International Journal of Medicinal Plants. Photon 108 (2015) 676-682 https://sites.google.com/site/photonfoundationorganization/home/international-journal-of-medicinal-plants Original Research Article. ISJN: 6672-4384: Impact Index: 4.18

International Journal of Medicinal Plants Ph ton

Documentation of Traditional Herbal Home Remedies for Diabetes

Sabina Dias *, Reena Thakur, Soniya Velguekar, Marilyn D’Mello, Sonam Madgaonkar

St. Xavier’s College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Mapusa Bardez, Goa, 403507

Article history: a major health problem in developing countries. A Received: 24 May, 2014 number of plants have shown varying degree of Accepted: 27 May, 2014 hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activity. Available online: 22 July, 2015 Medicinal plants used to treat hypoglycemic or

Keywords: hyperglycemic conditions are of considerable Antidiabetic, hypoglycaemic, hyperglycaemic, diabetes interest for ethno- botanical community as they are recognized to contain valuable medicinal properties Corresponding Author: in different parts of the plant. Plant derivatives with Dr. Dias S.* hypoglycaemic properties have been used in folk Associate Professor medicine and traditional healing systems around the Email: sab_di_14( at) yahoo ( dot ) co ( dot ) in world from very ancient time. Despite the introduction of hypoglycaemic agents from natural Thakur R. Student M.Sc. part 1 and synthetic sources, diabetes and its secondary complications continue to be a major medical Velguekar S. problem to people. Field surveys were carried out at Student M.Sc. part 1 various localities in Goa. Twenty four antidiabetic plant species were documented, belonging to 20 D’Mello M. families. Most of the formulations were either Student M.Sc. part 1 decoctions, infusions, pastes or extracted juices from crushed or macerated whole plant or plant Madgaonkar S. Student M.Sc. part 1 part(s), depending on the extent administered.

Abstract Citation: Dias S., Thakur R., Velguekar S., D’Mello M., Madgaonkar S., In recent years, there has been renewed interest in 2014. Documentation of Traditional Home Remedies for the treatment of different diseases using herbal Diabetes. International Journal of Medicinal Plants. Photon 108, drugs. World Health Organization (WHO) has 676-682. recommended the effectiveness of plants in condition where we lack safe modern drugs. Due to All Rights Reserved with Photon. the modernization of life-style, Non-Insulin Photon Ignitor: ISJN66724384D710122072015 Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) is becoming

1. Introduction

Since olden days, plants are used to treat many conditions are of considerable interest for ethno- ailments. Plants for health care form the largest botanical community as they are recognized to segment of the biodiversity used by indigenous contain valuable medicinal properties in different people for basic needs. Uses of plants as a cure are parts of the plant. Many plants have shown varying common particularly in those areas, which have degree of hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic little or no access to modern health services such as activity. The active principles of many plant the innumerable villages in India. Traditional species with desired properties are isolated to cure knowledge of home remedies was handed down diabetes (Yadav et al., 2012). from one generation to the next by an oral tradition that is part of our social heritage (Routh et al., Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that poses 2013). a major challenge worldwide. The world Health Organisation estimated that about 30 million India has about 45,000 plant species and several people suffered from diabetes in 1985 and the thousands have been claimed to possess medicinal number increased to more than 171 million in properties (Yadav et al., 2012). Medicinal plants 2000. It is estimated that the number will increase used to treat hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic to 366 million by 2030 and that large increase will

Ph ton 676 occur in developing countries, especially in people 1.2 Objective of Research aged between 45 and 64 years (Malviya et al., To identify and revive the rich traditional 2010). Unless urgent preventive steps are taken, it knowledge of antidiabetic plants which can be will become a major health problem. Thus there is practically used for the benefit of mankind. great demand for research on natural products with Traditional antidiabetic plants might provide a antidiabetic properties. Numerous studies have useful source of new oral hypoglycemic confirmed the benefits of medicinal plants with compounds for development as pharmaceutical anti-hyperglycemic effects in the management of entities, or as simple dietary adjuncts to existing diabetes mellitus (Noor et al., 2013). therapies.

