Medicinal plants as a source of natural remedies in the management of diabetes

Abstract

Diabetes is a severe chronic illness that has impacted thousands of individuals worldwide. It is caused by the body’s failure to produce insulin or insufficient production of insulin. While diabetes is not curable, it can be managed with injectable insulin, which decreases blood glucose levels. However, this treatment has several disadvantages that can affect a patient’s health, and it is often unaffordable for some individuals. Previous studies have suggested that phytochemicals can improve insulin sensitivity. Due to the presence of therapeutic phytochemicals in natural plants, medicinal plants emerge as potential candidates for treating diabetes. In addition, compared to conventional diabetes treatments, phytochemical treatment may be affordable for all diabetics and has fewer side effects. This review primarily focuses on the symptoms and treatment options for the four known types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, type 3c diabetes mellitus, and neonatal diabetes. The article reviews medicinal plants that have been used to treat diabetes effectively with minimum side effects, such as Momordica charantia L., Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, and Ocimum tenuiflorum L., among others. In addition, some newly approved drugs, such as tirzepatide, sergliflozin, saxagliptin, and liraglutide, recommended for treating patients suffering from various forms of diabetes, are discussed.