Page 41 - ITPS-7-3

INNOSC Theranostics

and Pharmacological Sciences

REVIEW ARTICLE
Medicinal plants as a source of natural remedies

in the management of diabetes

3
Zingisa Sitobo 1 , Liberty Tinotenda Navhaya 2 , and Xolani Henry Makhoba *
1 Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort
Hare, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa
2 Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture,
School of Molecular and Life Sciences, University of Limpopo, Mankweng, Limpopo, South Africa
3 Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences,
University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Roodepoort, South Africa

Abstract
Diabetes is a severe chronic illness that has impacted thousands of individuals
worldwide. It is caused by the body’s failure to produce insulin or insufficient production
of insulin. While diabetes is not curable, it can be managed with injectable insulin, which
decreases blood glucose levels. However, this treatment has several disadvantages that
can affect a patient’s health, and it is often unaffordable for some individuals. Previous
studies have suggested that phytochemicals can improve insulin sensitivity. Due to the
presence of therapeutic phytochemicals in natural plants, medicinal plants emerge
as potential candidates for treating diabetes. In addition, compared to conventional
diabetes treatments, phytochemical treatment may be affordable for all diabetics and
has fewer side effects. This review primarily focuses on the symptoms and treatment
*Corresponding author:
Xolani Henry Makhoba options for the four known types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes
(makhoxh@unisa.ac.za) mellitus, type 3c diabetes mellitus, and neonatal diabetes. The article reviews medicinal
plants that have been used to treat diabetes effectively with minimum side effects,
Citation: Sitobo Z, Navhaya LT,
Makhoba XH. Medicinal plants as such as Momordica charantia L., Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, and Ocimum tenuiflorum L.,
a source of natural remedies in the among others. In addition, some newly approved drugs, such as tirzepatide, sergliflozin,
management of diabetes. INNOSC saxagliptin, and liraglutide, recommended for treating patients suffering from various
Theranostics and Pharmacological
Sciences. 2024;7(3):1885. forms of diabetes, are discussed.
doi: 10.36922/itps.1885
Received: September 21, 2023 Keywords: Diabetes; Symptoms; Treatment; Medicinal plants; Phytochemicals
Accepted: January 16, 2024
Published Online: July 10, 2024
Copyright: © 2024 This 1. Introduction
is an Open-Access article
distributed under the terms There has been a startling rise in diabetes cases on a global scale in developing countries.
of the Creative Commons Statistically, 537 million people had diabetes worldwide as of 2021, with about 10.5% of
AttributionNoncommercial License,
1
permitting all non-commercial use, adults affected by diabetes mellitus (DM). DM was recognized and explained by ancient
distribution, and reproduction in any Egyptians; the word “diabetes” is derived from the Greek word meaning “passer-by
medium, provided the original work
is properly cited. siphon,” and “mellitus” means “sweet.” DM is a chronic illness that occurs when blood
glucose levels are high in the body, causing damage to internal organs such as nerves,
Publisher’s Note: AccScience
Publishing remains neutral with kidneys, and blood vessels over a prolonged period.
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional The primary energy source in the human body, glucose, is obtained from food,
2
affiliations. specifically from proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Blood glucose concentration is

Volume 7 Issue 3 (2024) 1 doi: 10.36922/itps.1885