Abstract

A REVIEW ON ANTI-DIABETIC POTENTIAL OF MEDICINAL PLANTS

Ranjini S. A.*, Hanumanthachar Joshi K. and N. Venkat Roa

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Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyper-glycemia due to insufficient insulin secretion or action (resistance to insulin action by the cells). Contributing factors include genetic predisposition, obesity, family history, inactivity and environmental risks. Type- 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2-DM), the most common form, involves impaired insulin secretion by pancreatic β- cells of islets of Langerhans or resistance to insulin Although synthetic drugs are effective in managing DM, but often they come up with side effects. Consequently, plant-based phytochemicals with antidiabetic properties are gaining attention. Research indicates that around 115 medicinal plants (MP’s) have antidiabetic effects, particularly those from the Fabaceae, Liliaceae and Lamiaceae families. Bioactive compounds like alkaloids, triterpenoids, flavonoids and phenolics are known to combat DM. Traditional medicinal systems particularly offer effective management of DM. This review highlights the importance of MP’s with potential antidiabetic significance, their modes of action together with the methods used for their assessment.

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