Pharmacophore 2012, Vol.

3 (1), 18-29 ISSN 2229 – 5402

Pharmacophore
(An International Research Journal)

Available online at http://www.pharmacophorejournal.com/

Review Article
ANTIDIABETIC HERBAL DRUGS A REVIEW
Pritesh Patel*, Pinal Harde, Jagath Pillai, Nilesh Darji and Bhagirath Patel
Sat Kaival College of Pharmacy,
Sarsa Anand, Gujarat, India
ABSTRACT
Traditional medicines derived from medicinal plants are used by about 60% of the world’s population.
This review focuses on Indian herbal drugs and plants used in the treatment of diabetes, especially in
India. Diabetes is an important human ailment afflicting many from various walks of life in different
countries. In India it is proving to be a major health problem, especially in the urban areas. Though there
are various approaches to reduce the ill effects of diabetes and its secondary complications, herbal
formulations are preferred due to lesser side effects and low cost. A list of medicinal plants with proven
antidiabetic and related beneficial effects and of herbal drugs used in treatment of diabetes is compiled.
These include Allium sativum, Eugenia jambolana, Momordica charantia, Ocimum sanctum, Phyllanthus
amarus, Pterocarpus marsupium, Tinospora cordifolia, C. indica, Helicteres isora, Stevia rebaudiana,
Gymnema sylvestre, Enicostemma littorale Blume.

Keywords: Medicinal plant, Antidiabetic drugs, Herbal drugs, Diabetes.

INTRODUCTION preparations of Indian traditional health care
systems. In Indian systems of medicine most
Herbal medicine, also called botanical medicine
practitioners formulate and dispense their own
or phytomedicine, refers to the use of any plant's
recipes. The World Health Organization (WHO)
seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for
has listed 21,000 plants, which are used for
medicinal purposes. Long practiced outside of
medicinal purposes around the world. Among
conventional medicine, herbalism is becoming
these 2500 species are in India, out of which 150
more mainstream as up-to-date analysis and
species are used commercially on a fairly large
research show their value in the treatment and
scale. India is the largest producer of medicinal
prevention of disease.(Ang-Lee,Moss.2000) In
herbs and is called as botanical garden of the
the last few years there has been an exponential
world. The current review focuses on herbal
growth in the field of herbal medicine and these
drug preparations and plants used in the
drugs are gaining popularity both in developing
treatment of diabetes mellitus, a major crippling
and developed countries because of their natural
disease in the world leading to huge economic
origin and less side effects. Many traditional
losses (Barret, et al. 1999).
medicines in use are derived from medicinal
plants, minerals and organic matter. A number of How do herbs work?
medicinal plants, traditionally used for over 1000 For most herbs, the specific ingredient that
years named rasayana are present in herbal causes a therapeutic effect is not known. Whole

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herbs contain many ingredients, and it is likely  Kava kava (Piper methysticum) has become
that they work together to produce the desired popular as a treatment for anxiety, but recent
medicinal effect. The type of environment reports have traced liver damage to enough
(climate, bugs, soil quality) in which a plant people who have used kava that the U.S. FDA
grew will affect its components, as will how and has issued a warning regarding its use and
when it was harvested and processed. other countries, such as Germany and Canada,
How are herbs used? have taken kava off of the market.
 St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is
For the reasons described in the previous section, well known for its antidepressant effects, and
herbalists prefer using whole plants rather than an analysis of 27 studies involving more than
extracting single components from them. Whole 2,000 people confirmed that the herb is an
plant extracts have many components. These effective treatment for mild to moderate
components work together to produce depression.
therapeutic effects and also to lessen the chances
 Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has had a
of side effects from any one component. Several
long tradition as a sleep-inducing agent, with
herbs are often used together to enhance
the added benefit of producing no hangover
effectiveness and synergistic actions and to
feeling the next day.
reduce toxicity (D’Epiro.,1999). Herbalists must
 Echinacea preparations (From Echinacea
take many things into account when prescribing
purpurea and other Echinacea species) may
herbs. For example, the species and variety of
bolster immunity. In a study of 160 volunteers
the plant, the plant's habitat, how it was stored
with flu-like symptoms, echinacea extract
and processed, and whether or not there are
reduced both the frequency and severity of
contaminants (Fugh-Berman., 2000).
cold symptoms.
