LAUSR

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a collection of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycaemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both.1 Poorly managed hyperglycaemia often leads to long-term damage and failure of different organs, including the heart, nerves, blood vessels, kidneys and eyes.1 In the diabetic state, glucose produced by the hydrolytic action of α-amylase and α-glucosidase is not utilized by the cells, thus leading to hyperglycaemia. In addition, diabetes enhances high levels of lipids and fats in the blood, which further intensify diabetic complication.2 The cumulative effects of these processes aggravate the production of free radicals due to compromised antioxidant defense systems.3 Despite the potency of antidiabetic drugs such as voglibose, miglitol, acarbose, their safety remains burdensome.4 The drugs are associated with unwanted side effects such as abnormal weight gain, headache, nausea, diarrhea and dizziness.5 Hence, the search for safer and cheaper alternative antidiabetic agents from plant origin.