1.1 Review of Literature Although different methods of treatment are Plant drugs are frequently considered to be less currently available for Diabetes mellitus, it is toxic and free from side effects than synthetic ones. difficult to maintain normoglycemia, prevention of In India, indigenous remedies have been used in the diabetic complications and different pathological treatment of diabetes mellitus since the time of aspects except in the method of pancreatic Charaka and Sushruta (6th century BC). The World transplantation. But, it is very expensive and Health Organization (WHO) has listed 21,000 plant difficult to get the required donor. So, there is a species which are used for medicinal purposes clear need for alternate source of drugs and various around the world. Among these, 2500 species are stratergies. found in India. India is the largest producer of medicinal herbs endowed with a wide diversity of The need for this work was to create awareness and agro-climatic conditions and is called as botanical sensitize the younger generation, the importance of garden of the world. Pharmacological and clinical antidiabetic plants. Some of these plants like trials of medicinal plants have shown antidiabetic karela, fenugreek leaves could be incorporated as a effects and repair of β-cells of islets of Langerhans daily diet as they can be eaten as vegetable. (Noor et al., 2013). 2. Materials and Methods In traditional medicine diabetes mellitus is treated with diet, physical exercise and medicinal plants. 2.1 Study area More than 1200 plants are used around the world in Goa a small state encompasses an area of 3,702 sq the control of diabetes mellitus and approximately km. It is divided into two districts, North Goa and 30% of the traditionally used antidiabetic plants South Goa. were pharmacologically and chemically investigated (Ayyanar et al., 2008). To date, over 600 traditional plant treatment for diabetes have been reported in India but only a small number of these have received scientific and medicinal evaluation to assess their efficacy. The antidiabetic effect of some herbal extracts has been confirmed in human and animal models of type-II diabetes (Pullaiah & Naidu, 2012). Herbal medicines are being used by about 80% of the world population particularly in the developing countries for primary health care. The natural products shall be considered as the best in primary health care because of better cultural acceptability, safety, efficacy, potent, inexpensive and lesser side effects. Several herbal medicines and supplements have been studied as potential therapeutic agents in the management of diabetes and its related complications. Hundreds of plants have been studied for their potential blood glucose lowering properties. In recent years many developed countries have shown growing interest in alternative or complementary system of medicine for management of diabetes (Pullaiah & Naidu, 2012). The districts are further divided into twelve talukas. Talukas of North Goa are Bardez, Bicholim, Pernem, Ponda, Sattari and Tiswadi, while the

Ph ton 677 talukas of South Goa are Canacona, Mormugao, The specimens described were identified using Quepem, Salcette, Sanguem and Dharbandora local and regional floras (Cooke’s flora, 1958; (Official Gazette, 2011). Study sites includes Rao’s flora 1985, 1986) and are deposited in the Fr. localities from North Goa as well as south Goa. Joseph Pallithanam Herbarium, Department of Botany, St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, Goa, India. 2.2 Field survey and data collection Different localities from Goa viz., Mapusa, 3. Results and Discussion Karaswada, Khorlim, Aldona, Velguem, Paliem, Panjim, Pomburpa, Sanquelim, Pale, Bhironde, Details of antidiabetic plants in alphabetical order Corjuem, Bicholim, Parcem, Thivim, Arvalem, as per scientific name, followed by family, Ponda, Usgao and Uguem (Fig. 1) were surveyed common name, vernacular name, part used, mode during 2013 to 2014. Data was obtained through of administration and recommended dosage is general conversation with local people using listed in Table 1. During the course of this study, antidiabetic plants for treatment of diabetes type II. 24 antidiabetic plant species were documented, Information regarding methods of preparations, belonging to 20 families. Most of the formulations mode of administration and dosage was collected were either decoctions, infusions, pastes or by interacting with the local people. The plant extracted juices from crushed or macerated whole specimens were photographed, and the collection plant or plant part(s), depending on the extent date, number and place was recorded. The plant administered. specimens were processed for herbarium using the standard herbarium techniques (Singh, 2009).

