Medicinal & Aromatic Plants
Open Access

Abstract

A Review of Antidiabetic Potential of Ethnomedicinal Plants

Jeeva S and Anlin Sheebha Y

Objective: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disorder throughout the world affecting the people
of both developed and developing countries. Diabetes mellitus is caused by the abnormality of carbohydrate
metabolism which is linked to low blood insulin level or insensitivity of target organs to insulin. It leads to
hyperglycemic condition. Several herbs have been known to cure and control diabetes without causing any side effects.
Key findings: The present review is an attempt to list the plants with anti-diabetic activity, originating from
different parts of world. A total of 177 plants belonging to 156 genera and 76 families were described and listed in the review. The plants have been tabulated with botanical, family and medicinal uses.
Conclusions: This study led to the wealth knowledge of traditional medicinal plants that are being used
as a diabetic treatment. The further investigation on these medicinal plants may lead to the discovery of novel
bioactive compounds in the pharmaceutical industry.