Role of seeds of Cucurbita maxima and Legenaria siceraria Plants of Family Cucurbitaceae in Management of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes has become a global epidemic. Modern medicines, despite offering a variety of effective treatment options, can have several adverse effects. Ayurveda, a science that uses herbal medicines extensively, originated in India. From ancient times, some of these herbal preparations have been used in the treatment of diabetes. This paper reviews the accumulated literature for two Indian herbs that have antidiabetic activity and that have been scientifically tested. The name of these herbs, are Cucurbita maxima and Legenariasiceraria have been reported to be beneficial for treating type 2 diabetes. Mechanisms such as the stimulating or regenerating effect on beta cells or extra pancreatic effects are proposed for the hypoglycemic action of these herbs.