The Role of Alkaloids in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder with a rising prevalence globally. Currently about 400 million people are affected. In 2016, it was the seventh leading cause of death worldwide. Diabetes mellitus is prevalent in most countries. Its major feature is the high level of blood glucose which can be caused by insulin resistance or reduced insulin production. As the disease progresses, complications like diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy occur. The use of herbs and natural products in the management of diabetes mellitus dates to the prehistoric era. Eighteen studies from about nine countries showed that between 18% and 72% use traditional and complementary medicine in the management of diabetes. In developing countries where the disease is highly prevalent natural products are very common because of ready availability, cheapness, and minimal side effects. This review highlights alkaloids, one of the most important secondary metabolites isolated from plants which have been studied to have anti-diabetes effects. Alkaloids are a group of highly diverse natural products that contain one or more basic nitrogen atoms in a heterocyclic ring. The various plants that contain them, their pharmacological actions studied thus far, mechanism of action will be extensively discussed. The aim of this review is to provide rich knowledge on research carried out thus far on plant alkaloids in the management of diabetes: Their pharmacology, chemistry, and effectiveness which will serve as a platform for further research and development of novel drug molecules that can further help in the management of this disease.