Page 27 - IMO-2-2

Innovative Medicines & Omics Herbal remedies for diabetes mellitus

abnormalities and an increased susceptibility to infections.
3
Over time, diabetes can lead to severe complications, such
as diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, obesity,
and cardiovascular disease, resulting in progressive damage
to the eyes, kidneys, heart, and nervous system. Diabetes
1
is currently classified according to its pathophysiological
mechanisms and underlying etiology, which guide clinical
assessment and treatment choice. The four main types of
DM include type 1 DM (T1DM), type 2 DM (T2DM),
gestational DM (GDM), and maturity-onset diabetes of
the young (MODY). 4
Globally, the burden of diabetes is escalating at
an alarming rate. In 2021, approximately 537 million
adults aged 20 – 79 years were diagnosed with diabetes,
accounting for 10.5% of the world’s population. This
number is projected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and
783 million by 2045. In addition, 541 million individuals
exhibited impaired glucose tolerance, placing them at
heightened risk of developing diabetes. The rising trend
of youth-onset T2DM is particularly concerning, as it
leads to an earlier onset of complications and a prolonged
lifetime disease burden. A major challenge in diabetes
management is the high prevalence of undiagnosed
cases, particularly in low- and middle-income countries,
where nearly 240 million adults remain unaware of their Figure 1. Overview of glucose metabolism, glycolysis, and the role of
insulin
condition. These statistics highlight the urgent need
for improved diagnostic strategies and more effective
therapeutic interventions. 5 vitamins, in managing diabetes by reducing blood glucose

Present pharmacological treatments for diabetes, levels and inflammation. In addition, a systematic review of
including metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin therapy, and human clinical trials identified four prominent medicinal
newer agents such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 plants – Curcuma longa (turmeric), A. sativum (garlic),
inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor Momordica charantia (bitter melon), and H. sabdariffa
agonists, play a crucial role in glycemic control. However, (roselle) – that exhibited significant glucose-lowering
11
these therapies are often associated with adverse effects, effects.
high costs, and limited long-term efficacy in disease Given the growing scientific evidence supporting the
prevention. Furthermore, accessibility remains a challenge, role of medicinal plants in diabetes management, this
particularly in resource-limited settings. Despite review examines their therapeutic potential alongside
6
advancements in pharmacological therapies, there remains conventional management strategies. It explores the
an increasing interest in medicinal plants as complementary pathophysiology, classification, and treatment strategies
or alternative treatments for diabetes. Numerous for DM, focusing on the therapeutic potential of medicinal
7
plant-derived bioactive compounds have demonstrated plants as complementary or alternative treatments.
antidiabetic effects through various mechanisms, such as This review further explores the epidemiology of
enhancing insulin secretion, improving glucose uptake, diabetes, emphasizing its increasing global prevalence
and reducing oxidative stress. Medicinal plants and and the urgent need for alternative therapeutic options.
8,9
their bioactive compounds offer a promising therapeutic In addition, it discusses recent advances in conventional
approach, especially in regions with limited access to treatment strategies, the role of medicinal plants in glycemic
conventional treatments. control, and their potential to mitigate diabetes-related
A recent review highlights the anti-hypoglycemic complications. The mechanisms by which medicinal plants
properties of several plants, such as Allium sativum (garlic), exert antidiabetic effects, including their impact on insulin
Hibiscus sabdariffa, and Zingiber officinale (ginger). The sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and pancreatic β-cell
10
study emphasized the role of these plants, along with function, are also analyzed.

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 21 doi: 10.36922/imo.7520