Emerging Role of Dendrobium Orchid Plants in Diabetes: Phytochemistry Aspects, SAR, and Therapeutic Potential.

Introduction: Dendrobium belongs to one of the most important genera of the Orchidaceae family, which covers the largest category of flowering plants. More recent traditional medicinal studies have revealed that these orchid plants are used worldwide to treat a variety of illnesses, including those related to the complexion, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and circulatory systems, as well as cancers, pain, and inflammation. Several Dendrobium species have been the subject of phytochemistry and pharmacological research to explore their different medicinal aspects.

Materials and methods: A comprehensive search through databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Traditional integrated knowledge resources, local dissertations, and books) was conducted up until November 2024 using key terms such as "Orchid plants, Type 2 diabetes, phytomedicine, natural products, phytoconstituents, phytochemistry, therapeutic potential, and plantderived antidiabetic agents."

Results: Its major phytoconstituents belong to the chemical categories of stilbenoid, glycoside, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenanthrenes, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and bibenzyl derivatives, in which the alkaloids and flavonoids play a most significant role for their biological properties. The flavone Cglycoside and flavanols are commonly found, but highly methylated and glycosylated derivatives of flavonoids are absent in orchid leaves.

Discussion: The phytochemical composition of Dendrobium, along with its structure-activity relationship of major classes, supports it as a potential source for novel antidiabetic agents through integrating traditional knowledge with medicinal chemistry aspects.

Conclusion: A specific Dendrobium orchid plant has a promising role in the effective management of diabetes. In the future, newer, more potent antidiabetic compounds may be isolated and further developed into more effective antidiabetic agents.