Effect of Momordica charantia, Camellia sinensis and Cinnamon Species on Insulin Resistance

Abstract

Insulin resistance is a serious challenge in diabetes treatment. Around the world, several plants are used in the treatment of diabetes and experimental studies clearly demonstrated that insulin resistance can be reduced by some antidiabetic plants. More than 100 plants have been reported to improve insulin sensitivity. The aim of this study was to review the effect of three popular medicinal plants that have generated broad interest during the past decade and used traditionally in the management of diabetes on insulin resistance. These plants are: Momordica charantia, Camellia sinensis and Cinnamomum species. We demonstrated that these plants effectively reduced insulin resistance in animal models involving different molecular mechanisms. However, clinical investigation remains needed to clearly affirm the effect of these plants on insulin resistance.