MEDICINAL PLANTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The increasing global prevalence of diabetes, coupled with the limitations and adverse effects associated with conventional antidiabetic therapies, has intensified interest in alternative and complementary treatment approaches. Medicinal plants have been used traditionally across various healthcare systems for the prevention and management of diabetes and its associated complications. This comprehensive review aims to summarize current knowledge regarding medicinal plants with demonstrated antidiabetic potential, their bioactive constituents, mechanisms of action, and supporting preclinical and clinical evidence. A wide range of plant species, have shown promising antihyperglycemic effects through multiple pathways such as enhancement of insulin secretion, improvement of insulin sensitivity, inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, modulation of glucose uptake, antioxidant activity, and protection of pancreatic β-cells. Phytochemicals including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, phenolic compounds, and glycosides play significant roles in mediating these therapeutic effects. Although numerous experimental studies support the efficacy of medicinal plants, further well-designed clinical trials, standardization of herbal formulations, and comprehensive safety evaluations are necessary to establish their therapeutic potential and facilitate their integration into evidence-based diabetes management. Medicinal plants represent a valuable source of novel antidiabetic agents and offer promising opportunities for the development of safer, affordable, and effective treatment strategies.