Natural Therapeutics for Diabetes Mellitus: Medicinal Plants, Phytochemicals, and Bioactive Compounds

This book provides an in-depth exploration of plant-based therapies and bioactive compounds for the management of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, which affects a large population around the world. Diabetes mellitus is not a single disorder, but a group of metabolic disorders characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, resulting from defects either in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. Increased thirst, urinary output, ketonemia and ketonuria are common symptoms of diabetes mellitus. The presence of ketones in the blood or urine is called ketoacidosis. In such cases proper treatment should be taken immediately; otherwise, it can lead to other diabetic complications. Diabetes mellitus has caused significant morbidity and mortality due to microvascular (retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy) and macrovascular (heart attack, stroke and peripheral vascular disease) complications. Diabetes is mainly attributed to the rapid rise in unhealthy lifestyles, urbanization and ageing. Polyphenols, which are classified into many groups such as flavonoids, tannins and stilbenes, have been known to have health-beneficial properties, which include free radicals scavenging, inhibition of hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes, anti-inflammatory action and antidiabetogenic potentiality. Herbal drugs, on the other hand, are receiving increased popularity and recognition for the treatment of diabetes due to their low risk of side effects. Natural remedies have seen a tremendous increase in public acceptability and interest in both developing and developed countries over the last two decades. This book comprises of the role and mechanisms of various natural products including plants, phytoconstituents, etc., in the management of diabetes mellitus. Moreover, the therapeutic impact of lesser-known compounds like charantins is also highlighted, showcasing how dietary choices and plant-based therapies can be integrated into diabetes care. This book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, healthcare professionals, and students interested in alternative medicine and diabetes management.