A review of advances in the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants for diabetes mellitus condition

Abstract For centuries, communities across the world have depended on medicinal plants for the treatment of various ailments. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in these plants due to their extensive health-promoting properties. Rich in diverse bioactive compounds, medicinal plants offer a wide range of therapeutic potentials. As modern medicine continues to evolve, the demand for alternative treatment options with minimal adverse effects has increased significantly. This shift has led to the growing popularity of complementary and alternative medicine, particularly for managing chronic and otherwise intractable conditions. The present review aims to highlight recent applications of medicinal plants in therapeutic interventions, with an emphasis on integrating their bioactive constituents into conventional drug development for enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects. One such condition of global concern is diabetes mellitus, characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. Although significant strides have been made in its management, many antidiabetic medications are associated with side effects such as hypoglycemia, hepatic dysfunction, renal impairment, and, in severe cases, coma. Consequently, there is an increasing reliance on medicinal plants as a viable, cost-effective, and potentially safer alternative for the treatment and prevention of diabetes. Keywords: medicinal plants, phytochemicals, diabetes mellitus, and therapeutic potential