TRADITIONAL INDIAN MEDICINES USED FOR THE

MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS

Syed Ibrahim Rizvi1 and Neetu Mishra 2

1
Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad,
Allahabad 211002, India
2
Centre of Food Technology, University of Allahabad,
Allahabad 211002, India

Correspondence

Dr Syed Ibrahim Rizvi

Department of Biochemistry
University of Allahabad
Allahabad 211002
India

E mail: sirizvi@gmail.com

1
 Abstract

Plants have always been a source of drugs for humans since time immemorial. The Indian
traditional system of medicine is replete with use of plants for the management of
diabetic condition. According to World Health Organization, up to 90% of population in
developing countries use plants and its products as traditional medicine for primary
health care. There are about 800 plants which have been reported to show anti-diabetic
potential. The present review is aimed at providing in depth information about the anti
diabetic potential and bioactive compounds present in Ficus religiosa, Pterocarpus
marsupium, Gymnema sylvestre, Allium sativum, Eugenia jambolana, Momordica
charantia, and Trigonella foenum graecum. The review provides a starting point for
future studies aimed at isolation, purification and characterization of bioactive
antidiabetic compounds present in these plants.

Key words: Diabetes mellitus, Antidiabetic plants, Bioactive principles, Hypoglycemic

potential

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1. Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is a growing problem worldwide entailing enormous financial burden and
medical care policy issues [1]. According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the number
of individuals with diabetes in 2011 crossed 366 million, with an estimated 4.6 million deaths
each year [2]. The Indian subcontinent have emerged as the capital of this diabetes epidemic.
The reported prevalence of diabetes in adults between the ages of 20–79 years are: India 8.31%,
Bangladesh 9.85%, Nepal 3.03%, Sri Lanka 7.77% and Pakistan 6.72% [3].

Indians show a significantly higher age-related prevalence of diabetes when compared with
several other populations [4]. For a given BMI, Asian Indians display a higher insulin level
which is an indicator of peripheral insulin resistance. The insulin resistance in Indians is thought
to be due to their higher body fat percentage [5, 6]. Excess body fat, typical abdominal
deposition pattern, low muscle mass, and racial predisposition may explain the prevalence of
hyperinsulinemia and increased development of type 2 diabetes in Asian Indians.

Diabetes is characterized by metabolic dysregulation primarily of carbohydrate metabolism,

manifested by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, impaired insulin action
or both [7]. Uncontrolled diabetes leads to a plethora of complications affecting the vascular
system, eyes, nerves, kidneys leading to peripheral vascular disease, nephropathy, neuropathy,
retinopathy, morbidity and/or mortality.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), up to 90% of population in developing

countries uses plants and its products as traditional medicine for primary health care [8]. The
WHO has listed 21,000 plants, which are used for medicinal purposes around the world. Among
these 2500 species are in India [9]. There are about 800 plants which have been reported to
show anti-diabetic potential [10]. A wide collection of plant derived active principles
representing numerous bioactive compounds have established their role for possible use in the
treatment of diabetes [10].

The most common and effective antidiabetic medicinal plants of Indian origin are Babool
(Acacia Arabica), Bael (Aegle marmelose), Church Steeples (Agrimonia eupatoria), Onion
(Allium cepa),Garlic (Allium sativum), Ghritakumari (Aloe vera), Neem (Azadirachta indica),
Ash Gourd (Benincasa hispida), Beet root (Beta vulgaris), Fever nut (Caesalpinia bonducella),

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Bitter apple (Citrullus colocynthis), Ivy gourd (Coccinia indica), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus
globules), banyan tree (Ficus bengalenesis), Gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre), Gurhal (Hibiscus
rosasinesis), Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas), Purging Nut (Jatropha curcus), Mango
(Mangifera indica), Karela (Momordica charantia), Mulberry (Morus alba), Kiwach (Mucuna
pruriens), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Bizasar (Pterocarpus marsupium), Anar (Punica granatum),
Jamun (Syzigium cumini), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Methi (Trigonella foenum graecum). All
these plants are rich source of phytochemicals.

