Viral claims of guava leaves curing diabetes are overstated. Studies show extracts lower post-meal blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity via eugenol/quercetin, but no evidence supports complete reversal. Effective adjunct for management, not replacement for medication—consult doctors before use.
Social media hypes guava leaf tea/extracts as diabetes cures, citing animal studies showing reduced hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Human trials (e.g., 2010 Nutrition & Metabolism) confirm postprandial glucose suppression via alpha-glucosidase inhibition, aiding mild cases alongside meds. No large RCTs prove cure status.
Mechanisms & Limits
Quercetin boosts glucose uptake (hepatocytes); eugenol fights oxidative stress. Benefits: 20-30% fasting sugar drops in small studies. Fact-checks (NewsMeter, Medical Dialogues) debunk reversal claims—diabetes remains chronic. Risks: interactions, over-reliance delay proper treatment.
Key Highlights
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Helps: Lowers post-meal sugar, insulin resistance.
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No Cure: Chronic condition; adjunct only.
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Evidence: Animal/human trials promising, RCTs limited.
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Advice: Tea safe; doctor-approved with meds.
Sources: PMC/NIH Studies, NewsMeter Fact-check, Healthline