Effects of Tarragon Powder on Glucose Metabolic Changes, Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Enzyme Levels in Type 2 Patients with Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of tarragon make it known as an antidiabetic plant. Diabetes mellitus, an endocrine, metabolic disease, is a leading global health emergency and associated with serious complications. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effects of tarragon powder supplementation on glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in the diabetic population. Methods: Patient screening and selection for this clinical trial lasted one month. Tarragon supplement consumption by patients lasted 2 months (8 weeks); meanwhile, they were followed up. Sixty male and female patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to the tarragon receiver group (n = 30) and placebo receiver group (n = 30). The intervention group received a tarragon capsule (500 mg) 3 times a day, and the control group received placebo capsules. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), two-hour postprandial glucose (2-hpp), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, lipid, and antioxidant profile were evaluated at the start and the end of the research. Results: In the tarragon receiver group, FBG, 2-hpp, HbA1c%, insulin resistance, lipid, and antioxidant profile significantly improved, compared to the placebo group, after adjuvant therapy with tarragon (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Supplementation with tarragon powder in type II patients with diabetes for 2 months exerts a beneficial effect on improving the glycemic profile, lipid profile, and antioxidant status.