Volume 9, Issue 1, January – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165

Natural Herbs as Antidiabetics Drugs

Shreyash Bale1; J.V. Vyas2; A.W. Wankhade3; V.V. Paithankar4
Vidyabharati College of Pharmacy,Amravati

Abstract:- Diabetes mellitus syndrome is a disorder of how and when the material is collected and handled, as well
abnormal metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and as its composition.
fats caused by either insufficient insulin secretion or
decreased tissue insulin sensitivity. Diabetes is treated by  How Herbs are Utilized?
utilizing pharmacological medicines for a prolonged For all the reasons mentioned in the previous section,
period of time and creating undesirable side effects. 60% herbalists advise against utilizing not to remove a single
of people worldwide utilize traditional herbal remedies plant but to use the whole one. All plant extracts contain
that are produced using therapeutic plants. The various various components. These ingredients work together to
Indian herbal remedies and plants that are widely used provide therapeutic benefits and reduce potential side effects
in India to treat diabetes are the subject of this review of any ingredient. To increase efficiency, enhance
article. It is proven to be a serious health issue in India, coordination, and lessen toxicity, many herbs are frequently
particularly in metropolitan areas. Despite the fact that combined. While recommending therapeutic herbs,
there are many ways to lessen the affects herbal remedies herbalists must take a number of things into account.
for diabetes mellitus and its subsequent consequences Consider the plant's kind and variety, its location, how it can
are chosen since they have fewer adverse effects. be stored, whether there are diseases, etc. [5][6]

Keywords:- Diabetes Mellitus, Medicinal Plants,  What uses is Herbal Medicine Appropriate for?
Antidiabetic Drugs, Herbal Drugs. In addition to treating a wide range of ailments,
herbalists also treat irritable bowel syndrome, migraines,
I. INTRODUCTION rheumatoid arthritis, premenstrual syndrome, eczema,
menopausal symptoms, and exhaustion. The best way to
The main goal of herbal medicine, also known as plant prepare herbal remedies is with expert guidance. Before
medicine, is to make therapeutic use of plant components beginning self-medication, always speak with your
such seeds, fruits, roots, foliage, bark, or flowers. Long used physician or herbalist.
outside of traditional treatment herbs but research on them is
growing in significance. studies and new research show their  What will Happen to Herbal Medicine in Future?
value in treating and preventing diseases. The field of Despite the fact that the US herbal medicine market
Because of its natural origins and minimal side effects, has recovered, the FDA still views herbal remedies as
herbal medicine has grown rapidly in popularity over the dietary supplements and prevents manufacturers from
past few years in both developed and developing nations. [1] making any promises about the ability of their goods to treat
or prevent specific illnesses. On the other hand, some
Most medicines can be used from herbs, minerals and European nations classify and regulate medicinal plants. A
organic substances.[2] The herbal preparations of the Indian medical group in Germany called E is currently
health system consist of many medicinal herbs called investigating the efficacy and safety of it.
Rasayana, which have been used traditionally for over 1000
years.[3] In Indian medicine, most doctors manufacture and II. DIABETES AND SIGNIFICANCE
distribute their own medicines. 21,000 medicinal plants
worldwide have been registered with the World Health A chronic disease that affects how fat, carbs, and
Organization. 150 of these 2,500 plant species are present in proteins are metabolized, diabetes mellitus is characterized
India, and 150 of these are widely used commercially. India by high blood sugar and subsequently higher glucose levels.
is Claimed to be the world's botanical garden, The world's Globally, the prevalence of diabetes is expected to increase
largest producer of medicinal herbs is India. The use of from 4% in 1995 to 5.4% in 2025. The World Health
herbs and herbal remedies in the treatment of diabetes is Organization predicts that developing countries will bear the
highlighted in this review, a dangerous condition that has a lion's share of the burden. Studies conducted in India over
significant negative impact on society. [4] the last 10 years have shown that the prevalence of diabetes
in the urban population is not only high but also rapidly
 What is the Work of Herb? increasing. It is estimated that 33 million adults in India
As with most herbs, the specific components suffer from diabetes.[7]
responsible for the treatment are unknown. All plants have
many components that will in concert to generate the Insufficient or insufficient insulin leads to the
intended medication. The nature of the surroundings in metabolic disease known as diabetes mellitus. Insulin
which the plant grows (climate, insects, soil quality) affects insufficiency resulting from impaired beta cell function is
the cause of insulin-dependent type I diabetes.

