Effects and safety profile of commonly used herbal anti-diabetic preparations

Since ancient times, plants have been helping human beings to treat various ailments. Several medicinal plants are commonly being used in the management of diabetes particularly in the developing countries where resources are insufficient. Diabetes mellitus is metabolic disorders which has become very common with almost about 2.8% of the morbidity worldwide. In the present review, a special emphasis is given on some commonly used Ayurvedic medicinal plants having hypoglycemic properties and their anti-diabetic preparations. The review presents information regarding the scientific name (genus-species), family, preparation used, the evidence of hypoglycemic activity, the active agents and safety profile. This review could be useful to researchers, clinicians, pharmacists as well as common man from the society as a basic information for further development of anti-diabetic herbal remedies.