Chapter 50 - Nutraceuticals to decrease cortisol and hyperglycemia

Abstract

Cushing disease is characterized by the overproduction of endogenous glucocorticoids. A review of the literature from 2000 to 2012 found that at the time of diagnosis, 58%–85% of patients have hypertension, 32%–41% are obese, 20%–47% have diabetes mellitus, and 38%–71% have dyslipidemia. Polyphenol-rich herbs have shown clinically meaningful benefits on fasting serum glucose reduction, antiinflammation properties, and antioxidation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recent reviews have listed numerous herbs that have been clinically tested and have shown various degrees of effectiveness in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. This chapter examines whether tetrahydrocannabivarin, Tribulus terrestris, Urtica dioica, Momordica charantia, Artemisia dracunculus, Coccinia indica, Salvia officinalis, artichoke, chamomile, sumac bran, Citrullus colocynthis, cardamom, chicory, schisandra, and carob can reduce cortisol and hyperglycemia. Results showed that all these nutraceuticals could be used to decrease plasma cortisol concentrations and to regulate glucose metabolism.