The present review presents the anti diabetic efficacy of some important plants used in traditional
system of medicine in India for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

2. Indian medicinal plants with antidiabetic potential

2.1 Ficus religiosa
Ficus religiosa, commonly known as peepal in India belongs to family Moraceae. Ficus
religiosa has been reported to be used in the traditional system of ayurveda for the treatment of
diabetes [11]. F. religiosa has been shown to possess a wide spectrum of in vitro and in vivo
pharmacological activities: antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, anticonvulsant, anti- inflammatory,
analgesic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, antitumor, antiulcer, antianxiety, antihelmintic,
antiasthmatic, immunomodulatory, esterogenic, endotheilin receptor antagonistic, apoptosis
inducer and cognitive enhancer and antihypertensive [12].

Decoction prepared from the bark is used in treatment of diabetes [13]. The plant is believed to
contain several bioactive principles including tannins, saponins, polyphenolic compounds,
flavonoids and sterols. Sitosteryl-d- glucoside present in the bark of Ficus religiosa is believed to
elicit hypoglycemic activity in rabbits [14]. The bioactive components present in Ficus are
Leucocyandin 3-O-beta-d-galactosyl cellobioside, leucopelargonidin-3- O-alpha-L rhamnoside
[15, 16]. The phytoconstituents present in ficus can impart significant antidiabetic effect. It has
been reported to contain phytosterols, flavonoids, tannins, furanocoumarin derivatives namely
bergapten and bergaptol [17].

The leaves of Ficus religiosa have also been studied for anti- hyperglycemic activity [18]. Oral
incorporation of aqueous extract of Ficus religiosa for 21 days caused a significant lowering in

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blood glucose levels and an elevated level of insulin has been observed. The skeletal muscle is
an important site for insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Decrease in muscle and hepatic glycogen
in diabetes was observed to be corrected by peepal extract [19, 20].

Secondary complications of diabetes i.e hypercholesteremia and hypertriglyceridemia were

found to decrease through significantly reduced serum triglycerides and total cholesterol levels in
STZ-diabetic rats [21]. Administration of aqueous extract of bark at the dose of 500 mg/kg has
been reported to ameliorate blood glucose level, hepatic enzymes and lipid parameters in
streptozotocin induced diabetic rats [22].

Oxidative stress is one of the major etiologies in pathogenesis and complications of type 2
diabetes. F. religiosa has been reported to modulate the enzymes of antioxidant defence system
to combat oxidative stress. Restoration of glutathione and inhibition of malondialdehyde content
has shown the antioxidative property of Ficus religiosa [23].

2.2 Eugenia jambolana

Eugenia jambolana (Black plum or Jamun) belongs to the family Myrtaceae. The most
commonly used plant parts are seeds, leaves, fruits and bark. Eugenia jambolana is an evergreen
tropical tree of 8 to 15 m height, with smooth, glossy turpentine smelling leaves. The bark is
scaly gray and the trunk is forked. There are fragrant white flowers in branched clusters at stem
tips and purplish-black oval edible berries. The berries contain only one seed. The taste is
generally acid to fairly sweet but astringent. This tree is known to have grown in Indian sub-
continent and in other regions of South Asia such as, Nepal, Burma, Sri Lanka, Indonesia,
Pakistan and Bangladesh from ancient time.

Jamun has been reported to be used in numerous complementary and alternative medicine
systems of India and, before the discovery of insulin, was a frontline antidiabetic medication
even in Europe. The brew prepared by Jamun seeds in boiling water has been used in the various
traditional systems of medicine in India [24].

Eugenia jambolana is one of the widely used medicinal plants in the treatment of diabetes and
several other diseases. The plant is rich in compounds containing anthocyanins, glucoside,
ellagic acid, isoquercetin, kaemferol, myricetin and hydrolysable tannins (1-0- galloyl castalagin
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and casuarinin). The seeds also contain alkaloid jambosine and glycoside jamboline, which slows
down the diastatic conversion of starch into sugar [25].

The whole plant of Eugenia jambolana is reported to show antioxidative defence due to
numerous phytochemical constituents present in it. The bark of jamun is rich in several bioactive
compounds including quercetin, betulinic acid, B- sitosterol, eugenin, ellagic and gallic acid
[26], bergenin [27], tannins [28] and flavonoids. Fruits contain glucose, fructose, raffinose [29],
mallic acid [30] and anthocyanins [31], leaves are rich in acylated flavonolglycosides [32],
quercetin, myricetin and tannins [33] all of which have hypoglycemic ability.

