Porang (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) and its potential in diabetes management

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus remains one of the most pressing global health challenges, driving the search for natural alternatives to conventional therapies. This review explores the potential of porang (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) as a promising intervention for diabetes management. Porang is rich in glucomannan, a soluble dietary fiber with diverse therapeutic properties. Modern extraction methods can achieve glucomannan purity exceeding 90%, with ongoing advancements improving yield and quality. Mechanistically, porang exerts antidiabetic effects through multiple pathways, including enhanced insulin gene expression, improved insulin signaling, and reduced glucose absorption. Experimental studies in diabetic animal models demonstrate significant glucose-lowering effects, with blood glucose reductions of up to 50% alongside increased pancreatic β-cell counts. Beyond glycemic control, porang mitigates diabetic complications, reducing glomerulosclerosis and preserving reproductive function. It also offers broader metabolic benefits, such as improved lipid profiles, reduced inflammatory markers, and enhanced gut health via increased short-chain fatty acid production. While current evidence is promising, further clinical studies are needed to optimize dosing, formulations, and long-term efficacy in humans. Nevertheless, porang’s multifaceted therapeutic profile positions it as a viable complementary approach within comprehensive diabetes management strategies.