Preprint / Version 1

Protective Effects of Medicinal Plant-Based Foods against Diabetes: A Review on Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Molecular Mechanisms

Authors

  • Prawej Ansari Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Public Health, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
  • Jannatul Samia Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Public Health, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
  • Joyeeta Khan Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Public Health, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
  • Musfiqur Rafi Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Public Health, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
  • Md Rahman Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Public Health, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
  • Akib Rahman Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Public Health, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
  • Yasser Abdel-Wahab School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; [email protected]
  • Veronique Seidel Natural Products Research Laboratory, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; [email protected]

Keywords:

medicinal plant-based foods, pharmacology, diabetes, insulin, phytoconstituents

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) comprises a range of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by defects in insulin release, insulin action, or both. DM is a widespread condition that affects a substantial portion of the global population, causing high morbidity and mortality rates. The prevalence of this major public health crisis is predicted to increase in the forthcoming years. Although several drugs are available to manage DM, these are associated with adverse side effects, which limits their use. In underdeveloped countries, where such drugs are often costly and not widely available, many people continue to rely on alternative traditional medicine, including medicinal plants. The latter serves as a source of primary healthcare and plant-based foods in many low- and middle-income countries. Interestingly, many of the phytochemicals they contain have been demonstrated to possess antidiabetic activity such as lowering blood glucose levels, stimulating insulin secretion, and alleviating diabetic complications. Therefore, such plants may provide protective effects that could be used in the management of DM. The purpose of this article was to review the medicinal plant-based foods traditionally used for the management of DM, including their therapeutic effects, pharmacologically active phytoconstituents, and antidiabetic mode of action at the molecular level. It also presents future avenues for research in this field. Keywords: medicinal plant-based foods, pharmacology, diabetes, insulin, phytoconstituents

Author Biography

Prawej Ansari, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Public Health, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh

School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; [email protected]

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