The blood glucose lowering effect of Eugenia jambolana may be due to increased secretion of
insulin from the  pancreas or by inhibition of insulin degradation [34]. Eugenia jambolana is
also reported to have lipid lowering effect evidenced by reduction of blood cholesterol,
triglycerides and free fatty acids [35]. This effect has been reported to be due to the presence of
flavonoids, saponins and glycoside in the extract which is reported to decrease the activity of
enzyme 3-HMG Co-A reductase in liver [36]. Eugenia jambolana seed extract is reported to
reduce blood pressure probably due to ellagic acid present in it [33].

Addition of ethanolic extract of seeds and seed powder of Eugenia jambolana in alloxan induced
diabetic rats showed significant reduction in blood sugar level and enhancement in
histopathology of pancreatic islets [37]. Decrease in glycosuria and blood urea levels has also
been reported. Similar kind of results has also been reported in numerous studies done on dogs
and rabbits [38, 39].

Eugenia jambolana fruit juice is diuretic and has been reported to provide soothing effect on
human digestive system [40]. The gastro-protective effect has also been reported in jamun seeds.
Elevation of antioxidant status and mucosal defensive properties might be the possible
mechanisms behind gastroprotective properties present in jamun. Presence of flavanoids in the
seeds provides the gastric ulcer protective activity to jamun [40]. Jamun shows antiviral activity
against goatpox and the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) virus [41,42].

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The efficacy of Eugenia jambolana has also been tested in pre clinical and clinical studies [43,
44] for hypolipidemic [45], antiinflammatory, [46], neuropsycho pharmacological [47], antiulcer,
[48], antibacterial [49], antiHIV [50], antidiarrhoeal [49] and antihypertensive activities [47].

2.3 Momordica charantia

Momordica charantia (Bitter gourd or Karela) belongs to the family Cucurbitacea. Fruit as a
whole and fruit seeds are the parts most frequently used for therapeutic benefits. Momordica
charantia is a popular fruit used for the treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and related
conditions amongst the indigenous population of Asia, South America and East Africa. It is often
used as a vegetable in diet. Bitter gourd contains bioactive substances with antidiabetic potential
such as vicine, charantin and triterpenoids along with some antioxidants [51]. Several pre-
clinical studies have documented the antidiabetic and hypoglycaemic effects of Momordica
charantia through various hypothesised mechanisms [52].

Several studies have demonstrated antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer and antidiabetic activities,
in Momordica charantia [53, 54] however, the anti-diabetic activity has been widely reviewed.
In several animal studies, bitter gourd has been reported to ameliorate metabolic syndrome,
where diabetes is one of the risk factors [55-57]. In a study conducted on Taiwanese adults, a
significant reduction in waist circumference, improvement in diabetes and symptoms of
metabolic syndrome, has been observed [58].

The hypoglycemic and lipid- lowering properties of bitter melon have been observed [59].
Studies have shown that Momordica charantia can repair damaged β-cells thereby stimulating
insulin levels [60], and also improve sensitivity/signalling of insulin [57]. Bitter gourd is also
reported to inhibit absorption of glucose by inhibiting glucosidase and suppressing the activity of
disaccharidases in the intestine [61].

Ethanolic extract of Momordica charantia is reported to show antihyperglycemic effect in

normal and streptozotocin diabetic rats which might be due to inhibition of glucose -6 -
phosphatase and also stimulation of activity of hepatic glucose - 6 -phosphate dehydrogenase
[62]. Studies have reported that triterpenoids may be the hypoglycemic components present in

7
karela which could be responsible for activation of AMP -activated protein kinase [63]. The
blood glucose lowering activity of karela has been reported in several animal models [64].

Bitter melon is also effective in loosening adiposity. It is reported to decrease the weight of
epididymal and retroperitoneal white adipose tissues [54]. Bitter melon is found effective in
augmenting skeletal muscle strength, an effect which could be due to higher mRNA expression
for glucose transporter 4 [55]. Extracts/fractions of Antidesma madagascariense and Momordica
charantia were found to significantly inhibit the activity of α- glucosidase, a key carbohydrate
hydrolyzing enzyme. However, glycogen- loaded mice showed significant depressive effect on
increasing level of postprandial blood glucose after ingestion of Momordica charantia [65].
Presence of saponins to some extent might justify the inhibitory activities on α-amylase and α-
glucosidase. Saponins are also supposed to stimulate insulin secretion [66].

