# 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

## TL;DR

A clinical trial found that myrtle syrup significantly reduces proteinuria in type 2 diabetic patients compared to a placebo.

## Contribution

This is the first randomized, placebo-controlled trial to demonstrate myrtle syrup's efficacy in reducing proteinuria in type 2 diabetes.

## Key findings

- Myrtle syrup significantly reduced urine protein levels compared to placebo (P<0.001).
- No significant changes were observed in blood sugar or kidney function markers.
- The effect may be due to myrtle's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

## Abstract

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.

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 P0.05.

The results showed that M. syrup significantly improved proteinuria compared
with the placebo group (P0.001). 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.

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.