Berberine, a bitter-tasting yellow chemical found in some roots and barks, has been documented in Chinese literature as being able to lower glucose levels in diabetics. To investigate its reported glucose-lowering effects, an international team examined the effect of berberine on mice and rats.

The scientist of the team found that a dose of the compound, given orally, caused blood sugar levels to go down. It also led to fewer fats circulating in the bloodstream, made insulin work better and lowered the animals' body weights, reported online edition of BBC News.

Writing in the Diabetes journal, the scientists added that berberine reduced the animals' body weight, suggesting it could also be used to treat obesity. Berberine is found in several plants, including goldenseal, the Oregon grape and barberry. It has been used in many cultures for medicinal purposes, most commonly to treat diarrhoea.

It has been used by a number of different cultures for medicinal purposes, most commonly to treat diarrhoea. It is also being employed, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine, to treat diabetes. Cathy Moulton, a care advisor at Diabetes UK, said.There are already many treatments for type 2 diabetes available but this research is slightly different as it is based on a natural remedy.