2.4 Ocimum sanctum

Ocimum sanctum L. (Holy basil or Tulsi) belongs to the family Lamiaceae. Every part of the
plant is used as therapeutic agent against several diseases. Ocimum (Holy basil) is reported to
grow world wide. Nutritional and Chemical composition of holy basil makes it a pla nt with
immense potential. Eugenol, the active constituent present in O. sanctum L. has been found to
be responsible for its therapeutic potential [67]. Major bioactive constituents present in the leaves
and stems of holy basil include flavonoids, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids, rosmarinic acid,
apigenin, isothymusin, isothymonin, cirsimaritin, orientin, vicenin. Tulsi leave oil contains
euginal, urosolic acid, carvacrol, linalool, limatrol, and caryophyllene along with eugenol. Seeds
oil is known to have fatty acids and sitosterol while seed mucilage contains some sugars.
Anthocyanins are present in green leaves. Furthermore, tulsi is also rich in vitamins, minerals,
chlorophyll and many other phytonutrients.

Antidiabetic properties of tulsi were appreciated in ayurveda [68]. A significant reduction in

blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and urea along with a simultaneous increase in
glycogen, hemoglobin and protein in streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats has been observed
when rats were supplemented with ethanolic extract of O. sanctum [69]. Leaf extract of O.
sanctum L have been reported to stimulate the physiological pathways of insulin secretion [70].
O. sanctum L. showed serum glucose lowering effect when extract was given to normal rats for

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30 days [71]. O. sanctum L. is reported to reduce the serum level of cortisol and glucose in male
mice showing its anti peroxidative effect [72].

Studies have reported that oral administration of alcoholic extract of leaves of O. sanctum L.
significantly reduced blood sugar level in normal, glucose-fed hyperglycemic and streptozotocin-
induced diabetic rats. Improvement in the action of exogenous insulin in normal rats has also
been recorded [73]. Mixed extract of P. marsupium and O. sanctum has been recorded to not
only rectify dyslipidemia but also in restoring the endogenous antioxidant levels in alloxan
induced diabetic rats [74].

Chloroform extracts of aerial parts of tulsi has been able to ameliorate the derangements in lipid
metabolism caused due to diabetes mellitus in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The extract
significantly decreased elevated level of serum glucose and also reversed the cholesterol,
triglyceride and LDL values [75].

The hydroalcoholic extract of O. sanctum L. given to stress induced male wister rats is reported
to significantly prevent the chronic-resistant stress induced rise in plasma cAMP level,
myocardial superoxide dismutase and catalase activities [76]. Urosolic acid isolated from O.
sanctum L. has been reported to protect heart cells from adriamycin induced lipid peroxidation
[77]. O. sanctum L is also used to control blood cholesterol. A marked decrease in serum
cholesterol, triacylglycerol and LDL + VLDL cholesterol as compared to untreated cholesterol-
fed group was observed in cholesterol- fed rabbits when supplemented with O. sanctum L. seed
oil for four weeks [78]. A similar kind of study performed on normal albino rabbits showed
lowered levels of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipids and LDL-cholesterol and a
significant boost in the HDL-cholesterol and total fecal sterol contents with incorporation of
fresh leaves of tulsi [79].

Along with antidiabetic and cardioprotective effects, O. sanctum L. has also been suggested to
acquire antifungal [80], antimicrobial [81], analgesic [82], antihelmintic [83], antistress [9],
antifertility [84], antiinflammatory [85], antioxidant [78, 86], gastroprotective [87],
immunomodulatory [88], antithyroidic [89], anticancer [90], and radioprotective effects [91, 92].
Tulsi is reported to provide protection for central nervous system [93] and against sexually
transmitted diseases [94].
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2.5 Pterocarpus marsupium

Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian Kino tree, Bijasar) belongs to the family Fabaceae. Plant parts
used most commonly are heart wood, leaves, flowers, bark and gum. Pterocarpus marsupium
grows very well in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. As per Ayurveda, it is one of the most versatile
medicinal plants with a wide spectrum of biological activities. Every part of the tree has been
acknowledged for its therapeutic potential. This tree grows up to 30 metres in height.
Compositional studies on bijasar have shown this plant to be a good source of polyphenols. P.
marsupium contains terpenoids and phenolic compounds: ß-sitosterol, lupenol, aurone
glycosides, epicatechins and iso- flavonoids [95, 96].

P. marsupium is known for its antidiabetic activity [97]. Besides eliciting a strong anti diabetic
property, Pterocarpus marsupium is reported effective against several diseases. It is reported to
be antiobesity, antihyperlipidemic [98], antiinflammatory, anthelmentic [99, 100], antioxidative,
antitumorigenic and antiulcerative [101, 71].

