A REVIEW ON MEDICINAL PLANTS WITH ANTI-DIABETIC ACTIVITY

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder which is characterised by hyperglycaemia due to increase in hepatic glucose production ,decreased insulin secretion and impaired insulin action. About 60%of the worlds population uses traditional medicines which are derived from the medicinal plants. In India it is proving to be a severe health issue majorly in the urban areas. Though there are various approaches to reduce the ill effects of diabetes and its secondary complications, herbal formulations are being preferred due to lesser side effects ,less toxic ,low cost and effectiveness .The present review focuses on various herbal plants which are proved to be containing anti-hyperglycaemic activity. Although many plants are recommended, further pharmacological and chemical research should be done to elucidate the exact mechanism of hypoglycaemic activity.