Medicinal Plants of India with Anti-Diabetic Potential

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Medicinal Plants of India with Anti-Diabetic Potential

 

Author:

 

Grover JK, Yadav S, Vats V.

 

Source:

 

J Ethnopharmacol. 2002;81(1):81-100.

http://www.enzy.com/abstracts/display.asp?id=3658

Abstract:

 

Since ancient times, plants have been an exemplary source of

medicine.

 

Ayurveda and other Indian literature mention the use of

plants in treatment of various human ailments. India has about 45000

plant species and among them, several thousands have been claimed to

possess medicinal properties. Research conducted in last few decades

on plants mentioned in ancient literature or used traditionally for

diabetes have shown anti-diabetic property. The present paper

reviews 45 such plants and their products (active, natural

principles and crude extracts) that have been mentioned/used in the

Indian traditional system of medicine and have shown experimental or

clinical anti-diabetic activity.

 

Indian plants which are most

effective and the most commonly studied in relation to diabetes and

their complications are: Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Aloe vera,

Cajanus cajan, Coccinia indica, Caesalpinia bonducella, Ficus

bengalenesis, Gymnema sylvestre, Momordica charantia, Ocimum

sanctum, Pterocarpus marsupium, Swertia chirayita, Syzigium cumini,

Tinospora cordifolia and Trigonella foenum graecum.

 

Among these we

have evaluated M. charantia, Eugenia jambolana, Mucuna pruriens, T.

cordifolia, T. foenum graecum, O. sanctum, P. marsupium, Murraya

koeingii and Brassica juncea. All plants have shown varying degree

of hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic activity.