DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF MICROENCAPSULATED POLYHERBAL ANTIDIABETIC FORMULATIONS: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF MUSA PARADISIACA, LAGENARIA SICERARIA, AND COSTUS IGNEUS

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder with a rising global prevalence, characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency or resistance. Polyherbal formulations offer a promising alternative for diabetes management, harnessing synergistic effects of multiple plant-derived bioactives while minimizing side effects. Microencapsulation is a novel strategy to enhance the stability, bioavailability, and controlled release of phytoconstituents. This review critically examines the antidiabetic potential of three selected herbs: Banana Flower (Musa paradisiaca), Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), and Insulin Plant (Costus igneus), focusing on their phytochemistry, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the role of microencapsulation techniques in improving herbal formulation outcomes is discussed. Current gaps in research and future perspectives for developing effective polyherbal microencapsulated antidiabetic therapies are highlighted.