A review on some antidiabetic plants of india
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: A review on some antidiabetic plants of india
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The article reviews the antidiabetic plants of India, emphasizing the significance of herbal remedies in managing diabetes mellitus, a condition characterized by insulin deficiency and resultant hyperglycemia. This comprehensive review consolidates various indigenous studies, shedding light on the growing interest in natural antidiabetic agents as alternatives to conventional treatments. Diabetes historically has been acknowledged in ancient texts, such as Sushruta Samhita and Charak Samhita, highlighting a long-standing recognition of herbal medicine in the treatment of this chronic condition.
The Role of Antidiabetic Plants
Among the many plants cited, Syzygium cumini (commonly known as Java plum) stands out for its hypoglycemic properties. The powdered seeds of this plant have been traditionally used to reduce sugar levels in urine and alleviate excessive thirst associated with diabetes. Research suggests that compounds like jamboline and ellagic acid contribute to its effectiveness, with studies showing significant reductions in blood sugar levels in diabetic models. Similarly, other notable plants such as Pterocarpus marsupium, Melia azadirachta, Momordica charantia, and Gymnema sylvestre demonstrate substantial antidiabetic effects, with various active compounds identified that either mimic insulin or aid in its production from pancreatic cells.
Conclusion
The future of diabetes management may increasingly rely on herbal remedies as research continues to validate the efficacy of traditional plants in treating hyperglycemia. The article emphasizes the necessity for further explorations into the ethnomedicinal plants of India, particularly in tribal regions where traditional knowledge may offer promising leads to effective antidiabetic therapies. While insulin remains a crucial treatment, this review highlights the potential of developing new herbal medications based on rigorous clinical studies of established and emerging antidiabetic plants.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
M.K. Rai
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: A review on some antidiabetic plants of india
Year: 1995
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the primary cause of diabetes mellitus as described in the article?
Diabetes mellitus is primarily caused by a deficiency of insulin, leading to hyperglycemia, which is an excessive level of glucose in the blood.
Which plants are commonly used as antidiabetic agents in India?
Common antidiabetic plants include Syzygium cumini, Pterocarpus marsupium, Melia azadirachta, Momordica charantia, and Gymnema sylvestre, all known for their blood sugar-lowering properties.
How has Gymnema sylvestre been traditionally used in diabetes management?
Gymnema sylvestre, also known as Gurmar, is used to manage diabetes by suppressing the taste of sugar and helping control blood sugar levels, as recommended in Ayurveda.
What is the future outlook for antidiabetic herbal drugs?
The future for antidiabetic herbal drugs looks promising, requiring extensive exploration of traditional knowledge and ethno-medicinal herbs, particularly in tribal regions of India, for potential new treatments.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A review on some antidiabetic plants of india”. 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) Sugar:
Sugar, in the context of diabetes, refers to glucose, a crucial energy source for the body's tissues, especially cerebral tissues. Diabetic conditions often lead to hyperglycemia, characterized by high blood sugar levels. Managing sugar levels is fundamental to controlling diabetes, and numerous plants are utilized in traditional medicine for this purpose.
2) Drug:
A drug is a substance used to diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. In the context of diabetes treatment, substances derived from plants, termed herbal drugs, play a significant role as antidiabetic agents. The review highlights various plants recognized for their hypoglycemic activity and potential as therapeutic drugs in managing diabetes.
3) Blood:
Blood is vital for transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, and its glucose level is critical in diabetes management. The review indicates that many plants help lower blood sugar levels, demonstrating the connection between herbal remedies and blood glucose regulation in diabetic patients.
4) Activity:
Activity pertains to the physiological actions of substances, particularly their effects on biological processes. The antidiabetic activity of various herbs is examined in the literature, showcasing how specific plants can lower blood sugar, promote insulin release, or exhibit other beneficial effects in managing diabetes.
