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Innovative Medicines & Omics Herbal remedies for diabetes mellitus

Table 4. (Continued)
No. Common name Botanical name Family Plant part Mechanism of action
used
37 Bael Aegle marmelos Rutaceae Leaves Improves insulin function, reduces blood glucose
38 Ginseng Panax ginseng Araliaceae Root Enhances insulin secretion, reduces glucose absorption
39 Shatavari Asparagus racemosus Asparagaceae Root Enhances insulin secretion, reduces oxidative stress
40 Hibiscus Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Malvaceae Flowers Reduces oxidative stress, improves insulin action
41 Indian Costus Saussurea lappa Asteraceae Root Enhances insulin action, reduces blood glucose
42 Barley Hordeum vulgare Poaceae Seeds Improves insulin resistance, lowers glucose absorption
43 Wheatgrass Triticum aestivum Poaceae Leaves Reduces oxidative stress, enhances glucose metabolism
44 Pumpkin Cucurbita maxima Cucurbitaceae Seeds Enhances insulin secretion, reduces blood glucose
45 Papaya Carica papaya Caricaceae Leaves Improves pancreatic function, reduces blood glucose
46 Mulberry Morus alba Moraceae Leaves Inhibits carbohydrate digestion, enhances insulin function
47 Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum Ericaceae Fruit & Reduces oxidative stress and improves insulin function
Leaves
48 Black plum Eugenia jambolana Myrtaceae Seeds & Enhances insulin secretion, reduces blood glucose
Bark
49 Prickly pear Opuntia ficus-indica Cactaceae Pads Reduces glucose absorption, improves insulin sensitivity
cactus
50 Chicory Cichorium intybus Asteraceae Root Inhibits glucose absorption, enhances insulin sensitivity

Figure 5. Mechanism of action of antidiabetic medicinal plants

indicate that its fruits, leaves, and bark have been utilized inhibitory activity. This suggests that mulberry extracts may
in traditional medicine since around 3,000 BCE. Mulberry also contribute to enhanced insulin secretion and improved
leaves are rich in essential nutrients, including proteins, lipids, insulin sensitivity. 78
carbohydrates, fiber, β-carotene, xanthophylls, Vitamins C
and E, β-sitosterol, and several important minerals. Notably, 5.7.4. Trigonella foenum-graecum L.
the bioactive compounds present in mulberry exhibit T. foenum-graecum (fenugreek) is an annual herb native
significant antidiabetic properties, particularly through their to the Mediterranean, India, and China. It produces small,
ability to inhibit the activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, fine seeds that are rich in galactomannans, mucilaginous
enzymes that help in controlling blood glucose levels. polysaccharides, and proteins, including tryptophan
77
While the precise mechanisms by which mulberry exerts and lysine. The leaves of fenugreek contain a variety of
its hypoglycemic effects are still under investigation, bioactive compounds, such as free amino acids (e.g.,
prior research has demonstrated its potent α-glucosidase 4-hydroxyisoleucine and histidine), fats, steroid saponins,

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 29 doi: 10.36922/imo.7520