Can the Use of Eryngium caucasicum Hydro-Alcoholic Extract, Along with Aerobic Exercise, Affect Blood Glucose, Lipid Factors, and Betatrophin Hormone Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Patients?

Background: Eryngium caucasicum (EC) is traditionally used for diabetes management. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of EC supplementation and aerobic exercise on blood glucose, lipid profile, and betatrophin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 45 T2DM patients (mean age: 46.55±7.58 years) were allocated to three groups: (1) Combined intervention group: aerobic exercise+E. caucasicum supplementation (200 mg/day); (2) Exercise-only group: aerobic exercise alone; and (3) Control group: no intervention. The 6-week aerobic protocol included five 45-minute sessions per week at moderate intensity. A total of 200 mg of EC per day (two 100-mg capsules) was taken, one in the morning and one in the evening after meals, for six weeks. Fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, betatrophin, HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol were measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA. Results: Compared with the control group, both intervention groups showed significant reductions in blood glucose and triglycerides, along with increased betatrophin levels (P<0.05). The exercise+EC group exhibited a more pronounced glucose reduction than the exercise-only group (P<0.05). HDL and LDL improved significantly only in the exercise+EC group (P<0.05), while total cholesterol remained unaffected. Conclusion: The synergistic effect of aerobic exercise and E. caucasicum supplementation may offer a therapeutic strategy for improving metabolic parameters in patients with T2DM.