Recent news revealed that Berberine, a substance extracted from Korean herbs, can have a role in lowering blood sugar levels and bringing diabetes under control. The research behind the discovery took place in several countries including South Korea, China and Australia .
Researchers from the Korean Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) were particularly excited about the properties of the substance. The extract could also have a role to play in the treatment of obesity – it prevents fat cells from multiplying and even acts to deplete existing bodily fat. The results were published in leading journal Diabetes.
Berberine can be found in the roots and bark of a variety of plants, including Hwangbaek (Phellodendron Amurense) and Hwangryon (Coptis Chinensis), both of which have been used in oriental medicine.
To bring the findings into practical use the scientists believe that they will need more time; they have not yet reached the planning stage for human clinical trials. The herbs have already been used to help diabetes treatment for centuries in both Korea and China.

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