ANTIDIABETIC POTENTIAL OF MElDICINAL PLANTS

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia resulting from defects in  insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The global prevalence of diabetes is increasing rapidly, leading to serious  health and economic burdens. Although several synthetic antidiabetic drugs are available, their long-term use is often  associated with adverse effects and high cost. Medicinal plants have been traditionally used in the management of  diabetes due to their safety, affordability, and therapeutic efficacy. Various medicinal plants exhibit antidiabetic activity  through multiple mechanisms such as stimulation of insulin secretion, enhancement of glucose uptake, inhibition of  carbohydratedigesting enzymes, and antioxidant effects. This review highlights commonly used medicinal plants with  antidiabetic potential, their active constituents, mechanisms of action, advantages, limitations, and future prospects in  diabetes management. Traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and folk medicine have long utilized medicinal  plants for the treatment of diabetes. Numerous medicinal plants, including Gymnema sylvestre, Momordica charantia,  Syzygium cumini, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Salacia reticulata, and Tinospora cordifolia, have demonstrated  significant antidiabetic activity in in vitro and in vivo experimental models. These plants exert their effects through  multiple mechanisms, such as stimulation of insulin secretion, enhancement of insulin sensitivity, inhibition of  carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, reduction of oxidative stress, and protection of pancreatic β-cells.

Keywords: Antidiabetic activity, Medicinal plants, Diabetes mellitus, Herbal drugs, Phytochemicals