Vernonia amygdalina Del (Bitter leaf) a traditional anti-diabetic gold mine - Mini Review

  • Peter Achunike Akah Natural Products Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nigeria, Nigeria.
Keywords: Vernonia amygdaina, diabetes mellitus, traditional uses, mechanism of action

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide epidemic that has serious consequences for public health. This in-depth analysis of Vernonia amygdalina, or Bitter Leaf, aims to shed light on the plant's potential anti-diabetic properties by discussing its botanical description, chemical composition, traditional uses, and mechanisms of action, scientific findings, safety concerns, and implications for future study. Vernonia amygdalina, a plant native to various nations in Africa, has gained popularity as a possible treatment for diabetes. Bitter leaf's traditional function in reducing diabetes-related complications is also highlighted, and the review goes deeply into the plant's rich historical and cultural context. The possible anti-diabetic properties of Bitter leaf are discussed, along with the processes that may be at play. These include the effect on insulin sensitivity, glucose homeostasis, and pancreatic beta cell activity. Improving glycemic control and insulin resistance is only two of the positive effects seen in clinical trials and research investigations. There is also discussion of precautions to take, including details on how this treatment could interact with standard drugs. The review continues by stressing the need for more study to fill up the gaps in our understanding and pave the path for the deliberate application of Vernonia amygdalina as an adjunctive method of diabetes care. This analysis of Bitter leaf's diabetes-fighting properties adds to the increasing body of information around diabetes natural treatments, opening up new lines of inquiry and possible therapeutic applications in the field.

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CITATION
DOI: 10.21760/jaims.9.1.24
Published: 2024-02-24
How to Cite
Peter Achunike Akah. (2024). Vernonia amygdalina Del (Bitter leaf) a traditional anti-diabetic gold mine - Mini Review. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, 9(1), 170 - 175. https://doi.org/10.21760/jaims.9.1.24
Section
Review Article