Author(s): Meyyammai Swaminathan and Mei Li Ng

Abstract: In this modern age, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has been identified as one of the fast spreading epidemic affecting global popula tion. The epidemic has caused endothelial dysfunction and inflammation; atherosclerosis and vascular complications. Western medications and various treatment approaches lead to serious adverse drug reactions and high costs of treatment with no promising cure. Availability of various herbal medicines nee d to be explored to be able to provide a holistic approach in treating T2DM. In this review paper, summarize the recent progress and potential herbal treatment in the management of diabetes mellitus. We focus on two medicinal plants, Gymnema sylvestre (TIM) and Panax quinquefolius (TCM).