Diabetes: Use of traditional medicinal plant

Diabetes

I am coming to Diabetes repeatedly. In my practice, the patients with diabetes are increasing day by day. In fact, the disease burden associated with its financial implications are slowly but steadily crippling a country. Due to illness, many work hours are being lost and in the same time a considerable amount of resources need to be allocated for the management of those patients. The numbers tell the story. The number of people suffering from diabetes has increased from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. The prevalence of diabetes after 18 years has risen two-fold during the same period. According to WHO, in 2030 diabetes will the 7th leading cause of death worldwide.

WHO Diabetes Infographics

Management of Diabetes

Diabetes is a multi-factorial disease that affect the metabolism of carbohydrate resulting in raised blood sugar level. The problem is the deficiency of insulin secretion, impaired insulin action or both. Conventionally insulin-dependent diabetes is treated by exogenous insulin and non-insulin-dependent by oral hypoglycaemic drugs like sulfonylurea, biguanides etc. WHO estimates that in addition to conventional treatment, about 90% patients in developing countries are using traditional medicinal plants and their products. Several medicinal plants are in use for diabetes as well. The major hindrance in using medicinal plants for diabetes care is the lack of scientific and clinical data regarding their efficacy and safety. More clinical researches are necessitated.

We will identify some plants that are commonly used in diabetic care. Please note that the list is not exhaustive and may contain more plants. Detailed description may be the essence of some later blog posts.

1. Bengal Quince (Bel or Bilva), Aegle marmelos, Leaves

2. Garlic, Allium sativum

**3. Aloe Vera, Aloe vera, Leaves

4. Neem, Azadirachta indica, Leaves

5. King of Bitter (Kalmegha), Andrographis paniculata, Leaves

6. Indian banyan, Ficus bengalensis, fruits seeds

7. Bitter gourd, Momordica charantia, fruit juice

8. Holy Basil (Tulsi), *Ocimum sanctum *, Leaves

9. Bitter Stick (Chirata), Swertia chirayita, Leaves

10. Black berry (Jamun), Eugenia jambolana, Seeds

Images: Collected from various sources