Effect and Mechanism of Herbal Ingredients in Improving Diabetes Mellitus Complications

Context: Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disease worldwide and its prevalence is increasing. The development of drugs with fewer side-effects is required when treating this disease. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the use of traditional medicine and medicinal plants in this regard. The various mechanisms by which isolated extracts and herbal compounds exert their effects on different diabetes mellitus factors was investigated. Evidence Acquisition: Databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science (from 1990 until the present) were searched, using a detailed list of terms related to the effects and mechanism of herbal ingredients on diabetes mellitus complications. Results: The presence of secondary metabolites, such as phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids in plants, have been used as a source of medication for the treatment of many diseases, including diabetes mellitus. Following an extensive review of the literature, it was found that the secondary metabolites of plants have a wide range of anti-diabetic effects. Conclusions: Plant compounds should be isolated and their effects on diabetes mellitus and its complications examined in order to treatment for diabetes mellitus.