Nirmal Dongre

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that has become a major global health burden due to its progressive complications and rising prevalence. It is associated with long-term damage to vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves, thereby contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although several synthetic anti-diabetic are currently available, their long-term use is often accompanied by adverse effects such as hypoglycemia, gastrointestinal disturbances, and reduced therapeutic efficacy. These limitations highlight the urgent need for safer, more effective alternatives to improve diabetes management. In this context, medicinal plants have emerged as promising candidates, as they not only help regulate blood glucose but also offer additional health benefits with fewer side effects compared to conventional drugs. Among the medicinal plants investigated for antidiabetic potential, Cinnamomum cassia and Terminalia catappa have attracted considerable attention. These plants are rich in bioactive phytochemicals such as cinnamaldehyde, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids, which demonstrate hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and β-cell rejuvenate properties. Animal model studies have shown that these plants can effectively lower blood glucose and enhance insulin sensitivity, thereby protecting against diabetes-induced complications. The growing interest in medicinal plants reflects their potential as safer and multifunctional therapeutic options. By integrating these natural agents into diabetes management strategies, it may be possible to achieve better glycemic control while minimizing adverse effects. These results strongly indicate the potential of medicinal plant as complementary therapeutic agents, supporting progressive efforts to combine medicinal plants into diabetes management strategies.

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of fruit shape and location on the chemical constituents (Sugars, saponins, protein, oil and moisture content) of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. fruit. Balanites aegyptiaca mature healthy fruits, were collected from Jhunjhanu Province in Rajsthan, and Ambala Province in Punjab, in the period (2003-2005). The percentages of the fruit different parts were determined and chemical and statistical analysis (SAS) methods were carried out to obtain the percentages of sugar, saponin, protein, oil and moisture contents in the Balanites’ fruit as well as to detect the significant variation between shapes and locations. The study found that, there were significant differences (P> 0.05), between the four fruit shapes (oblong, elongate, spherical and oval fruits) in the studied chemical constituents across and within sites and between locations. The highest saponin content (4%) was obtained by oblong fruits while the highest invert sugar (40.9%) and oil content (44.9%) were obtained by oval fruits. Saponin average percentage obtained in Ambala location was double that obtained in Jhunjhanu; the higher sugar percentage was obtained in Jhunjhanu location. Protein content was found to be of higher content than that reported in the literature; it ranged between 49.6 (oval fruit) and 53.8% (oblong fruit). Moisture content was not significantly different between shapes and locations of a mean 9.3%. The study concluded with that, the amounts of sugar, saponin, oil and protein, in Balanites fruit; were found in considerable percentages calling to introduce Balanites different types to the food, pharmaceutical and medicinal industries.