JAKARTA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Researchers at Andalas University in Indonesia's West Sumatra province are examining whether a mix of local medicinal plants may help treat diabetes and hypertension, the university has said.
Professor Fauzan Azima from the university's Faculty of Agricultural Technology said that the research centers on a combination of three traditional medicinal plants: cinnamon, ground cherry and Dayak onion. The plant extracts contain bioactive compounds known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Azima said diabetes and hypertension are closely related metabolic disorders that may lead to oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and gradual organ damage. Laboratory findings showed that the combined extracts helped restore blood glucose levels and blood pressure in animals suffering from both conditions.
The study, conducted by researchers from several Indonesian universities, is set to continue with further studies on safety, mechanisms and clinical use before human use. ■