What is herbal medicine good for?
What is the future of herbal medicine?
Herbalists treat many conditions such as asthma,
Although a renaissance is occurring in herbal
eczema, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid
medicine in the United States, the FDA still
arthritis, migraine, menopausal symptoms,
classifies herbs as dietary supplements and
chronic fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome,
forbids manufacturers to claim that their
among others. Herbal preparations are best taken
products are able to treat or prevent specific
under the guidance of a trained professional. Be
diseases. In some countries in Europe, however,
sure to consult with your doctor or an herbalist
herbs are classified as drugs and are regulated.
before self-treating. Some common herbs and
The German Commission E, an expert medical
their uses are discussed below. Please see our
panel, actively researches their safety and
monographs on individual herbs for detailed
effectiveness.(Fugh-Berman. 2000)
descriptions of uses as well as risks, side effects,
and potential interactions. Diabetes mellitus
 Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) particularly a Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome of disordered
standardized extract known as EGb 761, metabolism, usually due to a combination of
appears to produce improvements in hereditary and environmental causes, resulting in
awareness, judgment, and social function in abnormally high blood sugar levels
people with Alzheimer's disease and (hyperglycemia). Blood glucose levels are
dementia. In a year-long study of 309 people controlled by a complex interaction of multiple
with Alzheimer's disease, those taking EGb chemicals and hormones in the body, including
761 consistently improved while those on the hormone insulin made in the beta cells of the
placebo worsened. pancreas. Diabetes mellitus refers to the group of
diseases that lead to high blood glucose levels
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due to defects in either insulin secretion or Diabetes mellitus in Ayurveda is known as
insulin action (L M Tierney, et al. 2002). Madhu-meha. Several Ayurvedic formulations
Diabetes develops due to a diminished have been used in the treatment of Diabetes
production of insulin (in type 1) or resistance to mellitus for centuries. In addition to herbs,
its effects. Both lead to hyperglycaemia, which minerals find wide application in Ayurvedic
largely causes the acute signs of diabetes: prescription for diabetes. Medicinal herbs like
excessive urine production, resulting Momordica charantia, Gymnema sylvestre,
compensatory thirst and increased fluid intake, Enicostermma littorale, Pterocarpus marsupium,
blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, Salacia reticulate, Coccinia gluaca and
lethargy, and changes in energy metabolism. Trigonella foneum graceum are prescribed as
Monogenic forms, e.g. MODY, constitute 1-5 % single powder drugs or in combition (poly-
of all cases. herbal). Scientists have studies the chemical
composition of the Antidiabetic medicinal herbs
The term diabetes, without qualification, usually
used in Ayurveda. The article deals with work
refers to diabetes mellitus, which is associated
done on Indian medicinal plants with anti
with excessive sweet urine (known as
diabetic potential.(Sadhu, 2005)
“glycosuria”) but there are several rarer
conditions also named diabetes. The most Aegle marmelos Corr. ex Roxb. (Bilava)
common of these is diabetes insipidus in which Family: Rutaceae.
the urine is not sweet (insipidus meaning Common name: Wood apple.
“without taste” in Latin); it can be caused by Parts used: Fruit & leaves.
either kidney (nephrogenic DI) or pituitary gland Geographical source: India.
(central DI) damage. Most cases of diabetes Chemistry: Tannins, active principle
mellitus fall into one of two broad categories.
(marmelosin), alkaloids (aegelin & aegelinin)
The term "type 1 diabetes" has universally and coumarin (marmesin).
replaced several former terms, including Pharmacological study: Das, Padayatil and
childhood-onset diabetes, juvenile diabetes, and Paulose (1996) studied the hypoglycemic
insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM). Likewise, activity of leaf extract of Aegle marmelos in
the term “type 2 diabetes” has replaced several streptozocin induced diabetes. The extract
former terms, including adult-onset diabetes, significantly reversed altered parameters in
obesity-related diabetes, and non-insulin- tissue of the experiment rats. According to
dependent diabetes (NIDDM). Beyond these two authors, the drug seems to repair the injured
types, there is no agreed-upon standard pancreas (Das, et al. 1996)
nomenclature. Various sources have defined
“type 3 diabetes” as, among others, gestational Allium Sativum (Lahsun)
diabetes, insulin-resistant type 1 diabetes (or Synonyms: Garlic (eng), Lasan (Guj), Lasun
“double diabetes”), type 2 diabetes which has (Hindi), Lashuna (Sanskrit).
progressed to require injected insulin, and latent Family: Liliaceae.
autoimmune diabetes of adults (or LADA or Parts used: Ripe Bulbs.
