Pharmacognosy - 5.10 Antidiabetics
Antidiabetics
By Mr. Bhosale, SKCP, Kasbe Digraj
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Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. This can occur due to the body\'s inability to produce enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or the body\'s cells not responding properly to insulin (Type 2 diabetes). Anti-diabetic drugs are medications used to manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Pterocarpus
Synonyms
Bijasal, Indian Kino Tree, Malabar Kino
Regional Names
Hindi & Marathi: Bijasal (बीजासाल), Kaino (कैनो)
Biological Source
Obtained from the dried juice (kino) collected by making vertical incisions on the stem bark of Pterocarpus marsupium (प्टेरोकार्पस मासुपियम). Native to India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Family
Leguminosae (Fabaceae) - लेग्युमिनोसे (फॅबेसी)
Major Chemical Constituents
Tannins (टॅनिन्स): Kinotannic acid, Kino-red
Flavonoids (फ्लेवोनॉईड्स): Epicatechin, Liquiritigenin, Pterosupin, Marsupin
Other Phytochemicals: K-pyrocatechin (Potassium pyrocatechuate), Gallic acid, Resin
Minor Chemical Constituents
Stilbenes, Polysaccharides, Isoflavonoids
Uses
- Astringent Action
- Wound Healing (external Use)
- Oral Care: Traditionally used for treating toothache.
- Diabetes Management:
- Hypoglycemic Activity: Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of heartwood exhibit blood sugar-lowering effects.
- Vijaysar Wood Cups: Drinking water stored in wooden cups made from Pterocarpus marsupium is traditionally believed to help in diabetes management.
Gymnema
Synonyms
Gudmar, Madhu Nashini
Regional Names
Hindi: Gudmar (गुड़मार)
Marathi: Madhunashini (मधुनाशिनी)
Biological Source
Derived from the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre (जिमनेमा सिल्व्हेस्ट्रे). Native to tropical forests of southern and central India and Sri Lanka.
Family
Apocynaceae (एपोसायनेसी)
Major Chemical Constituents
Triterpenoid Saponins:
- Gymnemic acids - Block sweet taste receptors, reducing sugar cravings.
- Gymnemasaponins - Contribute to antidiabetic activity.
Polypeptide: Gurmarin (गुरमारिन) - Suppresses sweet taste perception.
Flavonoids: Quercetin (क्वेर्सेटिन) - Antioxidant properties.
Minor Chemical Constituents
Flavonols, Other Saponins, Amino Acids, Sugars, Carbohydrates, Resins
Uses
- Antidiabetic: Reduces blood sugar levels and improves insulin function.
- Appetite Suppressant: Decreases sugar cravings when consumed as tea or lozenges.
- Laxative
- Diuretic
- Weight Management: Used to curb sugar cravings and lower overall caloric intake.