Saltbush's therapeutic uses
Saltbush is a shrub native to the Mediterranean region, known for its potential therapeutic uses, particularly in relation to diabetes management. It is rich in nutrients, including protein, vitamins C, A, and D, as well as minerals like chromium, contributing to its appeal as a natural health supplement. Research suggests that saltbush may help in managing type 2 diabetes, with initial studies indicating its antidiabetic effects, likely related to its chromium content. However, comprehensive clinical trials are lacking, and its use for diabetes should be approached with caution under medical supervision.
In addition to its potential benefits for diabetes, saltbush has a history of traditional uses for treating skin injuries like cuts and burns, attributed to its antimicrobial properties. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are also under investigation, suggesting it may help protect against chronic diseases, lower blood pressure, and promote gut health. While generally considered safe for consumption, saltbush may not be suitable for everyone, including children and pregnant or nursing women. More research is needed to fully understand its safety profile and therapeutic efficacy.
Saltbush's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Diabetes, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, blood pressure, gut health, neurodegenerative diseases
Overview
Saltbush is a shrub that grows throughout the Mediterranean region, in the Middle East, northern Africa, and Southern Europe. As its name suggests, it is especially common in areas where the soil is saline. Saltbush is a nutritious plant. It is high in protein and minerals such as chromium, and it has vitamins C, A, and D. It is also fairly tasty—shepherds, as well as their flocks, enjoy eating saltbush.
Therapeutic Dosages
No standard dosage of saltbush has been established. Saltbush is sometimes used as a supplement in the treatment of diabetes, a serious disease that should be treated only under medical supervision. Saltbush cannot be used as a substitute for insulin, and blood sugar levels should also be closely monitored.
Therapeutic Uses
Saltbush may prove useful in the treatment of type 2 (non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset) diabetes. This idea came to the attention of medical researchers in 1964 when they discovered that a rodent called the fat sand rat (Psammomys obesus) is highly susceptible to developing diabetes. However, wild sand rats, which regularly consume saltbush, never show any signs of diabetes; instead, they tend to develop it in response to being fed regular laboratory food. As a result, scientists have explored the possibility that saltbush has an antidiabetic effect.
The results of animal studies and preliminary human trials suggest that saltbush does indeed have antidiabetic effects. However, while these studies are certainly intriguing, only double-blind, placebo-controlled studies can prove a treatment effective, and none have been reported. For this reason, the use of saltbush for diabetes remains highly speculative. Further, most studies suggesting saltbush’s benefit to diabetes were performed in the latter half of the twentieth century and have not been further explored.
Some animal researchers speculate that saltbush's effect (if, indeed, it has one) may be partly due to the chromium it contains. Evidence indicates chromium supplementation can improve blood sugar control, especially in type 2 diabetes. However, there could be other active ingredients in saltbush as well.
Beyond diabetes support, saltbush has several other proposed therapeutic uses. Traditionally, it was applied topically to treat cuts, burns, and insect bites, likely due to its antimicrobial properties. The flavonoids in saltbush may produce anti-inflammatory effects, and its antioxidant properties can protect against free radicals, which can lead to chronic health conditions. Other potential uses include lowering blood pressure, promoting gut health, and protecting against neurodegenerative disease, although more research is needed.
Safety Issues
As a plant food commonly consumed by animals and humans, saltbush appears to be relatively safe. However, no comprehensive safety testing of saltbush has been performed. For this reason, it should not be used by young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease.
It should be noted that if saltbush is effective in lowering blood sugar, the result might be excessive lowering of blood sugar levels. For this reason, people with diabetes who take saltbush should do so only under a physician’s supervision.
Bibliography
"Saltbush." Native Memory Project, nativememoryproject.org/plant/saltbush. Accessed 18 Sept. 2024.
Stern, E. "Successful Use of Atriplex halimus in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetic Patients." Zamenhoff Medical Center, Tel Aviv, 1989.
Vercoe, Samara, and Luisa Brimble. "Saltbush Food Uses." Warndu, 1 Dec. 2020, warndu.com/blogs/first-nations-food-guide/saltbush-the-unlikely-delicacy. Accessed 18 Sept. 2024.