Some common antidiabetic plants of the Indian subcontinent

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a clinical manifestation characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia, is often ascribed to either a defect in insulin secretion, insulin resistance or both. Ayurveda (Indian Traditional Medicinal System) have shown promising results in the treatment of diabetes using various plants and herbs with negligible side effects and cost effective treatment. However, only limited number of these plants have been explored and scientifically validated for their hypoglycemic effect. This review highlights some of the plants being commonly used in India for their hypoglycaemic effects.