IJISRT24JAN1552 www.ijisrt.com 1505

Volume 9, Issue 1, January – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
Consequently, individuals suffering from this condition are secretagogues for pancreatic cells. Even while there are
classified as insulin-independent patients, meaning they are many treatment options available, there are some
not responsive to insulin and require medicine, diet, and disadvantages as well, like high expenses and unfavorable
exercise for management. The most common type of side effects (like hypoglycemia, weight gain, gastrointestinal
diabetes, type II diabetes, affects about 90% of people with issues, hepatotoxicity, etc.)[14]. The search for effective
the disease. High blood sugar, poor thirst, frequent urination, diabetes medications and antioxidants is still underway due
extreme hunger and weight loss, visual impairment, nausea to new developments and the significance that oxidative
and vomiting, extreme fatigue and weakness, sadness, and stress plays in diabetic complications.
mood swings are some of the symptoms of both types of
diabetes. Herbs for diabetes were once sought after by people.
Samples of therapeutic plants are used to make a variety of
Experimental evidence indicates that free radicals are medications. A good example of an oral hypoglycemic
involved in both the pathogenesis and, more importantly, the medication is metformin. Galega officinalis was used in its
development of the diabetes problem, even though diabetes's development to treat diabetes. Guanidine, a substance that
pathophysiology is not entirely known..[8]. Cell function can lowers blood sugar, is abundant in goat beans. In Europe,
be altered by free radicals because they can harm lipids, oral antibiotics known as alkylbiguanide synthetic protein A
proteins, DNA, and other cellular components. Numerous and synthetic protein B were initially created in the 1920s
recent studies have demonstrated that antioxidants that can due to guanidine's toxicity, but their usage was discontinued
scavenge free radicals can both prevent and lessen the with the introduction of insulin. Nonetheless, the creation of
severity of diabetes in animal models.[9][10] metformin was facilitated by the experience with biguanide
and guanidine. There are already more than 400 published
Abnormalities in lipid and protein levels are the cause herbal therapies for curing diabetes; however, only few of
of diabetes. The main target of free radicals in people with these have been clinically or scientifically tested for
diabetes is the cells in the body as well as durable proteins effectiveness. In type 2 diabetes models in humans and
like collagen, laminin, and elastin. Due to high blood sugar, animals, certain herbs have been demonstrated to exhibit
these proteins are changed to become glycoproteins. hypoglycemic properties. Further research on herbal
Atherosclerosis, nephropathy, cataracts, microangiopathy, medications is recommended by the WHO's expert
and other complications of diabetes are linked to committee on diabetes.
modifications in proteins in tissues like the crystalline lens,
vessel wall, and basement membrane. Free radicals cause The absence of clinical and scientific evidence
lipoproteins to oxidize in diabetics. Furthermore, individuals supporting the safety and efficacy of herbs is the main
with diabetes frequently experience abnormalities in the barrier to their use in modern medicine. In addition to
metabolism of low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density fundamental bioassays for biological samples, chemical and
lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In toxicological studies, and the development of various animal
diabetics, high levels of oxidative stress lead to increased models for testing toxicity and safety, clinical research on
lipid peroxidation. Non-enzymatic protein glycosylation herbal treatments is also necessary. Determining the active
also produces advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The components of this plant is also crucial.
accumulation of long molecules from AGEs in tissues can
result in abnormal cell and tissue function.[12][13]. A. Herbs which are used in Diabetes:
Furthermore, by attaching to particular macrophage
receptors, AGE promotes the vascular permeability of  Amla ( Phyllanthus Emblica)
microvascular and macrovascular architectures. Free
radicals and endothelial dysfunction are the results of this. A  Synonym- Emblica officinalis
change in gene expression and mutations is brought about  Family- Phyllanthaceae
by AGEs on nucleic acids and histones.  Genus : Phyllanthus

Diabetes requires a multimodal approach to treatment  Chemical Constituent :

because it is a complex illness that causes numerous issues. β-glucogallin, galloyl glucose, gallic acids, glutamic
People with diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or acid , proline, aspartic acid, alanine, cysteine, lysine,
their cells do not react to insulin. The patient will need to emblicanin A and B,
inject insulin if there is insufficient insulin. Many
medications that are suspected to alter how food is  Pharmacological Study :
metabolized for carbohydrates have been produced in E. officinalis is a significant, historically utilized
circumstances where cells do not respond to insulin. medicinal herb that has a strong anti-diabetic effect. Lipid
Acarbose, miglitol, and voglibose, for instance, are peroxidation, antioxidant activity, and hypoglycemic activity
glucosidase inhibitors that are used to regulate postprandial are all reduced by it.[15]
hyperglycemia in the gastrointestinal system. They lower the
quantity of sugar in the cells by stopping the breakdown of
carbs. Metformin is one of the biguanides used to treat
peripheral cell glucose problems. Insulinotropic
sulfonylureas, including glyburide, function as

