Diabetes is a metabolic hyperglycemic condition that progressively develops,
effect small and large sensory fibers in the affected population. It has various
complications as hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, blindness, kidney
disease as well as peripheral neuropathy. Sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, metformin,
biguanidine, acarbose and insulin are commonly used drugs for diabetic patients, but
these all have certain side effects. Even metformin, that is known as the miracle drug for
diabetes has been found to be associated with side effects, as during treatment it
involves complications with eyes, kidneys, peripheral nerves, heart and vasculature. In
the present article, we hypothesize recent discoveries with respect to active ingredients
from Indian medicinal plants i.e., polypeptide-p (protein analogue act as artificial insulin),
charantin (a steroidal saponin), momordicin (an alkaloid) and osmotin (ubiquitous plant
protein and animal analogue of human adeponectin) possessing anti-hyperglycemic
potential for diabetes type II. Therefore, plants as herbal therapy have preventive care of
hyperglycemia accompanied with healthy lifestyle which can provide significant decline
in the incidences of diabetes in future.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Herbal Therapy: Pertinent Issues Relating to Toxicity and Standardization of Phytopharmaceuticals