Medicinal Plants in Diabetes Management

Namirimu Sandrah

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Kampala International University Uganda

Email: sandrahnamirimu@studwc.kiu.ac.ug

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and progressive β-cell dysfunction, leading to severe microvascular and macrovascular complications. Despite the availability of conventional therapies, challenges such as side effects, high costs, and limited accessibility have prompted growing interest in medicinal plants as complementary or alternative treatments. Numerous plants, including Momordica charantia (bitter melon), Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek), Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon), Panax ginseng (ginseng), and Aloe vera, have shown hypoglycemic, insulin-sensitizing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities through diverse mechanisms such as β-cell regeneration, modulation of glucose metabolism, inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, and enhancement of insulin sensitivity. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic compounds, exert significant anti-diabetic effects. However, concerns remain regarding standardization, safety, herb–drug interactions, and regulatory oversight. This review synthesizes current evidence on medicinal plants in diabetes management, highlighting mechanisms, clinical findings, safety considerations, and future perspectives for their integration into modern healthcare.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, Diabetes mellitus, Phytochemicals, Insulin sensitization, and Complementary medicine.

CITE AS: Namirimu Sandrah (2025). Medicinal Plants in Diabetes Management. IDOSR JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES 10(3):31-40. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAS/2025/103.3140