Background: Water extract from Malvastrum coromandelianum (Linn.) Garcke (MC) has been shown to have glucose
lowering effect, short- and long-term safety in animal studies. A preliminary study in human reveals safety and its potential use
as an adjunctive treatment to antihyperglycemic medications.
Objective: To investigate the glycemic-lowering efficacy of MC in type 2 diabetes subjects.
Material and Method: A multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Seventy-one diabetes
subjects, who were treated with either diet control or single oral anti-diabetic drug (sulphonylurea or biguanide) with HbA1C
between 6.5-9%, were recruited. Subjects were randomized to take MC tablets in a total dose of 1,200 mg/day or placebo for
12 weeks. Clinical parameters, glycemic control, HOMA-IR and HOMA-β were assessed.
Results: Both MC (n = 34) and placebo (n = 37) groups had comparable baseline characteristics with a mean baseline HbA1C of 7.6+0.82 vs. 7.5+0.8%, respectively. During the study, HbA1C did not differ statistically after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment (7.7+0.97 vs. 7.6+1.0, 7.9+1.09 vs. 7.8+1.03 and 7.8+1.1 vs. 7.6+1.1%, respectively). The body weight, insulin resistance and insulin secretion were also similar between groups (p>0.05). No episode of hypoglycemia was reported.
Conclusion: MC in a dosage of 1,200 mg/day does not have glucose lowering efficacy in type 2 diabetes.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, Malvastrum coromandelianum, Water extract, HbA1C