Traditional therapeutic practices of antidiabetic herbs in certain districts of Assam and their validation based on the Glycemic index (GI) evaluation of commonly used herbs

Traditional medicinal plants have been widely used for managing diabetes, especially in rural and indigenous communities. However, scientific validation of these practices remains limited. This study aims to document the ethnobotanical knowledge of plant-based approaches to diabetes management and to assess the Glycemic index (GI) of the most commonly used herbs to validate their potential efficacy. A structured survey was conducted across several districts to collect data on the traditional use of medicinal herbs for diabetes management. The most frequently reported plant species were chosen for further analysis. Their glycemic index was determined in a murine in vivo model to assess their impact on blood glucose levels. The survey revealed a strong reliance on plant-based remedies for diabetes management. Several plant species demonstrated significant potential to regulate glucose levels, as indicated by their glycemic index values, including Dioscorea villosa, Setaria italica, Tinospora cordifolia, Neolamarckia cadamba, Alternanthera sessilis, and Moringa oleifera. The findings suggest a scientific basis for the continued use of these herbs in traditional medicine. This study reinforces the importance of traditional knowledge in diabetes management and highlights the need for further pharmacological validation of these plant species. The results provide a foundation for developing plant-based interventions as complementary therapeutic options for diabetes care.