Exploring lesser-known anti-diabetic plants in tradition and experiments.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Some less known anti-diabetic medicinal plants-an exploration of traditional lore and experiments
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Rinky Thakur
Research Officer, Dr. AL Research Centre for Ayurveda (CCRAS), M/O AYUSH, GOI, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
*Gopal C. Nanda
Assistant Director and In-charge (Scientist-IV), Dr. AL Research Centre for Ayurveda (CCRAS), M/O AYUSH, GOI, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Some less known anti-diabetic medicinal plants-an exploration of traditional lore and experiments
Year: 2016
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Diabetes is a rapidly growing global health issue, affecting approximately 422 million individuals worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts diabetes will become the seventh leading cause of death by 2030. In Ayurveda, diabetes, known as Madhumeha, has been recognized for over three thousand years, drawing parallels with modern medical understanding regarding its causes, symptoms, and treatments. While insulin remains a crucial treatment to manage diabetes, there is a growing interest in herbal remedies. This paper seeks to explore the role of less-known anti-diabetic medicinal plants, their traditional uses, and the verification of these claims through modern research.
Underutilized Medicinal Plants: Helicteres Isora
One significant plant explored is Helicteres isora, known in Ayurveda as Avartani or Avartaphala. Traditionally, its tender leaves are consumed as a vegetable, particularly by tribal communities in Assam. Despite its historical usage in Ayurvedic practices, its potential benefits in diabetes management have been overlooked. Research reveals that the methanolic extract of its fruits contains bioactive compounds like sanguinarine and berberine chloride, which demonstrate hypoglycemic effects in experimental studies involving diabetic rats. Such findings suggest that Helicteres isora could be further investigated for its anti-diabetic properties, given that modern pharmacological studies have shown promising results while traditional practices highlight its utility as a preventive measure.
Antidiabetic Properties of Clerodendrum Serratum
Another important plant discussed is Clerodendrum serratum, known as Bharangi in Ayurveda. This perennial herb is recognized for its various medicinal properties, including its use in treating diabetes among tribal populations in northeastern India. Empirical studies have demonstrated that the methanolic extract of the leaves significantly reduces blood glucose levels in diabetic rat models. The traditional practice involves using unripe fruits as food, highlighting the connection between Ayurveda and modern approaches toward diabetes management. With science validating these traditional claims, Clerodendrum serratum presents itself as a candidate for further research into its role in diabetes care.
Conclusion
The exploration of less-known anti-diabetic medicinal plants such as Helicteres isora and Clerodendrum serratum underscores the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern research. The findings indicate a profound potential for these plants in diabetes management, shedding light on their mechanisms of action through rigorous scientific study. It is crucial to continue these investigations to develop effective, low-cost, and less side-effect-prone herbal solutions for diabetes. By bridging traditional practices with contemporary scientific validation, these plants can contribute significantly to future strategies aimed at controlling and managing diabetes effectively.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of traditional medicinal plants for diabetes?
Traditional medicinal plants play a crucial role in managing diabetes by providing herbal remedies that have been used for centuries, often supported by scientific research demonstrating their effectiveness in controlling blood sugar levels.
Which less-known plants have anti-diabetic properties according to the study?
The study identified several lesser-known plants with anti-diabetic properties such as Helicteres isora, Clerodendrum serratum, Carissa carandas, Cicer arietinum, and Barleria prionitis, highlighting their traditional uses and potential benefits.
How do medicinal plants compare to modern diabetes treatments?
Medicinal plants offer a complementary approach to diabetes management, with fewer side effects and lower costs compared to modern treatments. However, further research is essential to establish their efficacy and mechanisms of action.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Exploring lesser-known anti-diabetic plants in tradition and experiments.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine native to India. The text mentions Ayurveda in the context of traditional treatments for diabetes, using medicinal plants such as Helicteres isora and Clerodendrum serratum for their anti-diabetic properties.
2) Disease:
Disease refers to a disorder or malfunction in the body. The document highlights diabetes as a major disease affecting millions globally, emphasizing the potential use of lesser-known medicinal plants in India for its management.
3) Drug:
A drug is a substance used for medical treatment. The document discusses various plant drugs from Ayurveda, such as Helicteres isora and Clerodendrum serratum, for their anti-diabetic effects, emphasizing their traditional and experimental validation in India.
4) India:
India is a key focus in the document for its rich tradition in Ayurveda and medicinal plants usage. Research on anti-diabetic plants, as well as traditional and experimental findings, highlights India’s contribution to herbal medicinal research.
5) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
This article references P. C. Sharma, who contributed to the compilation of databases on medicinal plants in Ayurveda. His work helps provide scientific validation for traditional anti-diabetic herbs like Carissa carandas and Cicer arientinum.
6) Blood:
Blood is crucial for understanding diabetes, as glucose levels in the blood are used to diagnose and manage the disease. The document discusses various studies involving blood glucose monitoring in rats for evaluating the effectiveness of medicinal plants.
7) New Delhi:
New Delhi is mentioned as the location for the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), which compiles databases on medicinal plants including those with potential anti-diabetic properties.
8) Medicine:
Medicine in the document refers broadly to both traditional remedies based on Ayurveda and modern pharmacological studies. The article explores medicinal plants with anti-diabetic properties, bridging ancient knowledge and contemporary scientific validation.
9) Delhi:
[see source text or glossary: Delhi]
10) Nanda (Namda):
Dr. Gopal C. Nanda is one of the authors of the document, serving as Assistant Director and In-charge at the Regional Ayurveda Research Centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. His contributions help explore traditional anti-diabetic plants.
11) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to the chemical compounds produced by plants. The document mentions phytochemical analyses in identifying active compounds with anti-diabetic properties in plants like Clerodendrum serratum.
12) Indian:
The term Indian is relevant as the document discusses the traditional medicinal plants native to India which possess anti-diabetic properties and are used in Ayurveda for managing diabetes.[see source text or glossary: Indian]
13) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamil Nadu is a state in India where the Regional Ayurveda Research Centre is located. Dr. Gopal C. Nanda, one of the authors, is affiliated with this research center in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
14) Science (Scientific):
Scientific refers to the research and experimental validation of traditional medicinal claims. The document blends traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern scientific studies to explore the anti-diabetic potential of medicinal plants.
15) Chennai:
Chennai is a city in Tamil Nadu, India, where the Regional Ayurveda Research Centre is located and associated with the document's authors. It serves as a base for exploring traditional anti-diabetic medicinal plants.
16) Animal:
Animals, specifically rats, are used in the document for experimental studies to test the anti-diabetic effects of plant extracts like Helicteres isora and Barleria prionitis.
17) Powder:
Powder form of medicinal plants is mentioned for its use in traditional diabetic treatments. For instance, Carissa carandas unripe fruits are powdered and used by tribal practitioners for diabetes management.
18) Ayus (Ayush):
Ayush refers to the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy, responsible for promoting traditional medicine in India. The document discusses research aligned with the Ministry’s initiatives.
19) Tamil:
[see source text or glossary: Tamil]
20) Nadu:
[see source text or glossary: Nadu]
21) Food:
Food is mentioned in the context of medicinal plants like Helicteres isora, which are used as vegetables by tribal communities for their preventive health benefits against conditions such as diabetes.
22) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology refers to the study of drugs and their effects. The document discusses pharmacological studies evaluating the anti-diabetic properties of medicinal plants like Helicteres isora and Barleria prionitis.
23) Dysmenorrhea (Dysmenorrhoea):
[see source text or glossary: Dysmenorrhea]
24) Discussion:
[see source text or glossary: Discussion]
25) Leucoderma:
[see source text or glossary: Leucoderma]
26) Meghalaya (Megha-alaya):
Meghalaya is referenced as one of the regions where traditional healers use plants like Clerodendrum serratum for managing diabetes alongside other ailments.
27) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid is a type of phytochemical found in plants. The document mentions their presence in extracts of various plants like Clerodendrum serratum, which have shown blood sugar-lowering potential.
28) Vaishali (Vaisali):
[see source text or glossary: Vaishali]
29) Bharangi (Bharamgi):
Bharangi is another name for Clerodendrum serratum, a plant discussed in the document for its traditional and experimentally validated anti-diabetic properties.
30) Epidemic:
[see source text or glossary: Epidemic]
31) Prameha:
Prameha, a term from Ayurveda, is often equated with diabetes mellitus. The document discusses medicinal plants like Cicer arientinum and their reference in classical texts for managing Prameha.
32) Madhava:
[see source text or glossary: Madhava]
33) Leprosy:
[see source text or glossary: Leprosy]
34) Niyati:
[see source text or glossary: Niyati]
35) Mishra (Misra):
Sagar K Mishra is a researcher referenced in the document for his work on the anti-diabetic activity of Clerodendrum serratum leaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
36) Bhargi:
Bhargi is another name for Clerodendrum serratum. The document examines its traditional use and scientific validation for anti-diabetic properties.
37) Jaipur:
Jaipur is mentioned as the location of L. B. S. College of Pharmacy, where studies validating the anti-diabetic effects of Barleria prionitis were conducted.
38) Thirst:
[see source text or glossary: Thirst]
39) Sagar (Sagár):
[see source text or glossary: Sagar]
40) Kumar:
[see source text or glossary: Kumar]
41) Patil:
[see source text or glossary: Patil]
42) Tilak:
Tilak Nagar, Jaipur, is referenced in association with L. B. S. College of Pharmacy, where anti-diabetic research on Barleria prionitis was conducted.
43) Sugar:
Sugar is relevant to the document as it discusses blood sugar levels, particularly in the context of diabetes management using traditional medicinal plants.
44) Ulcer:
Diabetic ulcer is mentioned in relation to the usage of Carissa carandas by traditional healers for its treatment, along with other diabetic conditions.
45) Doubt:
[see source text or glossary: Doubt]
46) Fever:
[see source text or glossary: Fever]
47) Death:
[see source text or glossary: Death]
48) Svamin (Swami, Svami, Swamin):
Gaurav Swami is a researcher mentioned for his study on the anti-diabetic effects of Carissa carandas, showing significant hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic effects in rats.
49) Sama (Shama):
Sama Venkatesh is referenced for his work on the antihyperglycemic activity of Helicteres isora roots in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
50) Sahu:
[see source text or glossary: Sahu]
51) Hair:
[see source text or glossary: Hair]
52) Pain:
[see source text or glossary: Pain]
53) Worm:
[see source text or glossary: Worm]
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Exploring lesser-known anti-diabetic plants in tradition and experiments.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Ayurveda, Modern research, Herbal preparation, Nutritional value, Patent Medicine, Traditional healer, Ayurvedic text, Antidiabetic activity, Plant drug, Blood glucose level, Hypoglycemic effect, Herbal product, Anti diabetic, Folk remedy, Treatment of diabetes, Clinical laboratory.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.