“type 1.5” diabetes.) There is also maturity onset Geographical source: Central Asia, Southern
diabetes of the young (MODY) which is a group Europe, USA, India.
of several single gene (monogenic) disorders Chemistry: It contains a wealth of sulphur
with strong family histories that present as type 2 compounds; most important for the taste is
diabetes before 30 years of age.(Ailloux, 2007) Allicin , which is produced enzymatically from
AYURVEDIC HERBS IN THE allin. It also contain 65% water, 28%
TREATMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS carbohydrate, 2.3% organosulphur compound,
2% proteins, !.2% free amino acid(mainly

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arginine) , 1.5% fiber, 0.15% lipids, 0.08% Asphaltum punjabianum not only reduced blood
phytic acid, 0.07% saponins.(Rangari, 2007) glucose level in dose dependent manner, but
Pharmacogical study: S-allyl cystein sulfoxide significant reduction in blood cholesterol and
(SACS), the precursor of Allicin and garlic oil, is triglycerides was observed. Asphaltum
a sulfur containing amino acid, which controlled punjabianum also prevented induced vascular
lipid peroxidation better than glibenclamide and dysfunction.(Trivedi, et al. 2001)
insulin. It also improved diabetic conditions. Azadirachta Indica
SACS also stimulated in vitro insulin secretion Common Name: Limdo(Guj), Neem(Hindi).
from beta cells isolated from normal rats. Apart Family: Meliaceae
from this, Allium sativum exhibits antimicrobial, Parts used: Whole plants.
anticancer and cardioprotective activities. Chemistry: Nimbidin is major source from seed
oil, It is crude bitter principle.
Andrographis paniculata Nees.l (Kalmegh)
It also contain nimbin, nimbinin, nimbidinin,
Family: Rutaceae nimbolide, nimbilic acid.
Common name: Kalmegh Gedunin obtained from neem’s seed. It also
Parts used: Whole plant contain mahmoodin, Azadirachtin.
Geographical source: India It also contain some tannins like, Gallic acid.
Chemistry: Diterpene lactones (andrographolide, There are also present of Margolonon,
Kalmegh and neoandrographolide). Polysaccharide.
Pharmacological study: Ahmad and Asmawi Pharmacology: Anti diabetic, Anti
(1992) reported hypoglycemic activity of Inflammatory, Anti pyretic, Anti fungal, Anti
Andrographis paniculata. A significant decrease bacterial, Anti malarial, Anti arthritis,
in blood glucose levels was observed on glucose Spermicidal, Anti tumour, Diuretic,
tolerance test as compared to the untreated Immunomodulatory.
group. The authors concluded that the drug Pharmacological study:
inhibits glucose absorption in the Researchers at India's University of Madras in
intestine.(Ghos, et al. 1990) the early 1990s found that high doses (40 gm of
Asphaltum punjabianum (Shilajeet) dried herb daily) of Azadirachta Indica extracts
Common name: Black bitumen or Mineral pitch. may actually help to repair or regenerate the
Charaka-samhita has described medicinal uses of pancreas's beta cells, which play a crucial role in
Asphaltum punjabianum. Sushrita-samhita the production and secretion of insulin. Few
indicates the use if purified Asphaltum other substances, synthetic or natural, offer such
punjabianum is basically a natural exudates promise for reversing beta cell damage and at
conatains shilajit up to forty percent rest being least partially reducing diabetics' need for insulin
matter. and other drugs. On the other hand, studies
Chemistry: Fulvic acid and hippuric acid. indicate that animals that do not have diabetes do
Pharmacological study: Trivedi, Saxena, not produce more insulin after consuming
Mazumdar, Bhatt and Hemavathi (2001) studied Azadirachta Indica (Neem).
the effects of Asphaltum punjabianum on blood Caesalpinia bonducella F., (Karanja)
glucose, lipid profile and vascular preparation in Family: Leguminosae .
alloxan induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was Parts used: Seed, leaves & oil expressed from
induced in albino rats by administration of kernel of seeds.
alloxan 5% (125mg/kg, i.p.). Effect of three Geographical Source: It is found in tropical parts
different doses of Asphaltum punjabianum of Asia & Africa.
(50,100 and 200mg/kg, p.o., daily) were studied Common name: Nicker tree.
on fasting blood glucose and lipid profile at the Chemistry: Bitter principle (bonducin)
end of the 4th week. All three doses of
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Pharmacological study: Biswas and workers Geographical source: It is found throughout
(1997) studied the hypoglycemic activity of India up to height of 1500ft.
aqueous extract of Caesaplinia bonducella. The Chemistry: Bitter principle (swertimarine) two
drug was tested in fasted, fed ,glucose loaded, alkaloids (one gentianine and other’s name not
streptozocin induced diabetes extract confirmed), ophelic acid and tannins.
administered was 250 mg/kg of rat body weight. Pharmacological study: In a study, Maroo and
The extract was found to be effective in glucose workers have shown hypoglycemic and
loaded, streptozocin induced diabetes and antioxidants activity of methanol extract of
alloxan induced diabetic rats. According to Enicostema littorale. Administration of methanol
authors, the drug should be regarded as good oral extract (2.5 g/kg body weight/day) to diabetic
hypoglycemic agents.(Biswas, 1997) rats for 20 days reduced blood glucose levels
Coccinia indica from 466.5+37.07 to 237.20+28.22.The extract
Family: Cucurbitaceae. not only raised the serum Insulin levels but
Parts used: Leaves. improved the antioxidants status of the rats
Pharmacological study: Antia B.S, et al.1999 to also.(Maroo, 2003)
study Dried extracts of Coccinia indica (C. Gymne sylvestre R.Br (Gurmar booti)
indica) (500 mg/kg body weight) were Family: Asclepiadaceae
administered to diabetic patients for 6 weeks. Chemistry:
These extracts restored the activities of enzyme Dried leaves: Resin, pararabin, triterpene
lipoprotein lipase (LPL) that was reduced and glycoside (gymnemic acid 6%), peptide
glucose-6-phosphatase and lactate gurmarin), alkaloids (gymnamine), bitter
dehydrogenase, which were raised in untreated principle (having sialagouge activity), lupenol,
diabetics. Oral administration of 500 mg/kg of C. quercitol, coloring matter and anthraquinones.
indica leaves showed significant hypoglycemia Bark: Calcium and starch.
in alloxanized diabetic dogs and increased Alcoholic extract: Saponin.
glucose tolerance in normal and diabetic Ash: Alkali, phosphoric acid and manganese.
dogs.(Antia, 1999) Use as herbal medicine:The active ingredient is
Curcuma Longa thought to be gurmenic acid which has structure
Family: Zingiberaceae (Ginger Family) similar to sac arose. Extracts of Gymnema is not
Chemistry: Curcumin, Turmeric Extract, Food only claimed to curb sweet tooth but also for
Color E100 , diferuloylmethane,1,7-Bis(4- treatment of as varied problems as
hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5- hyperglycemia, obesity, high cholesterol levels,
dione Chemical Formula: C21H20O6 anemia and digestion. According to the
Clinical study: Sushruta,the of the Ayurveda it helps to treat
These statements have not been evaluated by the Madhumeha i.e.glycosuria.(Hishali, et al. 2002)
FDA. These products are not intended to Pharmacological study: Shanmugassundaram
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. and workers (1991) tested the hypoglycemic
Pregnant or lactating women, diabetics, activity of water-soluble acidic fraction of the
hypoglycemics, and people with known medical Gymnema sylvestre leaves in rats. The drug was
conditions and/or taking medicines should tested in streptozotocine induced diabetic rats. It
consult with a licensed physician and/or was concluded that G.sylvetre raises levels of
pharmacist prior to taking dietary supplements. insulin. Mechanism of action however remains
(Subbaraj, 1995) unclear & gymnemic acid is a constituent of
Enicostemma littorale Blume (Majmakbooti) Gymnema sylvestre (Shanmugasundram,1990).
Family: Gentiaceae Helicterus Isora
Parts used: Whole plant. Family: Sterculiaceae.
Parts used: Roots.
