DHAKA, Mar 6, 2008 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Bangladeshi scientists recently invented an herbal tea that would help insulin-dependent diabetic patients reduce their insulin intake, leading English newspaper the Daily Star reported Thursday.

A group of scientists of Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) invented the herbal tea from leaf extracts of local tree named Jarul. The research was conducted at BCSIR research institute in Bangladesh's southeastern city Chittagong.

Azad Khan, president of Diabetic Association was quoted by the newspaper as saying that since the tea is extracted from nature, it has no side effect and it might be helpful for diabetic patients.

He said, "Diabetes has spread in the world like an epidemic and developing countries are the worst victims of this disease. An estimated 6 million people in Bangladesh now have diabetes."

Diabetic patients' body produces insufficient insulin that controls the level of sugar in their blood.

The diabetic patients who are dependent on insulin injections might benefit from the herbal tea as the recommended use of the tea could lower sugar level in their blood through insulin secretion from their pancreas and thus lower their insulin intake requirement, said experts.

The herbal tea might also help reduce obesity, the experts added.

Prof. Dr. Choudhury Mahmood Hasan, chairman of BCSIR, said herbal drug is safe and effective and it has gained approval across the globe, securing a market share of 62 billion U.S. dollars.

Fame Pharmaceuticals company will market the herbal tea under the brand name of DiabeNo.

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