Table 1: Sr.no. Botanical Name Common & Part Mode of administration & Family Vernacular name used 1. Abelmoschus Lady Finger; Fruit The fruit is cut and kept in a glass of warm water esculentus (L.) Bhendo (Konk.), overnight. The infusion is taken in the morning Moench. Bhendi (Mar.), Bhindi on empty stomach. One glass everyday. (Malvaceae) (Hin.) 2. Aegle marmelos Bael fruit tree, Holy Unripe The pulp of the fruit is eaten. (L.) Correa fruit tree; Bael fruit (Rutaceae) (Konk., Mar., Hin.) 3. Aloe vera (L.) Indian aloe, Barbados Leaf The pulp of aloe vera leaf is taken on empty Burm. f. (Liliaceae) aloe ; stomach in the morning. Katkuvor (Konk.), Korphad (Mar.), Gheekunvar (Hin.) 4. Alstonia scholaris Devil’s tree; Saton Bark The bark is used in combination with other (L.) R. Br. (Konk.), Satwin plants such as Andrographis paniculata, Ocimum (Apocynaceae) (Mar.), Saitan-ka-Jhad sanctum, and Mangifera indica . The bark along (Hin.) with the other plants are dried in shade and powdered. Two spoons of this powder is then boiled with one glass of water at night and is taken on empty stomach in the morning. 5. Andrographis King of Bitters; Whole The entire plant is boiled in water. The decoction paniculata (Burm. Kiryate (Konk.), plant prepared and one glass is taken on an empty f.) Wall. ex Nees. Olenkiryata (Mar.), except stomach in the morning. (Acanthaceae) Kiryat (Hin.) root 6. Annona muricata Sour sop ; Fruit Pulp of the fruit is eaten. L. (Annonaceae) Path fanas (Konk.) 7. Azadirachta indica Neem, Margosa tree ; Leaf Leaves are boiled with two glasses of water. One A. Juss. ( Koduneem (Konk.), glass of decoction is taken in the morning on Meliaceae) Nim (Mar., Hin.) empty stomach.

8. Catharanthus Periwinkle; Sadafuli Leaf 4 – 5 leaves are consumed raw early morning. roseus (L.) G. Don. (Konk.), Sadaphul (Apocynaceae) (Mar.), Sadabahar (Hin.) 9. Citrus medica L. Citron ; Bark Citrus medica is taken in combination with other (Rutaceae) Mavling (Konk.) plants such as the bark of Alstonia scholaris, whole plant of Andrographis paniculata . First the bark of citrus medica along with other plants is shade dried and then cut into small pieces. The pieces are boiled in four glasses of water. This

