Anti-diabetic Medicinal Plants: Applications and Opportunities

Medicinal Plants with Antidiabetic Properties: Applications and Opportunities is the first comprehensive reference to present the state of current research as well as those developments that are impacting developments in the use of plants to address diabetic conditions. Presenting multiple perspectives on the plants, their identification, cultivation and application, this book presents the state of the art with an eye toward the future. Herbal drugs and their components with insignificant toxicity and limited or no side effects are valuable therapeutic alternatives in the treatment of diabetes around the world and have been considered a fundamental source of potent antidiabetic drugs. Exploration of plants containing numerous bio-active compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, carotenoids, alkaloids, and glycosides, for their potential antidiabetic properties is increasing as alternative treatments for this globally devastating disease are sought. Presented in 5 parts, the book first provides an overview of those plants with antidiabetic properties, then moves to the agricultural practices for the cultivation and production of those plants. Part Three focuses on the chemical composition and phytochemicals of the plants before then moving into a study of the physiological, biotechnological and molecular approaches to optimizing these plants. The book concludes with insights into current and potential future medical and clinical applications. The book is ideal for those seeking to understand the biology and chemistry of plants with anti-diabetic properties and their effective development and application.