5) Tinospora cordifolia:
Tinospora cordifolia, commonly known as Guduchi, is recognized for its medicinal properties in traditional Indian medicine. The article mentions its potential antidiabetic effects, suggesting that its active compounds may play a role in lowering blood sugar levels, making it valuable in diabetes management.
6) Emblica officinalis:
Emblica officinalis, commonly known as Amla, is revered in Ayurvedic medicine for its health benefits. Its significance in diabetes arises from its potential to regulate blood sugar levels and enhance overall metabolic health, aligning with the emphasis on herbal remedies for diabetic patients.
7) Butea monosperma:
Butea monosperma, also known as Flame of the Forest, is highlighted in the review for its traditional use in treating diabetes. The plant is part of the antidiabetic herbs discussed, emphasizing the exploration of indigenous plant species for their therapeutic efficacy in managing hyperglycemia.
8) Mangifera indica:
Mangifera indica, or mango, is not just a popular fruit but also noted for its antidiabetic properties in the review. Its leaves and other parts are explored in traditional medicine, linking them to potential benefits in regulating blood sugar levels for diabetic patients.
9) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, better known as turmeric, is well-known in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The review mentions its relevance in diabetes, suggesting its active compound curcumin may aid in blood sugar regulation, thus making it a valuable herb in diabetes management.
10) Momordica charantia:
Momordica charantia, or bitter melon, is specifically noted for its hypoglycemic effects in the literature. The review cites its ability to lower blood sugar levels effectively, demonstrating its importance as a natural remedy for managing diabetes and contributing to the body of knowledge on herbal medications.
11) Terminalia arjuna:
Terminalia arjuna, also known as Arjuna tree, is recognized in Ayurvedic medicine for cardiovascular benefits. Its potential antidiabetic properties are mentioned in the review, signaling the need for further research into its efficacy in managing diabetes and improving heart health in diabetic patients.
12) Arjuna:
Arjuna refers to Terminalia arjuna, renowned in traditional medicine for its therapeutic applications, particularly in heart-related ailments. In the context of diabetes, its potential effects on blood sugar regulation are discussed, reflecting the plant's significance in the broader spectrum of herbal remedies.
13) Costus:
Costus, particularly Costus speciosus, is acknowledged for its antidiabetic properties in the review. This plant is part of the various herbs studied for their blood sugar-lowering effects, highlighting its relevance in traditional medicine and the continued exploration of its therapeutic potential.
14) Dioscorea bulbifera:
Dioscorea bulbifera, commonly referred to as air potato, is noted in the review for its traditional uses, including potential antidiabetic properties. Its inclusion underscores the diversity of plants being investigated for their role in managing blood sugar levels in diabetes.
15) Tribulus terrestris:
Tribulus terrestris, also known as puncture vine, is highlighted in the context of its medicinal applications, including potential antidiabetic effects. Its mention in the literature reflects the emphasis on exploring various herbs that can contribute to managing hyperglycemia and diabetes.
16) Hordeum vulgare:
Hordeum vulgare, or barley, is recognized for its nutritional benefits and potential role in managing diabetes. The review suggests that barley can help in regulating blood sugar levels, thus reinforcing its importance as a dietary component for diabetic patients.
17) Samhita (Saṃhitā, Saṃhita):
Samhita refers to ancient texts that compile medicinal knowledge, including treatments for diabetes. The mention of Sushruta Samhita and Charak Samhita in the review emphasizes the historical context of herbal remedies and their relevance in contemporary herbal medicine.
18) Tamala (Tamāla):
Tamala refers to Cinnamomum tamala, a tree whose leaves have applications in traditional medicine. Its acknowledgment in the review highlights its potential antidiabetic properties, contributing to a wider understanding of plants beneficial for managing diabetes.
19) Thirst:
Thirst is a common symptom of diabetes, often resulting from high blood sugar levels causing dehydration. The review acknowledges the connection between uncontrolled diabetes, excessive thirst, and the importance of using herbal remedies to help manage blood glucose effectively.
