Phytotherapy for Diabetes Management and Lipid Regulation
Summary
Phytotherapy harnesses the therapeutic potential of plant-derived compounds to address the dual challenges of impaired glucose regulation and dyslipidaemia in diabetes mellitus. Many medicinal plants contain bioactive constituents—such as flavonoids, terpenoids and phenolic acids—that exert hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects by modulating key metabolic pathways. These phytochemicals can enhance insulin secretion, improve insulin sensitivity, inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, all of which contribute to improved glycaemic control and lipid homeostasis. Traditional herbs and spices—ranging from seeds of Anethum graveolens (dill) and Carum carvi (caraway) to Coriandrum sativum (coriander) and Cuminum cyminum (cumin)—have been studied for their capacity to lower fasting glucose, attenuate post-prandial glycaemia and normalise circulating cholesterol and triglycerides. The integration of phytotherapeutics into dietary regimens offers a cost-effective, culturally acceptable and accessible approach, particularly in regions where synthetic drugs are limited by side effects, cost or supply constraints. Emerging evidence underlines the global significance of phytotherapy, not only as an adjunct to conventional agents but also as a source of novel lead compounds for antidiabetic and lipid-regulating drug development.
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Phytotherapy for Diabetes Management and Lipid Regulation publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytotherapy for diabetes management and lipid regulation across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Phytotherapy: The use of plant-derived materials for therapeutic purposes.
Phytochemicals: Bioactive compounds produced by plants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids.
Glycaemic control: Regulation of blood glucose levels within a target range.
Lipid profile: A panel of tests measuring circulating lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides.
Insulin resistance: A diminished response of peripheral tissues to insulin signalling.
References
- Protective Effects of Medicinal Plant-Based Foods against Diabetes: A Review on Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Molecular Mechanisms. Nutrients (2023).
- Iranian Medicinal Plants in Diabetes Management: A Narrative Review of Traditional Herbal Remedies and Their Hypoglycemic Effects. Journal of Food Biochemistry (2024).
- The effects of Anethum graveolens (dill) powder supplementation on clinical and metabolic status in patients with type 2 diabetes. Trials (2020).
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