Shenqi paste improved muscle measures in selected older adults with diabetic sarcopenia
A placebo-controlled trial reported gains in muscle measures. Changes in fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin and an insulin resistance index did not differ significantly between groups.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Among older adults with diabetic sarcopenia and a specified traditional medicine syndrome, Shenqi paste improved muscle mass index, grip strength and chair-rise performance compared with placebo. Metabolic results varied by measure. No serious adverse events were reported, but the abstract does not establish long-term safety or applicability to everyone with diabetes.
The abstract reports statistical significance without quantifying muscle improvements. Its selected clinical subgroup and brief follow-up limit conclusions about broader applicability, the practical importance of the changes and lasting benefit.
What researchers found
Handgrip strength
Shenqi paste versus placebo after 12 weeks; the difference was statistically significant, but its size was not reported.
What the trial measured
The main outcomes covered muscle mass index, handgrip strength and time taken to repeatedly rise from a chair. All favored the paste, but the abstract does not quantify how large those differences were.
Metabolic findings were mixed
Fasting blood glucose decreased more with the paste. Changes in fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin and an insulin resistance index did not differ significantly between groups; this does not show that either group's values stayed unchanged.
The original publication
Efficacy and safety of medicine-food homology Shenqi paste in older adults with diabetic sarcopenia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Hua L, Wang Y, Yuan X et al.
J Ethnopharmacol · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41763617
- Record checked
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