IJISRT24JAN1552 www.ijisrt.com 1506

Volume 9, Issue 1, January – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
 Bel Patra (Aegle Marmelos)  Fenugreek (Methi) (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum)

 Synonym : Feronia Pellucida Roth.  Synonym: Buceras Foenum-Graecum(L).

 Family: Rutaceae  Family: Fabaceae
 Genus: Aegle  Genus: Trigonella
 Chemical Constituent: Steroid (Sapogenins),
 Chemical Constituent : Galactomannans and Isoleucine
Alkaloids (aegelin & aegelinin), coumarin (marmesin),
tannins, and active principle (marmelosin).  Pharmacological Study:
According to reports, fenugreek seed extracts have the
 Pharmacogical Study : ability to slow down the pace of glucose absorption and the
The Aegle marmelos leaf extract's hypoglycemic effect time it takes for the stomach to empty. Its high fiber content,
on diabetes induced by streptozocin. The trial rats' tissues which slows the metabolism of carbs and lowers blood
had changed parameters, but the extract dramatically glucose, is primarily responsible for the small intestine's
corrected them. The medication appears to heal the damaged reduced uptake of glucose.[20]
pancreas, according to writers.[16]
 Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia)
 Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia)
 Synonym: Cocculus cordifolius (wild) DC
 Synonym: Momordica elegans.  Family: Menispernaceae
 Family: Cucurbitaceae  Genus: Tinospora
 Genus : Momordica
 Chemical Constituents:
 Chemical Constituents: They are classified into various groups, including
Momordicin Ic, apolypeptide-p, oleanolic acid 3-O- steroids, glycosides, alkaloids, diterpenoid lactones,
glu-curonide, and oleanolic acid 3-O-monodesmoside. sesquiterpenoid compounds, phenolics, and polysaccharides.

 Pharmacological Study:  Pharmacological Study:

Juice's mode of action in rats administered a single It has been reported that giving animals an alcoholic or
dose of 60 mg/kg body weight of streptozocin. The treated aqueous extract of T. cordifolia improves their ability to
rats were given M. charantia juice (10 ml/kg) three times a tolerate glucose and lowers their blood sugar. Aqueous
day for three weeks following injection, and this reduced the extract also lowered blood sugar in rats and rabbits with
insulin-induced rise in glucose absorption.[17][18] hyperglycemia brought on by alloxan at a dose of 400
mg/kg.. Nevertheless, a pancreatic histology test has not
 Curry Leaves ( Murraya Koenigii) turned up any evidence.[21]

 Synonym: Spreng. Camunium Koenigii  Gudmar ( Gymnema Sylvestre)

 Family: Rutaceae
 Genus : Bergera  Synonym: Apocynum alterniflorum Lour.
 Family: Apocynaceae
 Chemical Constituent :  Genus: Gymnema
Mahanimbine, Isomahanine, Murrayacinine,
Mahanimboline.  Chemical Constituents: Dried Leaves:
Active ingredients gurmenic acid. alkaloids
 Pharmacological Study : (gymnamine), peptide gurmarin, pararabin, triterpene
One study found that an ethanolic extract of M. glycoside (gymnemic acid 6%), bitter principle (containing
koenigii considerably lowered blood sugar levels. The study sialagouge action), lupenol, quercitol, coloring materials,
found that the antioxidant and insulin-mimetic qualities of and anthraquinones. [22]
M. koenigii explain its ability to lower blood sugar.
Additionally, M. koenigii had a robust antioxidant activity,  Pharmacological Study:
demonstrating a significant decrease in MDA and GSH The hypoglycemic impact of Gymnema sylvestre
levels in addition to a reduction in the homeostatic model leaves on rats was observed in their water-soluble acidic
assessment (HOMA)-insulin resistance index. Overall, rats component. Rats with streptozotocine-induced diabetes were
exposed to M. koenigii appear to have anti-diabetic and used to test the medication. It was found that G.sylvetre
antioxidant effects..[19] increases insulin levels. However, the exact mechanism of
action is still unknown. Gymnemic acid is a component of
Gymnema sylvestre.[23]

