Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a global metabolic epidemic affecting essential biochemical activities in almost every age group. Over the last century changes in human behavior and lifestyle have resulted in a dramatic increase in the incidence of diabetes world over. Traditional medicinal plants and herbs having potential anti-diabetic activity are being used as part of diet since prehistoric time. Scientific data on a number of medicinal plants have proved remarkable for cure of diabetes and its complications. The current paper is aimed at providing an overview of the most effective hypoglycemic plants and herbs of Fabaceae Family along with the safety profile of the species used.

Keywords: Antidiabetic activity, traditional plants, herbal medicine, fabaceae, insulino-mimetic activity, Antidiabetic, Traditional medicinal plants, hypoglycemic plants, Diabetes, adhya roga, Chinese medicine, Abrus precatorius, Acacia arabica, Acacia catechu, albino rats, Acacia melanoxylon, Acacia modesta, Acacia suma, Albizia lebbek, Albizia moluccana, cholesterol level, Arachis hypogaea, hypolipidemic activity, Bauhinia forficata, kaempferitrin, Bauhinia purpurea, flavonoids, cell regeneration, insulin, Bauhinia variegata, Butea monosperma, serum cholesterol, Aldose reductase