THE ROLES OF CAPSICUM IN DIABETES MELLITUS

Diabetes is a major degenerative disease affecting at least 15 million people and having complications which include hypertension, atherosclerosis and microcirculatory disorders. At least 80% of Africans rely on plant medicine for their healthcare in the management of diabetes and other diseases. The present review paper unveils the roles of Capsicum in diabetes mellitus.  The review reported Capsicum to possess hypoglycemic, insulinomimetic or secretagogues properties, weight reducing effect and hypolipidemic properties in diabetes. The roles played by Capsicum in diabetes could be traced to its antioxidant properties embedded in its phytoconstituents. We recommend further research on this plant.