Researchers tested a traditional Chinese herbal formula called Sanghuang Tongxie Formula on rats with type 2 diabetes to see how it works. They discovered that the formula changed the balance of bacteria in the rats’ guts, which helped their bodies handle blood sugar better. The treatment also affected how certain genes worked and changed important molecules in the body related to fat and energy storage. While these results are exciting, they were only tested in rats, so scientists need to do more research in humans before we know if it could help people with diabetes.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a traditional Chinese herbal mixture could help treat type 2 diabetes by changing gut bacteria and how the body processes energy
  • Who participated: Laboratory rats that were given a high-fat diet and a chemical injection to create type 2 diabetes similar to the human disease
  • Key finding: The herbal formula changed the types of bacteria living in the rats’ intestines, increased good bacteria, decreased bad bacteria, and improved how well the rats’ bodies responded to insulin
  • What it means for you: This research suggests a traditional herbal treatment might help diabetes by fixing the balance of gut bacteria, but these results are from rats only. Much more testing in humans would be needed before anyone should consider using this treatment

The Research Details

Scientists created type 2 diabetes in laboratory rats by feeding them a high-fat diet and injecting them with a chemical that damages the pancreas. They then gave some rats the herbal formula while others received no treatment. Using advanced technology, they analyzed the bacteria living in the rats’ intestines, studied which genes were turned on or off, and measured thousands of different molecules in the rats’ bodies. This multi-level approach let them see how the herbal formula worked at different biological levels—from the tiniest bacteria to genes to body chemistry.

This research approach is important because it doesn’t just look at whether blood sugar improved—it tries to understand the actual mechanisms of how the treatment works. By examining gut bacteria, genes, and metabolic pathways together, researchers can see the complete picture of what the herbal formula does in the body. This helps scientists understand whether similar treatments might work in humans.

This study was published in a reputable scientific journal and used advanced laboratory techniques to measure multiple biological systems. However, it was only conducted in rats, not humans, which is a significant limitation. The study size and specific number of animals used were not clearly reported. Because this is animal research, the results may not directly translate to how the treatment would work in people.

What the Results Show

The herbal formula successfully changed the types of bacteria living in the rats’ intestines. Specifically, it increased bacteria called Bacteroidetes while decreasing bacteria called Firmicutes. This shift in bacterial balance was directly connected to the rats’ bodies becoming better at responding to insulin, which is the main problem in type 2 diabetes. The formula also changed how certain genes were expressed in the liver, particularly genes involved in how the body stores and uses fats. Additionally, the treatment altered important molecules in the body that are involved in energy metabolism and fat storage.

The research showed that the herbal formula affected multiple pathways in the body related to how cells use energy and store fats. Specific genes like Plin2 and PLD1, which control fat storage and breakdown, showed significant changes after treatment. These changes suggest the formula works through several different mechanisms in the body, not just one simple pathway. The effects on gene expression in the liver were particularly notable, indicating that the liver—a key organ for metabolism—was significantly influenced by the treatment.

Previous research has suggested that gut bacteria play an important role in diabetes, and that changing the balance of bacteria might help. This study supports those earlier findings and adds new information about how a specific herbal formula might achieve this. The focus on multiple biological levels (bacteria, genes, and metabolites) is a more comprehensive approach than many previous studies, providing a more complete picture of how the treatment might work.

The biggest limitation is that this research was only done in rats, not humans. Rats’ bodies don’t always respond the same way human bodies do to treatments. The study didn’t clearly report how many rats were used or provide detailed information about the study design. The researchers themselves noted that the exact mechanisms of how the formula works aren’t completely understood yet. Additionally, this was a laboratory study without comparison to other diabetes treatments, so we don’t know how this formula compares to existing medications.

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, we cannot yet recommend this herbal formula for treating human diabetes. The evidence is preliminary and limited to laboratory rats. Anyone with type 2 diabetes should continue working with their doctor and using proven treatments. If interested in herbal approaches, discuss them with a healthcare provider before trying anything new. (Confidence level: Low—animal studies only)

This research is most relevant to scientists studying diabetes and traditional Chinese medicine, and to people interested in how gut bacteria affects disease. It should NOT be used as a reason to stop diabetes medications or try unproven treatments. People with type 2 diabetes should continue following their doctor’s advice while this research continues in human studies.

Since this is only rat research, there is no realistic timeline for human benefits. Clinical trials in humans would likely take several years to complete. Even if human trials are successful, it would take additional time for any new treatment to be approved and made available.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily blood sugar readings and gut health indicators (digestion quality, bloating, energy levels) to establish a baseline before and after any dietary changes, using a simple daily log with morning and evening measurements
  • Users could experiment with increasing fiber intake from whole foods (which naturally supports beneficial gut bacteria) while maintaining their current diabetes management plan, logging any changes in how they feel and their blood sugar patterns
  • Establish a 12-week tracking period measuring fasting blood sugar, energy levels, and digestive comfort weekly, then review patterns monthly to identify what dietary changes correlate with improvements in blood sugar control

This research was conducted only in laboratory rats and has not been tested in humans. The findings are preliminary and should not be used to guide personal medical decisions. Anyone with type 2 diabetes should continue working with their healthcare provider and taking prescribed medications. Do not stop or change diabetes medications based on this research. Herbal supplements are not regulated like medications and may interact with diabetes drugs. Always consult with a doctor before trying new treatments or supplements for diabetes management.