How does Pterocarpus marsupium work to lower blood sugar?

Pterocarpus marsupium works primarily through epicatechin, a flavonoid that regenerates pancreatic beta cells and restores insulin production. Additional compounds including pterostilbene and marsupsin improve insulin sensitivity and support healthy glucose metabolism. This dual mechanism—beta cell regeneration combined with enhanced insulin function—distinguishes it from other anti-diabetic herbs. Evidence Level: C, based on preliminary research and traditional use.

Can Pterocarpus marsupium be taken with metformin or other diabetes medications?

Pterocarpus marsupium may enhance the glucose-lowering effects of diabetes medications including metformin, insulin, and sulfonylureas, potentially causing hypoglycemia. Close blood glucose monitoring is essential when combining this herb with conventional anti-diabetic drugs. Dosage adjustments may be necessary to prevent dangerously low blood sugar. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining with prescription diabetes medications. Evidence Level: C.

What is the recommended dosage of Pterocarpus marsupium for diabetes?

The standard adult dosage is 2-4 grams of wood powder or 400mg of standardized extract taken twice daily. Standardized extracts ensure consistent levels of active compounds like epicatechin. Start at the lower end of the dosage range and adjust based on blood glucose response. Regular glucose monitoring is recommended during use. Evidence Level: C, based on traditional Ayurvedic practice and clinical observations.

Is Pterocarpus marsupium safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Pterocarpus marsupium is considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The herb's significant blood glucose-lowering effects may pose risks to fetal development and nursing infants. There is insufficient safety data to support use during these periods. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should avoid Pterocarpus marsupium and consult a qualified healthcare provider for safer alternatives.

What are the side effects of Pterocarpus marsupium?

The primary side effects include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea. Hypoglycemia risk increases significantly when combined with other diabetes medications. Symptoms of low blood sugar include dizziness, sweating, confusion, and weakness. Monitor blood glucose regularly and discontinue use if adverse effects occur. Evidence Level: C.

Pterocarpus Marsupium (Pterocarpus marsupium)

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Pterocarpus marsupium is a multipurpose forest tree native to India and Sri Lanka, recognized for its antidiabetic and bioactive properties [PMID:35161227, PMID:15707762].

Background

Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. (Fabaceae) is a valuable medicinal tree in India and Sri Lanka, primarily utilized for its heartwood and stem bark [PMID:35161227]. Due to overexploitation for its multipurpose properties and low seed germination, it is listed as an endangered plant species [PMID:35161227].

Traditional uses

In Ayurveda, heartwood extract of Pterocarpus marsupium has been used to treat diabetes, leprosy, asthma, and bronchitis [PMID:36295849]. It is also cited as a significant plant in the Indian traditional system of medicine for the treatment of hyperglycemia [PMID:24074231].

Active compounds

Bioactive compounds include phenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids [PMID:36295849]. Specific identified compounds include pterostilbene (3,5-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxystilbene) [PMID:30591102], marsupsin, pterosupin [PMID:9214733], and 7-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl oxy-4'-methoxy-5-hydroxy isoflavone [PMID:15707762]. Additionally, alpha-dihydroxychalcone-glycoside (alpha-DHC) has been isolated from the heartwood [PMID:24675710].

Mechanism of action

The herb may lower blood glucose by upregulating Glut-4 and PPAR gamma gene expression [PMID:15707762] and inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), which prevents the degradation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) [PMID:24074231, PMID:38024536]. It also exhibits antioxidant activity by reducing oxyradicals [PMID:36295849] and inhibiting aldose reductase activity to prevent sorbitol accumulation [PMID:29556442, PMID:28725625]. Anti-inflammatory effects are mediated via inhibition of LPS-induced MAPK activation and downregulation of COX-2 and iNOS [PMID:24675710].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BNon-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

A multicentric study by the Indian Council of Medical Research found a Pterocarpus marsupium preparation effective in reducing blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin levels [PMID:10748962].

Evidence DHyperglycemia (Animal Model)

Butanol subfractions of alcohol extract and phenolic constituents like marsupsin and pterostilbene significantly lowered blood glucose in diabetic rats [PMID:16397913, PMID:9214733].

Evidence DPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (Animal Model)

Methanolic extract restored biochemical parameters and diminished ovarian cysts in testosterone propionate-induced PCOS rats [PMID:28901866].

Evidence DDiabetic Cataract (Animal Model)

Bark extracts provided a protective effect against cataracts by inhibiting aldose reductase activity in diabetic rats [PMID:29556442].

Evidence DAlzheimer's Disease (Animal Model)

Extracts (200-400mg/kg) showed neuroprotective roles in ameliorating streptozotocin-induced AD via DPP-4 inhibition [PMID:24667360].

Safety & adverse effects

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 60 healthy adults, a standardized extract containing 90% pterostilbene (200 mg/day) was found to be clinically safe, with hematological, lipid, glycemic, thyroid, liver, and renal functions remaining within normal ranges [PMID:37671486].

Evidence summary

Evidence is strongest for antidiabetic activity, supported by a multicentric clinical study and numerous animal/in vitro models. Safety has been demonstrated in a small-scale RCT for healthy adults. Other therapeutic claims (PCOS, AD, cataracts) are currently limited to animal models.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 27452657 (2017) — Contributions of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in the area of Medicinal plants/Traditional medicine. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 16719780 (2006) — Antidiabetic agents from medicinal plants. · Current medicinal chemistry
3.PMID: 35161227 (2022) — Biotechnological Advances in Pharmacognosy and In Vitro Manipulation of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 16397913 (2006) — Hypoglycaemic activity of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
5.PMID: 17265298 (1988) — Flavonoids from Pterocarpus marsupium. · Planta medica

Pterocarpus Marsupium

Sources & Citations

Artemisia pallens

Pine Bark Extract

Ipomoea Batatas Leaf

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Pterocarpus Marsupium

Sources & Citations

Related Herbs

Artemisia pallens

Pine Bark Extract

Ipomoea Batatas Leaf

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources