Therapeutic potentials and pharmacological properties of Moringa oleifera Lam in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and related complications

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major health problem not only in urban areas, but also in rural areas. DM is a metabolic disorder resulting from abnormal insulin secretion. This leads to chronic hyperglycemia with disturbances of carbohydrate metabolism. Hyperglycemic-induced oxidative stress has been shown to be actively involved in the onset and progression of diabetes. Plants have played a vital role in improving the quality of life and maintaining human health. It also serves as important components for medicines, beverages and seasonings. Many plants contain flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, and carotenoids with anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties. Moringa oleifera (MO) is one of such plants which have been used for centuries as a folk remedy for the treatment and management of various diseases including diabetes. This review is aimed at providing an overview of the potentials of MO in the treatment and management of diabetes and its possible applications in the treatment of other diseases.