triglycerides and cholesterol) decreased by 31-35%, and blood glucose decreased by 21%. In addition, high density lipoprotein (HDL) in both diabetic and non diabetic persons increased by 22%. Rosemary showed favorable changes in lipid profiles and blood glucose levels in type-2 diabetic patients. Key words: Type-2 diabetes, rosemary, dyslipidemia, blood glucose.