Phytochemicals from anti-diabetic medicinal plants: A comprehensive review of glycemic control mechanisms

Diabetes mellitus, a growing global health concern, is typically managed through pharmaceutical interventions; however, plant-based therapies have emerged as a promising adjunct to conventional treatments. This paper examines the therapeutic potential of anti-diabetic plants, focusing on their mechanisms of action, including regulation of blood glucose, enhancement of insulin sensitivity, and the mitigation of diabetes-related complications such as oxidative stress and inflammation. Prominent plants, such as Momordica charantia (bitter melon), Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek), and Berberis aristata (berberine), contain bioactive compounds that contribute to their anti-diabetic effects through diverse pathways, including insulin mimetic actions, AMPK activation, and β-cell regeneration. Additionally, many of these plants offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, providing a holistic approach to managing the disease and preventing long-term complications. Despite the promising findings from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, the integration of plant-based therapies into mainstream diabetes care faces several challenges, including the lack of large-scale clinical trials, variability in standardization, concerns regarding bioavailability, and the potential for herb-drug interactions. This review underscores the need for more rigorous clinical trials to establish the efficacy, safety, and optimal dosing of these therapies. When standardized and integrated with conventional medical practices, plant-based therapies have the potential to be affordable, accessible, and effective adjuncts in diabetes management, particularly in low-resource settings where access to conventional medications may be limited. Furthermore, the synergistic combination of modern pharmacological treatments and plant-based therapies could offer a more personalized, comprehensive, and sustainable approach to diabetes care, improving patient outcomes worldwide. Future research should also focus on innovative drug delivery systems, such as nanotechnology, to enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of these plant-derived compounds, ensuring their safe and effective use in diabetes management.