Fact Check: Can Amla Powder and Ashwagandha Cure Diabetes?

The claim can be seen here.

Fact Check

The user's claim is FALSE. Amla powder and ashwagandha may support diabetes management, but they cannot cure it, as diabetes is a chronic condition without a definitive cure.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-term chronic condition that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot use insulin effectively. Insulin is a vital hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. If diabetes is poorly managed, it leads to persistently high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), which over time can cause serious complications, particularly affecting the nerves, blood vessels, and other organs.

Can Diabetes Be Cured?

While diabetes has no permanent cure, many people can achieve what is known as diabetes reversal. This means bringing blood sugar levels under control to the point where medication is no longer required, and sustaining that balance through healthy dietary habits and regular physical activity.

What are the Health Benefits of Amla and Ashwagandha?

Amla or Indian gooseberry is highly valued for its rich content of vitamin C and polyphenols, which together provide strong antioxidant effects. These compounds enhance the body’s natural antioxidant defenses, improving overall antioxidant status. Regular consumption of amla has been linked to multiple health benefits, including reducing inflammation, supporting digestive health, protecting neurological function, and helping manage cholesterol levels.

Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng is known for its wide range of health-promoting properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective effects. It may also offer supportive roles in reproductive health and the regulation of thyroid hormones.

Can Amla Powder and Ashwagandha Cure Diabetes?

The claim that Amla powder and Ashwagandha can cure diabetes is FALSE. While both amla and ashwagandha may offer some supportive benefits for blood sugar regulation, no scientific evidence supports the idea that they can cure diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires evidence-based medical management.

Amla, a traditional medicinal fruit rich in antioxidants, has been explored for its role in managing diabetes and improving overall metabolic health. A study published in the Indian Journal of Family and Community Studies reported that intervention with amla extract improved blood glucose levels and hemoglobin status in diabetic patients.

Similarly, an article in the International Journal of Scientific Development and Research highlighted that amla has antihyperglycemic and lipid-lowering properties, suggesting its potential as a dietary supplement for managing diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity.

Ashwagandha has been studied for its potential benefits in diabetes management. Research by P. Usharani et. al. found that it improved endothelial function and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, indicating its value as an adjunct therapy in type 2 diabetes.

Although amla and ashwagandha may aid in regulating blood sugar and improving metabolic health, scientific evidence indicates they serve only as supportive therapies, not cures, for diabetes.

Dt. Lakshmi Bharathi, M.sc in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Apollo Cradle & Children's Hospital , Bengaluru told Medical Dialogues, "While both amla and ashwagandha have health-beneficial properties, there is no credible scientific evidence that they can cure diabetes. Diabetes is a complex metabolic condition that requires consistent medical management, lifestyle intervention and monitoring. Relying solely on herbal remedies may delay timely treatment and increase risk of complications. Patients should always consult a qualified endocrinologist or diabetologist and treat herbal supplements strictly as adjuncts not replacements to standard clinical care and evidence-based therapy.”

Dr. Jayaditya Ghosh, Consultant Endocrinologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, further explains, "Both amla powder and ashwagandha cannot cure diabetes. They may offer some anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that mildly improve insulin sensitivity, but there is no evidence that they reverse type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction in the pancreas. These powders do not restore beta-cell function. Diabetes remission can happen in early stages with significant weight loss and medical treatment, but it may return if weight is regained. While amla and ashwagandha may support health, they cannot cure diabetes. Such claims are myths and should not be followed blindly. Proper medical care is essential."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

The claim that amla powder and ashwagandha can cure diabetes is false. While these herbs may offer limited supportive benefits in blood sugar regulation, they cannot replace evidence-based medical treatments. Importantly, no scientific evidence or medical consensus supports the idea that they can cure or eliminate diabetes.

Hence, the claim is FALSE.