Potential use of Sugarcane leaves in the management of Diabetes mellitus

Sugarcane has a historical use in the treatment of various conditions, including jaundice, hemorrhage, urinary disorders, gastrointestinal disturbances, and ocular diseases. The plant is also recognized for its cardiotonic, diuretic, and laxative properties. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-ulcerative, and antioxidant activities. Policosanol, a key constituent, is known to lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, a critical enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by the body's inability to effectively regulate blood glucose levels. The pancreas, normally responsible for insulin production, fails to produce sufficient quantities or the body develops insulin resistance. This leads to hyperglycemia. Fatty acids contribute to an increase in diacylglycerol, triglycerides, ceramides, and reactive oxygen species, ultimately leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and impaired autophagy. These factors contribute to beta-cell dysfunction and death, culminating in the development of type 2 diabetes. Given the cholesterol-lowering properties of policosanol, sugarcane leaves may offer potential benefits in management of type 2 diabetes.