Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds as Antidiabetic Agents: Therapeutic Mechanisms and Prospects

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia, which leads to severe complications such as nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular diseases. Among various therapeutic approaches, inhibition of carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, particularly α-amylase and α-glucosidase, has emerged as an effective strategy to delay glucose absorption and control postprandial hyperglycaemia in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward natural sources for identifying potent enzyme inhibitors, with phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, anthocyanins, and phenolic compounds showing significant promise. These bioactive plant-derived compounds not only act as α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors but also exhibit multifaceted mechanisms, including stimulation of insulin secretion, improvement of insulin sensitivity, and regulation of glucose homeostasis. This review highlights the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and their phytoconstituents as promising alternatives or complementary strategies for the management of diabetes mellitus.