A review of the multifunctional benefits of herbal products in the management of diabetes

Review article

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has emerged as a major health challenge all over the world. DM is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels induced by insufficient or ineffective insulin secretion (hyperglycemia). The history of the disease "Madhumeha" has been recorded in traditional systems of treatment such as Ayurveda. For the treatment of diabetic conditions, several single herbs, Bhasma metals and minerals, herbo-mineral formulations, herbal formulations, Taila (oil), Asava-aristas (fermented syrup), and Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) preparations have been mentioned in Ayurveda. Diabetes is a diverse collection of syndromes. The mechanism of high glucose that leads to diabetes and the impact of Moringa on diabetes progression. The higher glucose level in the blood causes glycolysis in the mitochondria of beta cells, resulting in reactive oxygen species. This causes beta cell apoptosis, which results to decreased insulin secretion, hyperglycemia, and, eventually, Type 2 diabetes. The use of Moringa oleifera, on the other hand, can prevent beta cell death. Moringa contains antioxidants that combine with reactive oxygen species to avoid cell damage and subsequent consequences. Studies reporting blood glucose or lipid levels in diabetic rodents with and without receiving extracts of Moringa oleifera were included. Forty-four studies enrolling 349 diabetic rodents treated with extracts of Moringa oleifera and 350 diabetic controls reported blood glucose levels. The pooled effect size was 3.92 (95% CI: −4.65 to 3.19) with a substantial heterogeneity. This effect was likely to be, at least in part, modified by the type of diabetic models.