IJISRT24JAN1552 www.ijisrt.com 1507

Volume 9, Issue 1, January – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
 Java Plum ( Syzygium Cumini) ingredient, epicatechin, has been demonstrated to be
insulinogenic, which means that it stimulates proinsulin
 Synonym: Syzygium Jambolana. conversion to insulin and insulin release in vitro.[26]
 Family: Myrtaceae
 Genus: Syzygium III. CONCLUSION

 Chemical Constituents: In conclusion, these plants have well-established

Glucoside, ellagic acid, anthocyanins, isoquercetin, antidiabetic properties, and a vast array of other plants may
kaemferol, and myrecetin. It is stated that the seeds contain also have this property. Additionally, it has been claimed
the glycosides jambolin or antimellin, as well as the alkaloid that these plants aid in the management of diabetes-related
jambosine. problems. Future research might concentrate on isolating,
purifying, and characterizing the bioactive substances found
 Pharmacological Study: in these plants. The results of these investigations could
In this work, streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were serve as a springboard for the creation of potential anti-
used to test the hypoglycemic effects of several Eugenia diabetic medications. The use of herbal therapy is expected
jambolana seed components, including the total seed, kernel, to enhance the condition of diabetes patients and promote
and seed coat. The hypoglycemia effect of the whole seed excellent health. Therefore, the management of diabetes
was mild, but the hypoglycemic effect of the seed coat was may benefit from this review. Herbs used naturally for
nonexistent. The hypoglycemic efficacy was compared to diabetes.
glibenclamide, a common hypoglycemic drug.. [24]
REFERENCES
 Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum Linn)
[1]. Ang-Lee MK, Moss J, Yuan CS. Herbal medicines
 Synonym: Ocimum monachorum L and perioperative care. Jama. 2001 Jul
 Family: Labiatae 11;286(2):208-16.
[2]. Grover JK, Yadav S, Vats V. Medicinal plants of
 Genus: Ocimum
India with anti-diabetic potential. Journal of
ethnopharmacology. 2002 Jun 1;81(1):81-100.
 Chemical Constituents:
[3]. Scartezzini P, Speroni E. Review on some plants of
Volatile oil (caryophyllene and eugenol), flavonoids,
Indian traditional medicine with antioxidant activity.
saponins, and triterpenoid compounds (ursolic acid and
Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2000 Jul 1;71(1-
rosmarinic acid).
2):23-43.
[4]. Seth SD, Sharma B. Medicinal plants in India. Indian
 Pharmacological Study: Journal of Medical Research. 2004 Jul 1;120(1):9.
Ocimum sanctum medication caused a significant [5]. D'Epiro NW. An historical, regulatory, and medical
decrease in blood glucose levels throughout fasting and after use perspective on nine common herbs. In: Micozzi
meals when compared to a placebo. In addition, the overall MS, Bacchus AN, eds. The Physician's Guide to
cholesterol levels somewhat decreased.. Although the exact Alternative Medicine. Atlanta, Ga. American Health
mechanism underlying sacred basil's hypoglycemic action is Consultants. 1999:21-30.
unknown, Gymnema sylvestre increases insulin levels.[25] [6]. Fugh‐Berman A, Ernst E. Herb–drug interactions:
review and assessment of report reliability. British
 Vijaysar ( Pterocarpus Marsupium) journal of clinical pharmacology. 2001
Nov;52(5):587-95.
 Synonym: Lingoum marsupium. [7]. Ramachandran A, Snehalatha C, Viswanathan V.
 Family: Fabaceae Burden of type 2 diabetes and its complications–The
 Genus: Pterocarpus Indian scenario. Current science. 2002 Dec 25:1471-
6.
 Chemical Constituents: [8]. Lipinski B. Pathophysiology of oxidative stress in
Pterostilbene is a substance that is obtained from this diabetes mellitus. Journal of Diabetes and its
plant's wood. From this plant, marsupin, pterosupin, and Complications. 2001 Jul 1;15(4):203-10.
liquiritigenin are produced. Epicatechin its active [9]. Michael Kubisch H, Wang J, Bray TM, Phillips JP.
constituent. Targeted overexpression of Cu/Zn superoxide
dismutase protects pancreatic β-cells against
 Pharmacological Study: oxidative stress. Diabetes. 1997 Oct 1;46(10):1563-6.
This plant's wood contains a component called [10]. Naziroğlu M, Çay M. Protective role of
pterostilbene, which has hypoglycemic effects. Because this intraperitoneally administered vitamin E and
extract contains tannates, it has hypoglycemic properties. It selenium on the antioxidative defense mechanisms in
has been shown that the percentage of Pterocarpus rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin.
marsupium flavonoids causes regranulation of the beta cells Biological trace element research. 2001 Feb;79:149-
in the pancreas. This plant's ligurigenin, pterosupin, and 59.
marsupin all shown antihyperlipidemic qualities. The active