Pterocarpus marsupium is reported to have not only hypoglycemic property but also β-cell
protective and regenerative properties [102], effects which have been attributed to the flavonoid
content in the plant. Complete restoration of normal insulin secretion and regeneration of beta
cells has been reported in various experimental models of diabetes [103, 104]. A methanolic
extract of Pterocarpus marsupium when supplemented for 7 and 14 days to STZ-diabetic rats
showed normalization of streptozotocin-distressed serum glucose by correcting glycosylated
hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum protein, insulin, alkaline and acid phosphatase and albumin levels
[105].

The blood sugar lowering activity has been endorsed to be due to the presence of tannates in the
extract of the plant. Antihyperlipidemic activity is contributed probably due to the marsupin,
pterosupin and liquiritigenin present in the plant [106]. (−) Epicatechin has been shown to have
insulinogenic property by enhancing insulin release and conversion of proinsulin to insulin. (−)
Epicatechin has also been shown to possess insulin like activity [107, 108]. Epicatechin has also
been shown to strengthen the insulin signalling by activating key proteins of that pathway and
regulating glucose production through AKT and AMPK modulation in HepG2 cells [109].

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2.6 Trigonella foenum graecum

Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek, Methi) belongs to the family Fabaceae. Seeds and
leaves are the most frequently used parts of the plant. Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek)
is cultivated throughout India and in some other parts of the world as a semi-arid crop [80]. It is
used both as vegetable and as spice in India. Fenugreek is well known for its pungent aromatic
properties and is a flavoring agent in food [110]. Studies on different experimental models have
proved that fenugreek has strong antidiabetic properties [111, 112]. Human studies have also
confirmed the glucose and lipid-lowering ability of fenugreek [113].

Several studies have demonstrated that fenugreek seed extract, mucilage of seeds, and leaves can
decrease blood glucose and cholesterol levels in human and experimental diabetic animals [114,
115]. The therapeutic potential of fenugreek is primarily due to the presence of saponins [116],
4-hydroxyisoleucine [117], trigonelline, an alkaloid [118] and high- fiber content [119].

The antihyperglycemic effect has been correlated with decline in somatostatin and high plasma
glucagon levels [120]. Fenugreek seed powder has been shown to normalize the activity of
creatinine kinase in liver, skeletal muscles and heart of diabetic rats [121]. The anti-
hyperglycemic effect of fenugreek has been hypothesized to be due to the amino acid 4-
hydroxyisoleucine which acts by enhancement of insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in
peripheral tissues [122]. The steroids present in methi have been reported to reduce blood
glucose level when supplemented to diabetic rats [123]. A considerable increment of the area of
insulin -immunoreactive β-cells has been observed [124].

A study on intestinal and renal disaccharidases activity in STZ induced diabetic rats proved the
beneficial effects of fenugreek seed mucilage by enhancing the reduction in maltase activity
during diabetes [125]. The optimistic influence of fenugreek supplementation on intestinal and
renal disaccharidases has been reported [126]. A marked reduction in renal toxicity has been
observed when fenugreek oil is incorporated in the diet of alloxanized rats [125].

2.7 Gymnema sylvestre

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Gymnema sylvestre (Gurmar) belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae. It is a herb native to
the tropical forests of India and Sri Lanka. G. sylvestre is a large climber, with roots at nodes. It
is a potent antidiabetic plant used in ayurvedic preparations. Several studies have proved its anti-
diabetic potential in animal models [125], when combined with acarbose it is reported to reduce
intestinal transport of maltose in rats [127]. Absorption of free oleic acid in rats has also been
reduced [128].

Aqueous extract of G. sylvestre has been reported to cause reversible increases in intracellular
calcium and insulin secretion in mouse and human β-cells with type 2 diabetes [129].
Regeneration of the cells in the pancreas might raise insulin levels [130]. G. sylvestre can also
help prevent adrenal hormones from stimulating the liver to produce glucose in mice, thereby
reducing blood sugar levels [131]. A group of triterpene saponins, known as gymnemic acids and
gymnemosaponins are found present in G. sylvestre which are responsible for reported
pharmacological properties.