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mixture is reduced to two glasses and taken on empty stomach in the morning. One glass twice in a week. 10. Costus igneus Insulin, Fiery costus, Leaf Leaves must be chewed well before swallowing. N.E.Br. (Costaceae) Spiral flag; One leaf everyday in the morning and evening. Insulin (Konk.), Pushkarmula (Mar.), Keukand (Hin.) 11. Curcuma longa L. Turmeric ; Rhizo Turmeric rhizome is ground and little powder (Zingiberaceae) Halad (Konk.), Haldi me taken with milk. One glass three times a day. (Mar., Hin.) 12. Cymbopogon Lemon grass ; Leaf Pieces of mango leaves, lemon grass, and Tulsi flexuosus (Nees ex Ganjan (Konk.) leaves are dried in the sun. It is boiled for 10 Steud.) Watson. minutes on slow fire at night. It is slightly heated (Poaceae) in the morning and one glass is taken in the morning on empty stomach and another glass in the evening. Two glasses per day for 3 months. 13. Embilica officinalis Indian gooseberry; Fruit Juice is extracted out of fresh fruit and taken Gaertn. Amvali (Konk.), after lunch or dinner. One fourth glass everyday. (Euphorbiaceae) Avla (Mar.), Amla (Hin.) 14. Ficus benghalensis Banyan tree ; Bark, 20 gm crushed powder of bark and an aerial root L.(Moraceae) Vad (Konk.), Wad aerial is cooked in½ litre water. Boil till it is reduced to (Mar.) , Bargad (Hin.) root 1/8. The solution is cooled, strained and taken regularly every morning and evening. One glass every morning and evening. 15. Mangifera indica Mango ; Leaf 1. Pieces of mango leaves, lemon grass, and L. (Anacardiaceae) Ambo (Konk.), Tulsi leaves are dried in the sun. It is boiled for Amba (Mar.), Aam 10 minutes on slow fire at night. It is slightly (Hin.) heated in the morning and one glass is taken in the morning on empty stomach and another glass in the evening for 3 months. 2. An infusion is prepared by soaking 15 gm of fresh leaves into 250 ml of water overnight and squeezing them well in the water and taken every morning. As an alternative the leaves should be dried in shade, powdered and preserved for use when necessary (Pullaiah & Naidu, 2012). 16. Momordica Bitter gourd ; Unripe The unripe fruit is washed thoroughly with charantia L. Kareti (Konk.), fruit water, seeds are removed with the inner whitish (Cucurbitaceae) Karale (Mar.), Karela portion. The outer green part is ground, then (Hin.) filtered and taken in the morning on empty stomach. Half glass everyday on empty stomach. 17. Murraya koenigii Curry leaves ; Leaf Fresh curry leaves 5 to 6 are eaten raw in the (L.) Spreng. Kadinimb (Konk.), morning daily. (Rutaceae) Karipat (Mar.), Katnim (Hin.) 18. Ocimum sanctum Holy Basil, Sacred Leaf Take some leaves in a utensil, to that add two L. (Lamiaceae ) Basil ; glasses of water. Boil till it reduces to half. One Tulas (Konk.), Tulasa glass of decoction is taken in the morning on (Mar.), Tulsi (Hin.) empty stomach. 19. Phyllanthus Stonebreaker, Seed- Whole Extract of the whole plant is prepared and taken. amarus Schum. & under-leaf, Sleeping plant One glass two times a day. Thonn. plant; (Euphorbiaceae) Bhumi-amvali (Konk.), Bhuiavali (Mar.), Jangli amli (Hin.) 20. Punica granatum Pomegranate; Dalimb Fruit The peel of the fruit is removed and dried under L. (Punicaceae) (Konk., Mar.), Anar rind the sun for about 15 days. The dry peel is (Hin.) powdered and preserved in a clean glass container. One tablespoon powder is mixed with a glass full of luke warm water and taken on empty stomach in the morning. 21. Simarouba glauca Simarouba, oil tree, Seed Seeds taken orally. One seed is eaten every

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DC. paradise tree or morning and evening. (Simaroubaceae) aceituno ; Laxmi taru (Mar.) 22. Syzygium cumini Blackplum, Seed, 1. Jamun seeds are dried in the sun and then (L.) Skeels. Jambolana ; bark crushed and made into fine powder. 1-2 (Myrtaceae) Jamla (Konk.), tablespoon of this powder is added to one glass Jambul (Mar.), Jamun of cow’s milk. (Hin.) 2. 4-5 pieces of dried bark is boiled in 2 glasses of water and reduced to half. One glass of decoction is taken daily in the morning. 23. Tagetes erecta L. Marigold; Rosa Leaf The fresh leaves are boiled and cooled. One cup (Asteraceae) (Konk.), Zendu (Mar.) of decoction is taken every morning on empty stomach twice a week. 24. Trigonella foenum- Fenugreek; Seed, Half teaspoon of methi seeds powder mixed in a graecum L. Methi (Konk., Mar., leaf cup of water should be taken on empty stomach (Fabaceae) Hin.) everyday in morning .

