Herbal Drugs in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prevalent chronic metabolic disorder that poses a significant public health challenge worldwide. Characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, DM results from either impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance, or a combination of both. While conventional pharmacotherapy, including oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin injections, remains the cornerstone of diabetes treatment, these therapies are often accompanied by side effects, long-term complications, and high treatment costs. In response, there has been growing interest in alternative therapies, particularly herbal medicines, which are perceived to offer a more natural approach to managing the disease. This review explores the role of herbal drugs in diabetes management, evaluating their potential mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, safety, and the future direction of research in this field.