ROLE OF PHYTOMEDICINE IN DIABETES

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Despite the availability of several synthetic antidiabetic agents, their long-term use is often associated with side effects and limited efficacy. In this context, phytomedicine—plant-based therapeutics—has emerged as a promising alternative or complementary approach for diabetes management. This paper reviews the role of phytomedicine in the management of diabetes, highlighting bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, and clinical evidence supporting their efficacy and safety. It is commonly known that plants and natural foods consist of thousands of phytochemicals. Further, majority of us are increasingly understanding the relevance of natural elements in improving health and preventing diseases. Oxidative stress development is definitely connected with diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycemia triggers excessive free radical generation, frequent oxidation of stable macromolecules, destabilizing conformation of antioxidative enzymes and transcription factors, modulating metabolic pathways, and promoting inflammatory reactions, and ultimately leads to endothelial dysfunctions and vasculopathy. Conventional diabetes care techniques frequently have numerous negative side effects and are proven to be insufficient to address all of these related health problems. Phytotherapy in the form of complementary and alternative medicine has attracted attention in the treatment of diabetes throughout the years..