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Innovative Medicines & Omics Herbal remedies for diabetes mellitus

5.4. Gene therapy has been traditionally used as an adjunct or alternative

Gene therapy addresses diseases caused by defective genes treatment for diabetes due to its rich composition of
by introducing a functional gene into affected cells. This bioactive compounds, including amino acids, flavonoids,
approach offers a potential long-term solution for various glycosides, and vitamins. These components exhibit
conditions across multiple medical fields. 59,60 Gene therapy antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and
is categorized into somatic and germline therapy. Somatic anti-hyperglycemic effects, improving insulin sensitivity
gene therapy targets diseased somatic cells, whereas and reducing hepatic glucose production to help regulate
germline gene therapy involves genetic modifications in blood glucose levels effectively (Figure 5). 70,71 Studies
reproductive cells, thereby preventing the transmission of indicate that hypoglycemic herbs improve insulin secretion,
genetic disorders to future generations. The increasing boost glucose uptake by skeletal muscle or adipose tissues,
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application of gene therapy is driven by its potential to treat and inhibit hepatic glucose production and intestinal
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complex diseases, such as DM, autoimmune disorders, glucose absorption. The main bioactive compounds
cardiovascular diseases, and cancers, which are often responsible for bitter melon’s antidiabetic effects are
difficult to manage with conventional treatments. 62 charantin and polypeptide-p. Charantin is a combination
of 5,22-stigmasterol glucoside and β-sitosterol glucoside,
5.5. Nanotechnology two steroidal saponins. Charantin has been shown to lower
Nanotechnology has significantly advanced diabetes blood glucose levels by promoting glucose absorption and
management by improving glucose monitoring and glycogen synthesis in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissues.
insulin delivery systems. It facilitates non-invasive insulin Polypeptide-p, also referred to as p-insulin, is a bioactive
administration and enhances the effectiveness of cell- and gene- peptide that functions similarly to human insulin.
based therapies for T1DM. 63,64 In addition, early and precise Polypeptide-p has shown hypoglycemic effects, suggesting
disease diagnosis is crucial for preventing complications and its potential as a plant-based insulin substitute, especially
minimizing treatment delays, and nanotechnology plays a for individuals with T1DM. 73
pivotal role in achieving this objective. 65
5.7.2. Allium sativum L.
5.6. Lifestyle modification A. sativum (garlic), a member of the Liliaceae family,
Lifestyle modifications play a fundamental role in contains key bioactive compounds such as allicin, diallyl
diabetes management. Patients should adopt a diet rich in disulfide, and diallyl trisulfide, along with flavonoids
vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while selecting non-fat and saponins. These compounds exhibit various
dairy products and lean proteins. In addition, reducing pharmacological properties, including hypoglycemic,
the intake of sugary and high-fat foods is essential for antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, making garlic
maintaining a balanced diet. Quitting smoking and limiting a beneficial supplement for diabetes management and
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alcohol consumption are also key behavioral changes that metabolic health. In the context of diabetes treatment,
can improve overall health. 66,67 Lifestyle interventions garlic has been shown to upregulate the gene expression of
should be personalized to meet individual patient needs. caspase-3 and caspase-9, which are involved in apoptosis
Furthermore, diabetes self-management can be effectively regulation. In addition, garlic has been demonstrated
supported through web-based strategies. 68 to reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines,
including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis
5.7. Medicinal plants factor-alpha, while simultaneously increasing interferon-
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Medicinal plants have been widely explored for the gamma, both in in vitro and in vivo studies. The bioactive
treatment of DM due to their natural bioactive compounds, sulfur compound allicin has been shown to enhance
which help regulate blood glucose levels (Table 4). Several insulin secretion and improve insulin sensitivity, leading
plants, including Gymnema sylvestre, M. charantia (bitter to better blood glucose control. Other sulfur-containing
melon), and Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek), compounds, such as allixin, vinyldithiins, and ajoene, may
have shown promising hypoglycemic effects. These plants also contribute to garlic’s antidiabetic properties. These
enhance insulin secretion, improve glucose metabolism, compounds exhibit a range of biological effects, such as
and reduce oxidative stress, making them potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are
complementary therapies for diabetes management. 69 thought to play a role in diabetes regulation. 76

5.7.1. Momordica charantia L. 5.7.3. Morus alba L.
M. charantia L., commonly known as bitter gourd, karela, M. alba (white mulberry) is a fast-growing deciduous
or balsam pear, belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It plant native to China, Japan, and India. Historical sources

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 27 doi: 10.36922/imo.7520