Author(s): Kiran Kumar Kandunuri, Kenneth White and Eileen Smith

Abstract: Ayurvedic herbs are proven to provide symptomatic relief and prevention of secondary complications of diabetes. Though mainstream treatment is effective in controlling the disease, it is expensive and has adverse side effects. Ayurvedic formulations have the ability to regenerate pancreatic beta cells, while possessing antioxidant and cholesterol lowering properties. The present review is focused on highlighting characteristics of prominent anti-diabetic herbs and their hypoglycaemic activities that have shown proven cellular, pre-clinical or clinical evidences. Poly herbal formulations of multiple herbal extracts are also discussed. The promising nature of herbal therapy is compared against mainstream therapy. Despite the promising nature of the herbal therapy for treatment of diabetes the majority of the herbs have remained unexplored to their full potential. Therefore, it is important to highlight their potentials and ascertain their therapeutic properties and benefits.