Hypoglycemic herbs increase insulin secretion and sugar levels completely under control. Leaves of enhance glucose uptake by adipose or muscle lemon grass, mango and tulsi combined together tissues and inhibit glucose absorption from are quite effective for treatment of diabetes as all intestine and glucose production from liver the three plants possess hypoglycemic activity (Kavishankar et al., 2011). Before the advent of (Modak et al., 2007). insulin injection and other pharmaceutical preparations healers relied heavily upon plants to Bitter gourd contains a hypoglycemic or insulin- treat diabetes. It is observed that some of the plant like principle, designated as plant insulin, which extracts restrict the rise of blood sugar caused by has been found valuable in lowering the blood and pituitary hormones responsible for inhibiting urine sugar levels. It should, therefore, be included peripheral utilization of glucose. Antidiabetic liberally in the diet of the diabetics. For better plants have been reported to promote regeneration results the diabetics should take the juice of about of beta cells of langerhans in pancreas. four or five bitter gourds every morning on empty stomach (Pullaiah & Naidu, 2012). Extensive studies done on Aloe vera shows that the pulp extract possess significant antidiabetic Leaves of curry patta suppress blood glucose level activity. The action of aloe vera and its bitter and have beneficial effect on carbohydrate principle is through stimulation of synthesis and /or metabolism (Malviya et al., 2010). Leaf extract of release of insulin from the pancreatic beta cells tulsi or even the dried leaf powder twice a day (Modak et al., 2007). The extract of bark of helps in controlling blood sugar level at initial Alstonia reduces the elevated blood glucose level. stages of diabetes (Pullaiah & Naidu, 2012). The antidiabetic effect of the extract could be due to increased utilisation of glucose by peripheral Phyllanthus amarus is traditionally used in diabetes tissues, improved sensitivity of target tissues for therapeutics. The extract when taken reduces blood insulin or it may be due to improved metabolic sugar and it was also found to have potent regulation of glucose (Bandawane et al., 2010). antioxidant activity (Modak et al., 2007). The bitter constituents of Andrographis paniculata decreases the blood glucose level due to its anti- Jambul fruit is regarded in traditional medicine as a oxidant properties and also increases glucose specific against diabetes because of its effects on metabolism (Kavishankar et al., 2011). the pancreas. The seeds and fruits juice are useful in the treatment of this disease. The seeds contain a The active compounds present in the leaves of glucoside ‘jamboline’ which is believed to have the Catharanthus roseus enhance the secretion of power to check the pathological conversion of insulin from the beta cells of Langerhans or starch into sugar in cases of increased production through extra pancreatic mechanism (Kavishankar of glucose (Pullaiah & Naidu, 2012). et al., 2011). The leaves of Costus help to build up insulin in the human body so it is commonly The seeds of fenugreek have been found effective known as insulin plant in India. Consumption of in treatment of diabetes. Seed powder or seeds the leaves are believed to lower blood glucose taken internally two times per day for 30 days or levels, and diabetics who consumed the leaves of more helps in lowering blood glucose. Levels of this plant did report a fall in their blood glucose serum cholesterol, and triglycerides significantly levels The leaves must be chewed well before reduced in diabetes patient when the seeds were swallowing. Allopathic doctors too recommend it consumed (Pullaiah & Naidu, 2012). Leaves of and it is found to be effective in bringing blood fenugreek can be consumed as vegetable.

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All the plants documented in our study are Bailey C., Day C., 1989. Traditional plant medicines as practised as home remedies which can be treatments for diabetes. Diabetes Care, 12(8), 553 - 564. effectively used to control type II diabetes mellitus. Balkrishna A., 2008. Secrets of Indian herbs for good health. First Edition, Divya Prakashan, Uttarakhand, 12- Conclusion 407.

