Allium hookeri extract reduces HbA1c levels in prediabetic adults
Last updated May 16, 2026
Key finding
An 8-week trial in 30 Korean adults with prediabetes found that Allium hookeri extract supplementation significantly reduced HbA1c levels compared to placebo, suggesting potential benefits for glycemic control.
This small crossover trial tested a traditional Asian herb extract (Allium hookeri) in adults with prediabetes. After 8 weeks, those taking the extract had lower HbA1c levels compared to placebo, suggesting the supplement may help with blood sugar control.
Quick read
Study at a glance
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EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
Follow-up
Short-Term (≤3 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
What this paper says
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
An 8-week trial in 30 Korean adults with prediabetes found that Allium hookeri extract supplementation significantly reduced HbA1c levels compared to placebo, suggesting potential benefits for glycemic control.
Published in
Journal Reference
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Park SH, Bae UJ, Choi EK, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial to evaluate the anti-diabetic effects of Allium hookeri extract in the subjects with prediabetes. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020;20:211. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-03005-3
Main Effects
HbA1c ↓ (decreased from baseline compared to placebo)
1-hour post-OGTT glucose ↑ in placebo group (significant group difference)
Glucose iAUC ↑ in placebo group (significant group difference)
Evidence Suggest
- HbA1c decreased significantly in the Allium hookeri group compared to placebo after 8 weeks
- The supplement was well tolerated with no serious adverse events
- Changes in postprandial glucose response showed significant group differences, though partly due to placebo group increases
Who this applies to
This study was conducted in Korean adults aged 54 years on average with prediabetes (fasting plasma glucose 100-126 mg/dL) and average BMI of 25.8 kg/m². Results may be most relevant to Asian populations with prediabetes who are otherwise healthy and not taking diabetes medications.
Keep in Mind
This is a small pilot study that needs confirmation in larger, longer trials before clinical recommendations can be made. The supplement has not been tested in people with diagnosed diabetes or those already taking diabetes medications. The crossover design may have limitations for assessing HbA1c, which reflects 3-month average glucose levels. Individual responses may vary, and the supplement should not replace standard medical care for prediabetes.
Between the Lines
- Very small sample size (30 enrolled, 22 completed)
- Short 8-week duration limits assessment of long-term effects
- Some glucose findings driven by unexpected placebo group increases
- Limited to Korean population with prediabetes
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