20) Neem:
Neem, specifically Melia azadirachta, is revered for its antidiabetic properties in traditional medicine. The review discusses its potential effects on blood sugar regulation, showcasing its importance to herbal treatment strategies aimed at managing diabetes.
21) Cinnamomum tamala:
Cinnamomum tamala, also recognized as Tamala, is noted for its potential medicinal properties, including antidiabetic effects. Its inclusion in the literature illustrates the broader exploration of various plant species for their efficacy in managing diabetes and improving health outcomes.
22) Acacia catechu:
Acacia catechu, or Khair, is acknowledged for its traditional uses in medicine, including potential benefits for diabetes management. The review references its applications, highlighting the diversity of plants with hypoglycemic properties worthy of further investigation.
23) Sushruta-samhita (Suśruta-saṃhitā):
Sushruta-samhita is an ancient text significant to Ayurveda, detailing various medical practices, including treatments for diabetes. The mention underscores the historical knowledge surrounding herbal medicine, providing a framework for contemporary exploration of botanical treatments for diabetes.
24) Syzygium cumini:
Syzygium cumini is emphasized for its historical use in treating diabetes. The review outlines its antidiabetic effects, particularly its ability to lower blood sugar levels, revealing the relevance of this plant in the ongoing search for effective herbal remedies.
25) Aegle marmelos:
Aegle marmelos, commonly known as Bael, is discussed in the context of its therapeutic benefits, including antidiabetic properties. Its relevance emphasizes Ayurvedic principles and the potential of natural remedies to manage diabetes and improve overall health.
26) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine originating in India, focusing on holistic healing. The review emphasizes its role in identifying and utilizing various plants for their medicinal properties, particularly in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes.
27) Himalaya (Himālaya, Hima-alaya):
Himalaya refers to the geographical region known for its rich biodiversity, including various medicinal plants. The review highlights the importance of indigenous plants from this region in developing antidiabetic herbal drugs, showcasing the potential of traditional knowledge in modern medicine.
28) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses substances or practices used to diagnose, treat, or prevent diseases. The review focuses on traditional medicinal plants as alternatives to synthetic drugs in managing diabetes, highlighting the intersection of herbal traditions with contemporary medical practices.
29) Debility:
Debility refers to a state of weakness or incapacity often associated with chronic conditions like diabetes. The literature ties the plight of diabetic patients experiencing debility to the importance of using herbal remedies for energy support and blood sugar regulation.
30) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world. The review links the exploration of medicinal plants for diabetes treatment to scientific inquiry and research, underlining the need for evidence-based approaches in ethnomedicine.
31) Carati (Carāṭi, Cārati):
Saradhi refers to a specific type of plant in Ayurvedic contexts, suggesting a focus on herbal therapies for diabetes management. The mention of Saradhi in the review reflects the importance of local knowledge systems and their relevance in contemporary herbal practices.
32) Madhya (Mādhya):
Madhya, referring to central regions of India, often has a rich diversity of medicinal plants. The review emphasizes the exploration of local herbal remedies for diabetes management, highlighting how traditional practices from these areas contribute to modern medicinal knowledge.
33) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, essential to understanding the pharmaceutical applications of various species. The review intersects with botanical research, emphasizing the relevance of plant studies in discovering effective antidiabetic agents for diabetes treatment.
34) Shala (Sālā, Sāla, Śala, Śālā, Śāla, Sala):
Sala refers to specific forests or plant species within Ayurvedic literature. Its mention denotes the importance of traditional herbal sources in addressing diabetes, promoting the exploration of medicinal plants in these ecological contexts to support metabolic health.
35) Diet:
Diet plays a crucial role in managing diabetes, influencing blood sugar levels significantly. The review points to the need for a balanced diet alongside the use of herbal remedies, underscoring the synergy between dietary practices and natural treatments in effective diabetes management.