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Chemistry: In traditional the root juice is claimed glycogen, and decreased the activities of
to be useful in diabetes, empyema, and a favorite glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and
cure for snakebite1, 3. From the roots betulic glutamate pyruvate transaminase in experimental
acid, daucosterol, sitosterol, isorin4 were diabetic rats. Whole seed showed a moderate
isolated. Cucurbitacin B and isocucurbitacin B hypoglycemic effect, and seed coat did not show
were isolated and reported to possess cytotoxic any hypoglycemic effect. The hypoglycemic
activity5. The present study was undertaken to efficacy was compared with that of
verify the claim and evaluate the anti-diabetic glibenclamide, a standard hypoglycemic
property of the roots H. isora. drug.(Ravi, et al. 2004)
Pharmacological study: The different extracts of Momordica charantia (Karvellaka)
the roots of Helicteres isora (Family- Family: Cucurbitaceae.
Sterculiaceae) were tested for anti-diabetic Pharmacological study: Ahmed, et al.(1999)
activity, by glucose tolerance test in normal rats studied the mechanism of action of juice in rats.
and alloxan induced diabetic rats. Aqueous Rats were rendered diabetic by single injection
ethanol and butanol extracts had shown (60 mg/kg body weight) of streptozocin. One
significant protection and lowered the blood week after injection, treated animals were fed
glucose levels to normal in glucose tolerance with juice of M.charantia (10 ml/kg) daily for
test. In alloxan induced diabetic rats the three in glucose uptake and it attenuated the
maximum reduction in blood glucose was insulin induced increase in glucose uptake
observed after 3h at a dose level of 250 mg/kg of (Ahmed, 1999).
body weight. The percentage protections by Musa Paradisiacal (Banana)
aqueous ethanol and butanol extracts were 30 Common name: Banana, Pisang.
and 48% respectively. In long term treatment of Family: Musaceae.
alloxan induced diabetic rats, the degree of Parts used: Seed, fruit.
protection was determined by measuring blood Chemistry: It is the rich source of Carbohydrate,
glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and urea levels fair source of Vitamins, Minerals. Starch
on 0,3,5,7 and 10th day. Both the extracts (Amylose-20.5%) present in unripe fruit. It also
showed a significant anti- diabetic activity contain Protein like; Albumin, Globulin,
comparable with that of glibenclamide. The Glutelin, Prolamine. It also contain some
histopathological studies during the long-term freeamino-acids. e.g. Glutamic acid, Gama
treatment have shown to ameliorate the amino butyric acid. It also contain calcium, Iron,
biochemical damages caused by alloxan. These Potassium, Magnesium, Sodium, Phosphorous.
results indicate that the Helicteres isora root Different vitamins present in fruits like;
possess significant antidiabetic Carotene, Niacin, Ascorbic acid, Riboflavin,
activity.(Ventkatesh, et al. 2007) Folic acid, Biotin, Pyridoxine, Inositol.
Jambul (Syzygium Cumini) Pharmacological study: Diabetes mellitus is a
Family: Myrtaceae. debilitating hormonal disorder in which strict
Pharmacological study: The present study glycemic control and prevention of associated
evaluated the hypoglycemic activity of different complications are of crucial importance. This
parts of Eugenia jambolana seeds such as whole study was designed to evaluate the
seed, kernel, and seed coat on streptozotocin- hypoglycemic effect of methanolic extract of
induced diabetic rats. Administration of the mature, green fruits of Musa paradisiaca
ethanolic extract of kernel at a concentration of (MEMP) in normal (normoglycemic) and
100 mg/kg of body weight significantly streptozotocin (STZ)-treated, diabetic
decreased the levels of blood glucose, blood (hyperglycemic) mice, using chlorpropamide as
urea, and cholesterol, increased glucose the reference Antidiabetic agent. MEMP (100-
tolerance and levels of total proteins and liver 800 mg/kg p.o.) induced significant, dose-related
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(p < 0.05-0.001) reductions in the blood glucose sacred basil is not known but Gymnema
concentrations of both normal and diabetic mice. sylvestre raises levels of insulin.(Agraval, et al.
Chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg p.o.) also produced 1996)
significant (p < 0.01-0.001) reductions in the
Phyllanthus niruri
blood glucose concentrations of normal and
diabetic mice. The results of this experimental Family: Euphorbiaceae
study indicate that, in the mammalian model Chemistry: It is a rich source of plant chemicals,
used, MEMP possesses hypoglycemic activity. including many which have been found only in
Although the precise mechanism of the the Phyllanthus genus. The main plant chemicals
hypoglycemic action of MEMP is still unclear in chanca piedra include alkaloids, astragalin,
and will have to await further studies, it could be brevifolin, carboxylic acids, corilagin, cymene,
due, at least in part, to stimulation of insulin ellagic acid, ellagitannins, gallocatechins,
production and subsequent glucose utilization. geraniin, hypophyllanthin, lignans, lintetralins,
Nevertheless, the findings of this experimental lupeols, methyl salicylate, niranthin, nirtetralin,
animal study indicate that MEMP possesses niruretin, nirurin, nirurine, niruriside,
hypoglycemic activity, and thus lends credence norsecurinines, phyllanthin, phyllanthine,
to the suggested folkloric use of the plant in the phyllanthenol, phyllochrysine, phyltetralin,
management and/or control of adult-onset, type- repandusinic acids, quercetin, quercetol,
2 diabetic mellitus among the Yoruba-speaking quercitrin, rutin, saponins, triacontanal, and
people of South-Westerns Nigeria (Chhanda, tricontanol.
2006). Clinical study: In the above 1995 study,
Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Tulsi) researchers also reported that blood sugar levels
Family: Labiatae were reduced significantly in human subjects
Chemistry: Volatile oil (containing eugenol and studied. Two other studies with rabbits and rats
caryophyllene), triterpenoid (rosmarinic acid and document the hypoglycemic effect of chanca
ursolic acid) Flavonoids and Saponin. piedra in diabetic animals. Yet another study
Clinical study: Agraval, Rai and Singh (1996) in documented chanca piedra with aldose reductase
randomized, placebo-controlled, single-bind, inhibition (ARI) properties. Aldose reductases
crossover trial studied the effects of Ocimum are substances that act on nerve endings exposed
sanctum ( dried leaf 2.5g daily )on fasting and to high blood sugar concentration and can lead to
postprandial blood glucose and serum diabetic neuropathy and macular degeneration.
cholesterol levels in patients diagnosed with Substances which inhibit these substances can
non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. 40 prevent some of the chemical imbalances that
patients, 20 of whom were receiving oral occur and thus protect the nerve. This ARI effect
hypoglycemic drugs and twenty of whom were of chanca piedra was attributed, in part, to a
newly diagnosed without a history of anti plant chemical called ellagic acid. This well-
diabetic drug use, took 2.5 g of Ocimum studied plant chemical has been documented
sanctum leaf or placebo in water on an empty with many other beneficial effects in numerous
stomach upon Rising, Followed by the other clinical studies (Chakrabarti, et al. 1995).
treatment for four weeks. Investigators were Polyalthia Longifolia Var. Angustifolia
blinded to the sequence of treatments.The results
Family: Annonaceae.
showed that Ocimum sanctum treatment caused
Parts used: Bark
a significant decrease in both fasting and
Chemistry: Preliminary phytochemical screening
postprandial blood glucose levels compared with
revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycoside,
placebo. A mild reduction in total cholesterol
Saponin, polyphenolic compounds, diterpenoids
levels was also observed. The mechanism
& tannins.
responsible for the hypoglycemic activity of
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Pharmacological study: The chloroform extract lignan, savinin, Calcocedrine, Glucosidessavinin
of stem bark of Polyalthia var. Angustifolia was (Sivaranjan, 2004).
evaluated for it’s Antidiabetic activity in alloxan Medicinal Importance:Ethanol extract of stem
induced diabetic rats and euglycaemic rats after a bark at 0.25 g/kg body weight was reported to
single dose of 200 mg/kg p.o and prolonged possess anti-hyperglycaemic activity.
treatment of 100 mg/kg p.o for 10 days. The Salacia reticulate and Salacia oblonga Wall
results revealed significant antihyperglycemic (Saptachakra)
activity (P<0.01). Glibenclamide showed Family: Hippocrateaceae.
