Ayurvedic Plants with Antidiabetic Potential

Since ancient period in India, Madhumeha (diabetes mellitus) has been treated using indigenous medicines. A rapid increase in the occurrence of diabetes is a serious threat to the humankind. The drugs originated from new bioactive plants have shown more efficacy than oral hypoglycemic agents used in the clinical therapy. Recently attention has been directed toward the selection and confirmation of plants with antidiabetic potential. A number of studies have confirmed the benefits of Ayurvedic plants with hypoglycemic effects in the management of this disorder. These plants usually delay the diabetic complications and rectify the metabolic abnormalities. The present chapter reviews the Ayurvedic perspective of diabetes and the various plants used in diabetes treatment with their mechanism of action and pharmacological test results. Also, the article emphasizes the rational use of traditional as well as indigenous natural medicines.