MEDICINAL PLANTS IN THE TREATMENT OF DIABETES

Abstract

This work is a literature review and addresses the relationship between diabetes – a chronic disease caused by defects in insulin action – and the use of medicinal plants. It should be noted that insulin is essential to allow the absorption of glucose in the body and a lack of it results in hyperglycemia. The different forms of diabetes are related to a deficiency in insulin secretion or resistance to it. In this scenario, medicinal plants are used to treat diabetes. These plants can stimulate glucose absorption, promoting insulin secretion and other beneficial processes for diabetic patients. However, it should be noted that the inappropriate use of medicinal plants can be harmful, as some of them are toxic and can cause risks.