Zeba Siddiqui, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Badruddeen, Juber Akhtar, Mohammad Ahmad
Herbal medicines have been use for thousands of years for the management of diabetes due to relatively low incidences of side effects and ease of access in developing countries. The review compiles and analyses the scientific data to emphasise the role of Phyllanthus acidus also known as star gooseberry, as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of diabetes and related complications. Both in-vivo and in-vitro studies have shown that the phytoconstituents present in the plant may affect biomarkers of diabetes. The mechanisms of action behind antidiabetic property of the plant and its bioactive constituents are primarily due to α-glucosidase inhibition, curbing of PPAR-γ and increased secretion of insulin. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory studies pertaining to P.acidus also strengthen its claim as an effective antidiabetic agent. Therefore, Phyllanthus acidus shows promising therapeutic potential to be used in the treatment of diabetes and its co morbidities.