ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY OF DIABETES: FROM TRADITIONAL RECIPES TO MODERN MEDICINE

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases of the 21st century. Current pharmacological interventions used in the management of this condition regulate hyperglycemia; however, they do not fully prevent the onset or progression of its secondary complications, including diabetic nephropathy, hepatic dysfunction, osteoporosis, neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular diseases, increased risk of dementia, etc. Consequently, a growing number of individuals with diabetes, in addition to conventional pharmacotherapy, are incorporating herbal alternatives derived from traditional medicine, particularly in the form of herbal mixtures, which are believed to enhance therapeutic outcomes in the management of multifactorial diseases such as diabetes. Given that medicinal plants, and especially herbal mixtures, consist of a diverse array of bioactive compounds that may exert synergistic, additive, or antagonistic effects, it is plausible that their concomitant use with standard pharmaceutical agents could offer benefits in terms of glycemic control, attenuation of secondary complications, and mitigation of pharmacological side effects. However, this practice may also pose risks, including the potential for hypoglycemia, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and other adverse effects. Therefore, comprehensive investigations into biological activities and their mechanisms of actions of both individual herbs and their combinations, particularly when used as adjuncts to conventional therapies, are imperative for ensuring their safety and efficacy in the treatment of diabetes and its associated complications.