MEDICINAL EFFICACY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROFILE OF VIJAYSAR (PTEROCARPUS MARSUPIUM ROXB.), JARUL (LAGERSTROEMIA SPECIOSA LINN.), AND METHIKA (TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM LINN.): A REVIEW ARTICLE

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia due to insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. Pharmacological treatments are effective, but the increasing prevalence of T2DM and the limitations of long-term therapy have led to an increased interest in complementary strategies such as medicinal plants. Some of the traditional plants with antidiabetic properties are Vijaysar (Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.), Jarul or Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers.) and Methika or Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.). The biological activities of these have been ascribed to a wide variety of phytochemicals including epicatechin, pterostilbene, marsupin, corosolic acid, ellagitannins, galactomannan, 4-hydroxyisoleucine and steroidal saponins. Experimental studies indicate the possibility of these plants affecting glucose uptake, insulin secretion, insulin signaling, carbohydrate digestion, hepatic gluconeogenesis, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. Also, human studies showed improvements in glycemic parameters, but the quality and quantity of evidence differs substantially between plants. Fenugreek has relatively better clinical data like randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis while Vijaysar and Jarul have lesser evidence. Here we review phytochemical composition, proposed mechanisms, experimental evidence, clinical studies, safety considerations and needs of future research of these three medicinal plants in T2DM. The successful integration of these botanicals into evidence-based management of diabetes will require standardization of plant preparations, rigorous randomized controlled trials and systematic evaluation of herb-drug interactions. Type 2 diabetes mellitus Vijaysar Pterocarpus marsupium Jarul Lagerstroemia speciosa Banaba Methika Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum phytochemicals insulin resistance medicinal plants.