Detarium is a leguminous plant native to Senegal as the name suggest and is found in neighboring West African countries as well. It is used in West Africa as a soup thickener. The plant is rich in fiber which has only been recently discovered to confer the herb a huge potential against diabetes.
Medicinal use
Detarium senegalense is a favorable supplement in the management of diabetes. Thanks to is high fiber content it has excellent glycemic control properties. It is also cheap, readily available and without any side effects (very edible as a soup thickener).
Pharmacology
Detarium has abundant amounts of xyloglucan, a water soluble Non Starch Polysaccharide (SNSP) alongside other SNSPs. When taken orally SNSPs cause a significant reduction in post prandial glucose in blood and a decrease in blood insulin which are both vital in managing diabetes.
Effectiveness/Advantages
Unlike most anti-diabetic drugs which have risk factors for heart disease, Detarium boosts absorption of nutrients and fats thereby keeping blood cholesterol levels low and avoiding heart disease. It also regulates pancreatic synthesis of insulin in response to sugar surges and as such is recommended for persons susceptible to diabetes.