IJISRT24JAN1552 www.ijisrt.com 1508

Volume 9, Issue 1, January – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
[11]. Giugliano D, Ceriello A, Paolisso G. Oxidative stress [25]. Agrawal P, Rai V, Singh RB. Randomized placebo-
and diabetic vascular complications. Diabetes care. controlled, single blind trial of holy basil leaves in
1996 Mar 1;19(3):257-67. patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
[12]. Brownlee, MD M. Advanced protein glycosylation in International journal of clinical pharmacology and
diabetes and aging. Annual review of medicine. 1995 therapeutics. 1996 Sep 1;34(9):406-9.
Feb;46(1):223-34. [26]. Chakrabarti D, Ghosh A, Banerjee
[13]. Elgawish A, Glomb M, Friedlander M, Monnier VM. N, Majumder, PC and Gupta. M. Plant .Res. 1995: 21
Involvement of hydrogen peroxide in collagen cross- -23,30. 32.
linking by high glucose in vitro and in vivo. Journal
of Biological Chemistry. 1996 May
31;271(22):12964-71.
[14]. Dey L, Attele AS, Yuan CS. Alternative therapies for
type 2 diabetes. Alternative medicine review. 2002
Feb 1;7(1):45-58.
[15]. KC SK, Müller K. Medicinal plants from Nepal; II.
Evaluation as inhibitors of lipid peroxidation in
biological membranes. Journal of
Ethnopharmacology. 1999 Feb 1;64(2):135-9.
[16]. Das AV, Padayatti PS, Pauiose C. Effect of leaf
extract ofv4cg/emarmelose (L.) Correa ex Roxb. on
histological and ultrastructural changes in tissues of
streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Indian J Exp
Biol. 1996 Apr;34:341-5.
[17]. Raman A, Lau C. Anti-diabetic properties and
phytochemistry of Momordica charantia
L.(Cucurbitaceae). Phytomedicine. 1996 Mar
1;2(4):349-62.
[18]. Ahmed I, Chandranath I, Sharma AK, Adeghate E,
Pallot DJ, Singh J. Mechanism of hypoglycemic
action of Momordica charantia fruit juice in normal
and diabetic rats. J Physiol. 1999;520:25.
[19]. Husna F, Suyatna FD, Arozal W, Poerwaningsih EH.
Anti-diabetic potential of Murraya koenigii (L.) and
its antioxidant capacity in nicotinamide-
streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Drug Research.
2018 Nov;68(11):631-6.
[20]. Patel DK, Prasad SK, Kumar R, Hemalatha S. An
overview on antidiabetic medicinal plants having
insulin mimetic property. Asian Pacific journal of
tropical biomedicine. 2012 Apr 1;2(4):320-30.
[21]. Patel DK, Prasad SK, Kumar R, Hemalatha S. An
overview on antidiabetic medicinal plants having
insulin mimetic property. Asian Pacific journal of
tropical biomedicine. 2012 Apr 1;2(4):320-30.
[22]. Matsuda H, Morikawa T, Yoshikawa M.
Antidiabetogenic constituents from several natural
medicines. Pure and Applied Chemistry. 2002 Jan
1;74(7):1301-8.
[23]. Shanmugasundaram ER, Gopinath KL,
Shanmugasundaram KR, Rajendran VM. Possible
regeneration of the islets of Langerhans in
streptozotocin-diabetic rats given Gymnema
sylvestre leaf extracts. Journal of
ethnopharmacology. 1990 Oct 1;30(3):265-79.
[24]. Ravi K, Sivagnanam K, Subramanian S. Anti-
diabetic activity of Eugenia jambolana seed kernels
on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Journal of
medicinal food. 2004 Jun 1;7(2):187-91.

IJISRT24JAN1552 www.ijisrt.com 1509