ANTI HYPERGLYCEMIC ACTIVITY OF POTENTIAL HERBAL PLANTS

Diabetes mellitus is a globally prevalent chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin production or impaired insulin utilization. It is associated with various acute and chronic complications, including neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular diseases. With rising incidence rates, especially in urban regions of developing countries like India, diabetes poses a major public health challenge. While conventional treatments involve insulin therapy and oral hypoglycemics, herbal medicine offers a promising complementary approach. This study reviews the antidiabetic potential of several medicinal plants, such as Momordica charantia, Aloe barbadensis, Catharanthus roseus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Syzygium cumini, Curcuma longa, Stevia rebaudiana, Senna auriculata, Cinnamomum cassia, and Taraxacum officinale. Each plant is explored for its phytoconstituents, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, and terpenoids, which exhibit hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and insulin-mimetic properties. Experimental evidence from in-vivo and in-vitro studies supports their efficacy in managing blood glucose levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and protecting pancreatic β-cells. This compilation emphasizes the therapeutic potential of herbal remedies as safe and cost-effective adjuncts in diabetes management and encourages further clinical validation for integration into standard care practices.