Use of Plant Based Medicaments in Treatment of Metabolic Disorders: Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that results in hyperglycemia due to decreased insulin production or inefficient insulin utilization. This disease has been reported in animals, particularly in aged dogs. However, the disorder is much more prevalent in humans. Millions of people across the globe currently have diabetes and incidence rates are predicted to increase dramatically as the population ages. The high cost of diabetes, has led to a growing interest in alternative therapies for diabetes management. Several botanical supplements have been studied as potential therapeutic agents in the management of diabetes and its related complications. Hundreds of plant species have been studied for their potential blood glucose lowering properties. The better studied botanicals with hypoglycemic activity include Momordica charantia (bitter melon), Trigonella foenum-gracum (fenugreek), Gymnema sylvestre (gurmar), Panax quinquefolius (ginseng), Opuntia streptacanthia (nopal cactus), Aloe barbadenesis (aloe), Vaccinium mytillus (bilberry), Silybum marianum (milk thistle), Allium sativum and Allium cepa (garlic and onions) and Pterocarpus marsupium (Vijayasar).