400 Medicinal Plants: Uncovering Their Anti-Diabetic Properties

At least 400 medicinal plants effective in decreasing sugar levels in the blood which is critical to control type 2 diabetes identified.

At least 400 plants with anti-diabetic properties have been identified by researchers.

"So far, studies have been done only on 21 herbal plants, including 'vijayasar', 'jamun', cumin, 'neem', 'amla' and turmeric, which have been found to //have prominent anti-hyperglycemic action," it said.

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‘Many anti-diabetic drugs were found to have herbal background. For example, the most popularly used anti-diabetic medication metformin is obtained from the Galega officinalis plant. ’

These medicinal plants have been the basis of many drugs to manage diabetes after analyzing data available on PubMed while citing examples of herbal formulations like BGR-34 prepared by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) ().

Medicinal Plants with Anti-Diabetic Properties

Marketed by AIMIL Pharmaceuticals, BGR-34 contains not one but many active compounds derived from four medicinal herbs namely 'daruharidra', 'gudmar', 'methi' and 'vijayasar'.

"Apart from this, 'giloe' and 'majeeth' have also been added to increase immunity as well as anti-oxidants levels," said Sanchit Sharma, Executive Director, AIMIL Pharmaceuticals.

Last year, a study by the AIIMS Delhi found that BGR-34 is effective not only in reducing sugar but obesity as well. This ayurvedic medicine also improves the body's metabolic system.

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The study titled 'Treatment on Nature's lap: Use of herbal products in the management of hyperglycemia', also noted that though partial research has been conducted on eight plants, including pomegranate, 'shilajit', bean, tea, 'ginkgo biloba' and saffron which have shown anti-diabetic properties, more trials are needed.

"Similarly, SGLT2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter-2) which is effective in treatment of diabetes, was manufactured after obtaining Phlorizin from the bark of apple tree," they said, making a strong case for evidence-based trials in the natural products, which is "expected to open the door for the development of novel drugs in the modern management of diabetes in the future".

Reference:

Treatment on Nature's lap: Use of herbal products in the management of hyperglycemia - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37122430/)

Source-IANS

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