HERBAL MEDICINAL PLANTS IN DIABETES MANAGEMENT: INSIGHTS FROM IN VITRO STUDIES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The abstract serves as a concise summary of the key findings and implications of in vitro studies investigating the anti-diabetic properties of herbal medicinal plants. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in exploring natural alternatives for managing diabetes, and herbal medicinal plants have emerged as potential candidates. This review systematically examines a diverse range of in vitro studies that have investigated the anti-diabetic activities of various herbal extracts and compounds. Commonly employed assays, including α-amylase inhibition, α-glucosidase inhibition, and glucose uptake studies, are explored to assess the impact on key aspects of diabetes pathophysiology. The findings reveal a multitude of herbal medicinal plants exhibiting promising anti-diabetic effects in vitro. Distinct mechanisms of action are identified, encompassing the modulation of insulin sensitivity, protection of pancreatic beta-cells, and interference with glucose metabolism pathways. Noteworthy compounds, such as polyphenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids, are frequently associated with potent anti-diabetic activities in these studies. However, the translation of in vitro results to in vivo efficacy remains a challenge, and the review discusses the limitations and potential biases inherent in the methodologies of existing studies. The need for rigorous clinical validation and standardized protocols is emphasized to bridge the gap between in vitro findings and real-world applications. Despite these challenges, this comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the in vitro anti-diabetic potential of herbal medicinal plants. The identification of specific plant families and bioactive compounds with significant anti-diabetic properties lays the groundwork for future research and clinical investigations. The integration of these findings into evidence-based strategies for diabetes management represents a promising avenue for harnessing the therapeutic potential of herbal medicine.

Key words: Herbal medicinal, Diabetes management, Future directions, In-vitro studies