Planta Med 2013; 79(06): 425-436
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1328331
Reviews
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Antidiabetic Attributes of Desert and Steppic Plants: A Review

Eli Harlev
1   Institute of Evolution and International Graduate Center of Evolution, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
,
Eviatar Nevo
1   Institute of Evolution and International Graduate Center of Evolution, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
,
Nitsa Mirsky
2   Department of Biology & Environment, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
,
Rivka Ofir
3   Dead Sea & Arava Science Center and The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 02 April 2012
revised 14 February 2013

accepted 15 February 2013

Publication Date:
28 March 2013 (online)

Abstract

The rapidly increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus is becoming a serious threat to mankindʼs health in all parts of the world. In fact, known cases reflect only part of the problem, as many diabetics, especially with type 2 diabetes, are unaware of their disease, which initially shows no definitive symptoms. Despite the great efforts invested in diabetes research, its prevalence continues to grow, while current medications do not cover all of the symptoms and complications of the disease. The present review highlights a plethora of studies focusing on the antidiabetic properties of desert and semidesert (steppic) plants, many of them being used for centuries in traditional medicine by Bedouins living in the arid zones of the Middle East and also by ethnic groups in other arid and semiarid parts of the world. The review concludes in summarizing the work done on the subject and also in pointing to the yet existing gaps in diabetes research of desert and steppic plants, and suggests directions for future exploration.

Supporting Information

 
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