Could an orchid herb help tame prediabetes?

NCT ID NCT07704944

First seen Jul 15, 2026 · Last updated Jul 16, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether Bletilla formosana (BF), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine from a Taiwanese ground orchid, can safely help control blood sugar and reduce inflammation in adults with prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet diabetic, often leading to type 2 diabetes. Participants are randomly assigned to take a high dose, low dose, or placebo powder for 12 weeks, with blood tests to monitor safety and effects on glucose and inflammation markers.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
a traditional Chinese medicinal herb called Bletilla formosana (BF), given as a powder
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a natural supplement to help manage prediabetes and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
What could go wrong
This is an early pilot trial with only 94 people, so results may not apply broadly. The herb's effectiveness and safety are not yet proven, and it may not outperform placebo.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

    Keelung, 204, Taiwan

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

    Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Taoyuan Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

    Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

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