Page 36 - IMO-2-2

Innovative Medicines & Omics Herbal remedies for diabetes mellitus

trigonelline, coumarins, flavonoids, sterols, lecithin, Korea, Japan, and North America. The primary bioactive
85
choline, nicotinic acid, and essential minerals. In addition, compounds, such as triterpene saponins, panaxosides,
fenugreek is a rich source of β-carotene, ascorbate, iron, and ginsenosides, boost mental and physical performance
calcium, and zinc. Among the most bioactive polyphenols and exhibit antistress effects. In addition, ginseng contains
found in fenugreek, rhaponticin, and isovitexin have been polysaccharides, peptidoglycans (panaxans A–U),
identified as key contributors to its antiglycemic effects. polyacetylenes, essential oils, sesquiterpene alcohols,
The hypoglycemic properties of fenugreek arise from the sterols, flavonols, and phenolic acids. It has been proposed
synergistic action of its diverse chemical components. as a potential treatment for diabetes by upregulating the
Fenugreek seed galactomannans, in particular, help expression of GLUT-1 and GLUT-4, thereby enhancing
in delaying gastric emptying, slowing carbohydrate glucose uptake. 86
absorption, and modulating glucose transport. This effect
is particularly pronounced when fenugreek is consumed in 5.7.8. Beta vulgaris L.
the form of pap-based preparation. 77 B. vulgaris (beetroot), a member of the Chenopodiaceae
87
family, can grow up to 120 cm in height. It has been
5.7.5. Zingiber officinale Rosc. traditionally used in Turkish medicine for managing
Z. officinale (ginger) is an herbaceous plant with a diabetes. Beetroot contains various phytoconstituents,
solid rhizome belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. such as betalains, flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, apigenin,
The rhizome is rich in essential oils, containing kaempferol, and ferulic acid derivatives), and saponins,
monoterpenes such as phellandrene, camphene, which exhibit antidiabetic activity. The hypoglycemic effects
1,8-cineole, geranial, citral, terpineol, and borneol, as well of beetroot are attributed to its ability to stimulate insulin
as sesquiterpenes, including ar-curcumen, α-zingiberene, secretion and enhance glucose uptake in peripheral tissues.
β-sesquifelandrene, β-bisabolene, and zingiber. Ginger Moreover, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
79
has demonstrated antidiabetic effects by increasing may help prevent diabetes-related complications.
88
insulin sensitivity, protecting pancreatic β-cells, and Beetroot extract (aqueous fraction) has been shown to
reducing oxidative stress. The main bioactive compounds activate signaling pathways involving acetylcholine and
responsible for its antidiabetic effects are shogaol and GLP-1, thereby increasing insulin secretion in response
gingerol. Studies suggest that ginger enhances insulin to glucose, a mechanism known as glucose-stimulated
80
sensitivity by facilitating glucose uptake and utilization insulin secretion. In addition, the upregulation of GLUT-4
in peripheral tissues. In addition, it may stimulate insulin transporters on the cell membrane facilitates glucose
secretion. Ginger extracts have also been shown to exhibit transport into cells, further improving glucose uptake. 89
81
α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, which may contribute to
delayed carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption in 5.7.9. Chenopodium ambrosioides L.
the intestine. 82 C. ambrosioides (Mexican tea) is a perennial shrub that can
grow up to 1 m in height and belongs to the Chenopodiacea
5.7.6. Cinnamomum zeylanicum J. Presl
family. This plant contains several phytoconstituents, such
90
C. zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon) is native to Sri Lanka as alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins, which contribute
(formerly Ceylon) but is now cultivated in several to its medicinal properties. Its hypoglycemic effects are
regions of South Asia and North America. The primary primarily attributed to the stimulation of insulin secretion
constituents of its essential oils include cinnamaldehyde, and the enhancement of glucose uptake. Studies have
90
cinnamyl acetate, eugenol, and β-caryophyllene. The bark demonstrated that Mexican tea exhibits hypoglycemic
of Ceylon cinnamon contains polysaccharides, phenolic and antihyperglycemic effects on experimental models,
acids such as cinnamic acid and its derivatives, oligomeric particularly in rats. However, the specific metabolic
proanthocyanidins, and diterpenes. Cinnamon has pathways underlying these effects remain unexplained.
83
been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity in insulin- While the aqueous extract of Mexican tea has been shown
dependent tissues by modulating cellular signaling to significantly reduce fasting blood glucose levels, further
pathways, promoting glucose transporter type (GLUT)-4 research is needed to elucidate its precise molecular targets
translocation, and increasing glucose uptake. 84 and metabolic mechanisms. 91

5.7.7. Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer 6. Limitations
P. ginseng (ginseng), a member of the Araliaceae family, has Although pre-clinical and in vitro research on a variety of
been utilized in traditional medicine for centuries. It is native medicinal plants has demonstrated promising antidiabetic
to the Central Himalayas in China and extends through effects, several limitations must be acknowledged. In vitro

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 30 doi: 10.36922/imo.7520