Oral administration of Gymnema is reported effective against chronic inflammation [132],

obesity [133, 134], and pancreatic B-cell dysfunction [135]. G. sylvestre suspension shows
tremendous diabetic potential against alloxan induced diabetic albino male rats [136]. The
hypoglycemic effect of ethanolic extract of G. sylvestre is reported to be due to enhanced effect
of insulin which comes into play by increasing either the pancreatic secretion of insulin from B-
cells or its release from the bound form [130, 137,138]. A significant correlation between the
good glycemic control and phospholipid levels has been observed [139]. Oral administration of
G. slyvestre to rats has been reported to result in increased utilization of glucose and/or by
decreasing mobilization of fat [136]. A significant reduction in body weight, plasma proteins and
total hemoglobin levels has also been observed [136].

2.8 Allium sativum

Allium sativum (Garlic) commonly called lahsun belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. Leaves
and bulb are the parts frequently used. As per Ayurveda it is a miraculous plant used against a
variety of problems including, insect bites, intestinal worms, headache and tumors [140]. Garlic
is also used in folk medicine for the management of cardiac diseases, cancer, parasitic, fungal

12
diseases and diabetes [141,142]. The principle bioactive components present in garlic are allicin,
allixin, ajoene and other organo-sulphur compounds.

Biological and therapeutic functions of garlic are basically due to the organo-sulphur
compounds they possess [143]. These chemical components are thought to exhibit numerous
biological effects including lowering of cholesterol and glucose, cancer prevention, and
antimicrobial properties [144]. Studies have proved that consumption of garlic significantly
decreased fasting blood sugar levels [145]. Diallyl trisulfide has been proved to improve
glycemic control in STZ- induced diabetic rats.[146] Incorporation of garlic juice resulted in
better utilization of glucose in glucose tolerance tests performed in rabbits, while allicin at a dose
of 250 mg/kg was 60% as effective as tolbutamide in alloxan- induced diabetic rabbits [147].

Garlic may act as an antidiabetic agent by increasing either the pancreatic secretion of insulin
from the β cells or release of bound insulin [148]. Allicin is supposed to enhance serum insulin
by combining with cysteine and sparing it from SH group reactions [147]. The beneficial effects
of N-acetylcysteine , an organosulfur from allium plants. on serum lipids and glucose are related
to its antioxidant property. N-Acetylcysteine is reported to reduce the oxidative stress by
improving the endogenous antioxidant defences [149].

Allicin, a sulfur-containing compound, is responsible for the pungent flavour and significant
hypoglycemic activity in garlic. This effect is supposed to be due to enhanced hepatic
metabolism, release of insulin and/or insulin sparing effect [150, 151]. S-allyl cystein sulfoxide
the precursor of allicin is reported to control lipid peroxidation and hyperglycemia in rats [152].

Cardiovascular complications of diabetes are reported to be prevented by the consumption of

garlic [153]. Saponins are reported to reduce serum cholesterol levels [154]. Garlic juice has
been found to exert antioxidant and antihyperglycemic effects in alloxan induced diabetic rats
[155].

Phytochemicals present in garlic also show antioxidative property evidenced by scavenging of

reactive oxygen species [156] and increasing cellular antioxidant enzymes: superoxide
dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase [157]. Garlic alone and with ginger and turmeric
when tested against oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide diabetic rats showed

13
80-97 % increment in the signs of hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia, 26-37 % increase in the
production of insulin and enrichment in the antioxidant defence system along with a 60-97 %
decrease in lipid peroxidation [158]. Administration of raw garlic homogenate was found to
normalise both hepatic TBARS and GSH levels and also improved insulin sensitivity and
oxidative stress in fructose- fed rats [159]. Numerous studies report that aged garlic extract inhibit
the generation of glycation -derived free radicals and AGEs in vitro. S -allyl cysteine, one of the
bioactive ingredients of aged garlic is a known antioxidant that possesses the capacity to inhibit
AGEs synthesis [160].

Conclusion

As per Ayurveda, there exist a huge collection of plants with antidiabetic potential. Only few of
them have been scientifically proven and a lot more have yet to be explored and proved. Ficus
religiosa, Gymnema sylvestre, Allium sativum, Trigonella foenum graecum, Pterocarpus
marsupium, Ocimum sanctum, Momordica charantia, Eugenia jambolana, Ficus religiosa have
shown varying degrees of hypoglycemic activity. These plants have also been reported to
contribute in control of complications of diabetes. Future studies may target on isolation,
purification and characterization of bioactive compounds present in these plants. The outcome of
such studies may provide a starting point for development of potential anti diabetic drugs. This
review may be helpful in the management of diabetes.

Conflict of Interests

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests.

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