Herbal medicines can be used for healing purposes Batra A., Mathur S., Rajora S., Singh J., Shekhawat, and to promote wellness and are not addictive or Goyal S., Herbal Therapy For Curing Diabetes, In Khan habit forming, but are powerful nutritional agents and Khanun (Editors) 2002; Role of biotechnology in that support the body naturally. They promote medicinal & aromatic plants, 6, 91- 104. health and serve as excellent healing agents without side effects. Chatterjee A., Satyesh P., 2003. The treaties of Indian medicinal plants. National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources Press, New Out of the 24 antidiabetic plants documented, Delhi, 1, 2, 3, 5. seven plants were found to be effectively used for the treatment of diabetes viz ., Andrographis Cooke T., 1958. Flora of the presidency of Bombay. paniculata, Catharanthus roseus, Costus igneus, Reprinted Edition, Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta, I, Momordica charantia, Azadirachta indica, 193 - 562. Syzygium cumini and Trigonella foenum-graecum. These plants are widely used by the people and Cooke T., 1958. Flora of the presidency of Bombay. have been confirmed from this study. It also offers Reprinted Edition, Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta, a natural key to unlock a diabetologist’s pharmacy II, 194 - 521. for the future. The present study is of immense Kavishankar G., Lakshmidevi N., Murthy, S., Prakash benefit especially to those people suffering from H., Niranjana S., 2011. Diabetes and medicinal plants - diabetes and prefers to use alternative methods of A Review. International Journal of Pharma & control using herbal home remedies. Biomedical Sciences, 2 (3), 65-80.

Author’s Contribution and Competing Interests Kawalekar J., 2011. Survey and documentation of some of antidiabetic used by local vaidyas in Gavanal village, The authors have collected information and at taluka, District. Plant Sciences Feed, verified the beneficial effect of all the antidiabetic 1 (3), 34-38. plants with various scientific journals. This work Malviya N., Jain S., Malviya S., 2010. Antidiabetic was taken up as a dissertation at the undergraduate potential of medicinal plants. Acta Poloniae level. The expenses were borne by the authors Pharmaceutica - Drug Research, 67(2), 113-118. themselves and were not funded by anyone. The corresponding author was the research guide to the Menghani E., Pareek, A., Negi R., Ojha C., 2010. students and has also previously guided students on Antidiabetic potential of various ethno-medicinal plants work regarding herbal remedies and other related of Rajasthan. Ethnobotanical Leaflets, 14, 578- 83. topics like Rice varieties of Goa, winemaking. Since it was a short duration work it was not Modak M., Dixit P., Londhe J., Ghaskadbi S., Devasagayam T., 2007. Indian herbs and herbal drugs possible to carry out the trials and work in detail. used for the treatment of diabetes. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry & Nutrition, 40(3), 163-73. Acknowledgements S., Channal G., Channamma N., 2009. Indian We would like to thank all the informants for Journal of Traditional Knowledge, sharing their valuable knowledge of medicinal 8(4), 577 – 580. plants used by them for treatment of diabetes. The authors are thankful to the Principal and Head of Noor A., Bansal V., Vijayalaxmi M., 2013. Current the Department of Botany, St. Xavier’s College, update on anti- diabetic biomolecules from key traditional Indian medicinal plants. Current Science, Mapusa, Goa, India for providing the laboratory 104(6), 721- 727. facilities. Official Gazette, 2011. Government of Goa. Series 1 No. References 51, notification 16-15-2010/RD

Ayyanar M., Sankarasivaraman K., Ignacimuthu S., Pullaiah T, Naidu K., 2012. Antidiabetic plants in India 2008. Traditional herbal medicines used for the treatment and herbal based antidiabetic research. Regency of diabetes among two major tribal groups in South Publications, New Delhi, 4- 292. Tamil Nadu, India. Ethnobotanical Leaflets, 12, 276- 280. Rao R.S., 1985. Flora of Goa, Diu, Daman, Dadra & Nagarhaveli, Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta, 1, 33- 169.

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Saheb T.S., Rao P., Parveen S., Obaidullah M., 2012. Diabetes suppressant plant used by tribals of Nallamalais in Andhra Pradesh. Journal of Economic & Taxonomic Botany, 36(4), 680 - 685.

Sethi A., 2012. Diabetes control in your hands, V & S Publishers, New Delhi, 43 – 46.

Shetty A., Choudhury D., Rejeesh., Nair V., Kuruvilla M., Kotian S., 2010. Effect of the insulin plant ( Costus Igneus ) leaves on dexamethasone - induced hyperglycemia. International Journal of Ayurveda Research, 1(2), 100-102.

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