European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A REVIEW ON INDIAN HERBS USED FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS

Neema Prajapati, Basant Khare*, Prateek Kumar Jain, Anushree Jain, Rubeena Khan and
Bhupendra Singh Thakur

ABSTRACT

Diabetes is an important human ailment afflicting many from various walks of life in different countries. In India it is proving to be a major health problem, especially in the urban areas. Many synthetic drugs have been developed, but still, a complete cure is not provided by any of the molecules. Continuous use of some synthetic agents causes severe side effects, and thus the demand for non-toxic, affordable drugs still persists. Traditional treatments have been an extremely valued source of medicine all over human history.Though there are various approaches to reduce the ill effects of diabetes and its secondary complications, herbal formulations are preferred due to lesser side effects and low cost. Traditional Medicines derived from medicinal plants are used by about 60% of the world‘s population. This review focuses on Indian Herbal drugs and plants used in the treatment of diabetes, especially in India. A list of medicinal plants with proven antidiabetic and related beneficial effects and of herbal drugs used in treatment of diabetes is compiled. One of the etiologic factors implicated in the development of diabetes and its complications is the damage induced by free radicals and hence an antidiabetic compound with antioxidant properties would be more beneficial. Therefore, information on antioxidant effects of these medicinal plants is also included in this review.

Keywords: medicinal plant, antidiabetic, antioxidant, diabetes mellitus.