Evaluating plant-based extracts as alternative therapeutics for diabetes: experimental and clinical insights

Interest in natural; plant-based alternatives to pharmaceutical anti diabetic medications has surged due to their negative side effects. This study assessed the hypoglycemic potential of aqueous extracts from lemon grass; lemon rinds; scent leaf; moringa leaf; and bitter leaf in treating diabetes. Alloxan monohydrate was used to cause diabetes in 35 out of 40 rats that were fasted for the entire night. Rats were split up into control and treatment groups; and the treatment groups were given intragastric intubation every day for two weeks to receive 2 milliliters of either individual or mixed plant extracts. On days four; seven; ten; and fourteen; blood glucose levels were assessed. Five diabetic individuals who ingested the extracts were also involved in the trial; their blood glucose levels were measured 30; 60; 90; and 120 minutes after ingestion. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 with one-way ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range test at p ≤ 0.05. Toxicological analysis revealed that lemon grass extract had the highest tannin (0.62±0.03) and oxalate (3.66±0.32) content; moringa extract recorded the highest phytate level (1.60±0.02); while bitter leaf contained the highest saponin concentration (2.00±0.01). In diabetic rats; untreated groups showed persistently high glucose levels; whereas treated groups exhibited significant reductions. Among human subjects; lemon grass extract led to the highest glucose readings post-consumption; though still lower than baseline. The combined extract demonstrated the most significant glucose-lowering effect in both rats and humans; suggesting synergistic benefits. These findings support the potential of these plant extracts as effective; natural alternatives in diabetes management; though further investigation into their long-term safety is warranted.