Answer by Dr. Albana Greca Sejdini, MD, MMedSc, Family Physician
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ruden Cakoni, MD, Endocrinologist
Last reviewed: July 2026
I do not recommend taking MDS Forte Elixir regularly to prevent diabetes or using it instead of proven diabetes treatment. I found no peer-reviewed randomized human trial showing that the exact product prevents diabetes, improves HbA1c, or safely treats diabetes symptoms. Research on individual herbs does not prove that the complete mixture works, and “natural” does not mean free from side effects or medicine interactions.
Sally, thank you for your question. The safest answer is not to start or continue this elixir three times daily without showing the current bottle and full ingredient label to your doctor or pharmacist.
MDS Forte, also marketed as Milagro de la Selva Forte, is a concentrated herbal product promoted for glucose control. Current promotional material describes a proprietary mixture and makes claims about diabetes prevention, insulin resistance, circulation, cholesterol, and use alongside medicines.
Older descriptions list extracts such as banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa), yellow bells (Tecoma stans), jackass bitters (Neurolaena lobata), Ceylon cinnamon, and anise. Other descriptions mention a different plant. Formulas can change, so an old online list should not be assumed to match the bottle being sold today.
There is no reliable clinical evidence that MDS Forte prevents type 2 diabetes. Manufacturer testimonials and claims are not substitutes for randomized controlled trials.
The best-established prevention approach for people at high risk is a structured lifestyle program involving nutritious eating, regular physical activity, and modest weight loss when appropriate. In the Diabetes Prevention Program, intensive lifestyle change reduced progression to type 2 diabetes by 58% over about three years compared with placebo. Metformin reduced risk by 31% and may be considered medically for selected high-risk people.
If you are not diabetic, first learn whether you are actually at increased risk. Ask about an HbA1c test, fasting laboratory glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, family history, previous gestational diabetes, and other risk factors.
It should not replace metformin, insulin, or any prescribed treatment. Diabetes symptoms such as thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss may indicate significant hyperglycemia and need proper testing—not an herbal trial.
Some individual ingredients, including cinnamon or banaba, have been studied for possible glucose effects, but results are limited or inconsistent. Evidence about one plant cannot establish the effectiveness, dose, purity, interactions, or long-term safety of a multi-herb commercial product. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that reliable evidence does not show that herbal supplements control diabetes or its complications.
Avoid it during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in children, before surgery, or with liver or kidney disease unless a qualified clinician who has reviewed the exact product approves it. Extra caution is necessary with insulin, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, anticoagulants, blood-pressure medicine, and multiple supplements.
I would not advise a person without diabetes to take MDS Forte three times every day “just in case.” First establish the person’s true diabetes risk. If prevention is needed, use interventions with demonstrated benefit and monitor the relevant health markers.
No. The FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed. It is not an FDA-approved diabetes medicine.
Do not assume the combination is safe. A glucose-lowering supplement may increase the risk of hypoglycemia or other interactions. Ask a doctor or pharmacist to review the exact formula.
No. Plants contain biologically active chemicals. Natural products can cause allergies, toxicity, interactions, and unexpected effects, especially when concentrated.