Title:A Mechanistic Review on Phytomedicine and Natural Products in the
Treatment of Diabetes
Volume: 19
Issue: 7
Author(s): Jyoti Nanda*, Neeraj Verma and Munesh Mani
Affiliation:
- Pharmacy Academy, IFTM University, Moradabad 244102, U.P., India
Keywords:
Diabetes, phytoconstituents, herbs, pancreas, insulin, ethnopharmacology.
Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome of excess glucose levels in the blood. It may
be due to glucose intolerance by the tissues and inadequate insulin production from pancreatic β-
cells. However, diabetic complication includes cardiovascular and kidney diseases, eye, skin, and
foot complications, and neuropathy. The intention behind writing this article was to gather recent
information regarding the use of ancient traditional medicinal plants having recent importance in
treating diabetes. Several therapies are available for curing the condition based on severity and
type of diabetes. Although pharmacological treatments are effective and economical, drugs are associated
with unwanted side effects and physiological complications on long-term use. Interestingly,
herbs and herbal plants have been used since ancient times against diabetes worldwide. Its importance
still exists due to medicinal plants' effectiveness and safety profile in treating various diseases.
In this article, we searched online databases, including PUBMED, SCOPUS, MEDLINE,
and traditional resources, for collecting information regarding the use of plants against diabetes.
We described the pathophysiology of the disease and incorporated plant sources and their chemical
constituents responsible for antidiabetic activity with their mechanism in reducing blood glucose
levels. The present article may be very helpful for researchers and professionals whose work is inclined
towards diabetes and in search of lead compounds for the development of a suitable drug.