Myrtle Syrup Improves Proteinuria in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Randomized Double-blinded Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial
Myrtle Syrup Improves Proteinuria in Type 2 Diabetes
Keywords:
Myrtle; Proteinuria; Supplementation; Type 2 Diabetes MellitusAbstract
Background: The use of medicinal plants as an alternative to synthetic drugs is increasing due to their accessibility and safety. In Iranian traditional medicine, myrtle (Myrtus communis) is widely recommended for treating kidney diseases, but scientific evidence supporting this claim is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of myrtle syrup (M. syrup) on proteinuria in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 62 subjects aged 18–75 years with type 2 diabetes. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either M. syrup (10 cc) twice daily or a placebo syrup for 24 days. Enzyme-based commercial kits were used to measure serum levels of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and protein in both serum and urine. 24-hour urine volume was also measured. Data analysis was performed using likelihood ratio chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at P<0.05. Results: The results showed that M. syrup significantly improved proteinuria compared with the placebo group (P<0.001). The mean change in urine protein was a decrease of 129 units in the intervention group and an increase of 16.5 units in the placebo group. However, no significant effects were observed on FBS, HbA1c, BUN, urine volume, serum creatinine, and urine creatinine. The potential mechanism of action for M. syrup in reducing proteinuria may be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Conclusion: M. syrup supplementation may be an effective adjunct therapy for proteinuria in patients with type 2 diabetes. Hence, this should be emphasized in this regard.
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