hypoglycemic activity in euglycaemic rats but Chemistry: Flavonoids (Salacinol and kotalanol)
the said extract did not show hypoglycemic Pharmacological study: Augusti, Joseph and
activity.(Andier, 1990) Bapu (1995) studied the Hypoglycemic activity
Pterocarpus Marsupium of chloroform eluted fraction of the petroleum
Family Name: Fabaceae ether extract of the root bark of Salacia
Chemistry: Pterostilbene, a constituent derived demonstrated potent hypoglycemic activity in
from wood of this plant Flavonoids fraction from rats when compared to tolbutamide.(Augusti, et
Pterocarpus marsupium has been shown to al. 1995)
cause pancreatic beta cell regranulation Saraca Indica (Ashoka bark)
Marsupin, pterosupin and liquiritigenin obtained Synonym: Ashok Hindi), Asok (Bengali).
from this plant. (−) Epicatechin, its active Family: Leguminosae.
principle, (−) epicatechin. Chemistry: 6% condensed tannins &
Pharmacological study: It is a deciduous anthocyanin derivatives, Catechol,Sterol,
moderate to large tree found in India mainly in Haemotoxyline, Phlobaphenes, Organic calcium
hilly region. Pterostilbene, a constituent derived compound Ktosterol, Phenolic & Nonphenolic
from wood of this plant caused hypoglycemia in Glycosides. –(-)Epicatechin, ProcyanidinB2, -(-
dogs showed that the hypoglycemic activity of )Epicatechol, antocyanin pigments ,
this extract is because of presence of tannates in Kaempterol.(85)
the extract. Flavonoids fraction from Use: In Diabetes Mellitus, Uterine stimulant,
Pterocarpus marsupium has been shown to sedative , oxytocic activity, In menorrhagia Non
cause pancreatic beta cell regranulation. Phenolic glycoside has Parasympathomimetic
Marsupin, pterosupin and liquiritigenin obtained activity. In intrinsic hemorrhages Ashoka flower
from this plant showed antihyperlipidemic are used. Used in burning sensation . Dried
activity. (−) Epicatechin, its active principle, has flowers used in Diabetes (Rangari, 2007).
been found to be insulinogenic, enhancing Satureja khuzestanica
insulin release and conversion of proinsulin to Family: Lamiaceae.
insulin in vitro. Like insulin, (−) epicatechin Chemistry: 0.5% essential oil, carvacrol,
stimulates oxygen uptake in fat cells and tissue Flavones, triterpenoid, steroids, tannins.
slices of various organs, increases glycogen Pharmacological study: Sanaz Vosaugh-
content of rat diaphragm in a dose-dependent Ghanbari, Roja Rahimi, Shima Zeinali,
manner (Chakrabarti, et al. 1996). Mohammad abddollahi study the Investigate the
Pterocarpus Santalinus L.F. effect of S. khuzestanica supplement in
Family: Fabaceae ( Papillionaceae). metabolic parameter of Hyperlipidimic patients
Chemistry: The red wood yields a natural with type2 diabetes mellitus. A significant
santalin. It also contain ether, alkalis, Crystalline decrease in blood glucose levels was observed an
principle of santal, pterocarpin, Homopterin. glucose tolerance test as compared to the
Small quantity tannin, Kino tannic acid. It also untreated group. The authors concluded that the
present in isoflavone, calocedrin, triterpene, drug inhibits glucose absorption in the intestine.
(Sanaz, et al, 2000)
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 Pritesh Patel et al. / Pharmacophore 2012, Vol. 3 (1), 18-29
Scoparia dulcis tended To decrease glucagon levels, while it did
Family: Scrophulariaceae not significantly alter the area under the insulin,
Chemistry: Flavone, terpene.Main chemical glucagon-like peptide 1, and glucose-dependent
constituents: scopadulcic acids A & B, insulinotropic polypeptide curves. In conclusion,
scopadiol, scopadulciol, scopadulin, Betulinic stevioside reduces postprandial blood glucose
acid. It include acacetin, Amyrin, apigenin, levels in Type 2 diabetic patients, indicating
benzoxazolin, cirsimarin, cirsitakaoside, coixol, beneficial effects on the glucose metabolism.
dulcinol, dulcionic acid, friedelin, gentisic acid, Stevioside may be advantageous in the
glutinol, stigmasterol, taraxerol, vicenine & Treatment of type 2 diabetes (Jeppesen, et al.
vitexin. 2004).
