Role of Traditional Herbal Medicinal Chemistry in the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that has become a major global health burden due to its rising prevalence, associated complications, and the limitations of existing therapeutic options. Conventional pharmacological interventions, while effective in controlling blood glucose levels, are often accompanied by side effects, high treatment costs, and poor long-term compliance. This has led to increasing interest in traditional herbal medicine as an alternative and complementary approach to diabetes management. Traditional medical systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Unani have long employed herbs like Gymnema sylvestre, Momordica charantia, Trigonella foenum-graecum, and Syzygium cumini for treating conditions resembling diabetes.

From a medicinal chemistry perspective, these herbs are rich sources of phytoconstituents including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds. These bioactive molecules act through diverse mechanisms such as enhancing insulin secretion, improving insulin sensitivity, inhibiting carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, modulating lipid and glucose metabolism, and exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Advances in structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies, computational modeling, and ADMET profiling have further enhanced the potential of these natural compounds to serve as drug leads. Despite challenges in standardization, bioavailability, and regulatory approval, the integration of traditional herbal knowledge with modern medicinal chemistry provides a promising pathway for developing safer, cost-effective, and multi-targeted therapies. This convergence offers significant potential not only for the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus but also for reducing its long-term complications and improving patient outcomes.