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
The essential study design details in one scan.
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
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
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
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 network
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This study contributes evidence to Allium hookeri extract and Fasting insulin levels, Glucose iAUC (OGTT), HDL cholesterol, and 4 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Allium hookeri extract
Primary outcomes
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
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Related topics
7
Evidence pairs
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Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
matched_intervention_and_outcome
Related evidence
Evidence topic
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Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Allium hookeri extract → Fasting insulin levels
Allium hookeri extract → Fasting insulin levels
Allium hookeri extract → Glucose iAUC (OGTT)
Allium hookeri extract → Glucose iAUC (OGTT)
Allium hookeri extract → Total cholesterol
Allium hookeri extract → Total cholesterol
Evidence Library
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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.
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.
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Allium hookeri extract and Insulin Resistance, Allium hookeri extract and Postprandial and OGTT Glucose.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Supplements
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Adipokine and Angiogenic Markers
Measures Adipokine and Angiogenic Markers as a key outcome.
All studies on Allium hookeri extract
Contributes to Allium hookeri extract evidence base.
All studies measuring Insulin Resistance
Measures Insulin Resistance as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Postprandial and OGTT Glucose
Measures Postprandial and OGTT Glucose as a key outcome.
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1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Allium hookeri extract may improve Fasting insulin levels.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Fasting insulin levels
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | weak positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Allium hookeri extract may improve HDL cholesterol.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
HDL cholesterol
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | weak positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Allium hookeri extract may improve LDL cholesterol.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
LDL cholesterol
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | weak positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Allium hookeri extract may improve Total cholesterol.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Total cholesterol
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | weak positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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