Pharmacological use: Analgesic, Anti- Tinospora Cordifolia (Gaduchi)
inflammatory, Antitumorous, Antibacterial, Family: Menispermaceae.
anticancerous, carditonic, diuretic Chemistry: A variety of constituents have been
,Hypoglycemic Hypotensive, sedative. isolated from Tinospora cordifolia plant and
Pharmacogical study: In 2002, researchers in their structures were elucidated. They belong to
India verified Vassourinha’s Antidiabetic blood different classes such as Alkaloids, diterpenoid
sugar-lowering effects in rats. lactones, glycosides, steroids, Sesquiterpenoid,
Stevia Rabudiana phenolics, aliphatic compounds and
Family: Asteraceae. Polysaccharides. Leaves of this plant are rich in
Chemistry: Steviol is the basic building block of protein (11.2%) and are fairly rich in calcium
stevia's Sweet Glucoside: Stevioside and and phosphorus.
rebaudioside A are constructed by replacing the Chemistry and medicinal properties: Weight
bottom hydrogen atom with glucose and the top produces a temporary but marked fall in blood
hydrogen atom with two or three linked glucose pressure and bradycardia in anaesthetized dogs.
groups, respectively. T. cordifolia is widely used in Indian Ayurvedic
Clinical study: Jeppesen, et al. 2004 Stevioside is medicine for treating diabetes mellitus. Oral
present in the plant Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni administration of an aqueous T. cordifolia root
(SrB). Extracts of SrB have been used for the extract to alloxan diabetic rats caused a
treatment of Diabetes in, for example, Brazil, significant reduction
although a positive effect on glucose metabolism Pharmacological study: In blood glucose and
has not been unequivocally demonstrated. brain lipids. Though the aqueous extract at a
They studied the acute effects of stevioside in dose of 400 mg/kg could elicit significant anti-
type 2 diabetic patients. We hypothesize that hyperglycemic effect in different animal models,
supplementation with stevioside To a test meal Its effect was equivalent to only one unit/kg of
causes a reduction in postprandial blood glucose. insulin. It is reported that the daily
Twelve type 2 diabetic patients were included in administration of either alcoholic or aqueous
an acute, Paired cross-over study. A standard test extract of T. cordifolia decreases the blood
meal was supplemented with either 1 g of glucose level and increases glucose tolerance in
stevioside or 1 g of maize starch (control). Blood rodents. Aqueous extract also caused a reduction
samples were drawn at 30 minutes before and for in blood sugar in alloxaninduced hyperglycemia
240 minutes after ingestion of the test meal. in rats and rabbits in the dose of 400 mg/kg.
Compared to control, stevioside reduced the However, histological examination of pancreas
incremental area under the glucose response has not revealed any evidence.(Gangan, et al.
curve by 18% (P _ .013). The insulinogenic 1996)
index (AUCi, insulin/AUCi, glucose) was Of regeneration of b-cells of islets of Langerhans
increased by approximately 40% by stevioside and the possible mode of action of the plant is
compared to control (P < .001). Stevioside through glucose metabolism. The aqueous
http://www.pharmacophorejournal.com/ 26
 Pritesh Patel et al. / Pharmacophore 2012, Vol. 3 (1), 18-29
extract has also exhibited some inhibitory effect quality of life with increased lifespan. Rasayana
on adrenaline-induced hyperglycemia. Ethyl includes drug formulation, dietary regimen and
acetate extract of its roots has afforded a code of conduct. Many of the drugs used in
pyrrolidine derivative with hypoglycemic Rasayana therapy in diabetes mellitus have
activity in rabbits. Another study has also excellent antioxidant properties, like Phyllanthus
revealed significant hypoglycemic effect of emblica, Azadirachta indica, Ocium sanctum and
extract of leaves in normal and alloxan diabetic Tinospora cordifolia.(Patel, et al. 2006)
rabbits. However, the extract had no significant The Rasayana approach to treat diabetes consists
effect on total lipid levels in normal or treated of Aeara Rasayana (antistress), Ajasrika
rabbits.(Ipahimalni, et al. 2004) Rasayana (dietary control), Osad Rasayana
(Preventive), Naimittika Rasayana
RASAYANA THERAPY IN DIABETES
(hypoglycemic)
MELLITUS
Rasayana is an important branch of Ayurveda.
The main goal of Rasayana therapy is better
Indian Journal of Physiology and
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