Antidiabetic activity of some common medicinal plants

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar, malfunctional insulin, resistance, and lipid metabolism. DM is a major global health that causes a burden on the individual and society. Despite advances in clinical management, late-onset complications of diabetes remain challenging to control. Antidiabetic medications can cause weight gain or loss, and adverse gastrointestinal effects, highlighting the need for alternative, effective therapies with fewer side effects. Natural products have been widely investigated as antidiabetic agents, and many have been shown to have direct or indirect effects on DM pathways. These products contain chemical components, such as flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids, coumarins, and phenolic compounds, which may be used to develop new antidiabetic drugs. This review provides an overview of the evidence surrounding some commonly used natural products that affect DM management.