Table 1 Selected plants indigenous to Jordan used for the treatment of diabetes in folk medicine.
No.
|
– Species – Preparation Method – References of ethnopharmacological indications
|
Reported phytoconstituents
|
Reported antidiabetic efficacy and/or action mechanism
|
1
|
Asteraceae
Artemisia herba-alba Asso. (syn.: A. inculta) (decoction of flowers, shoots, leaves [15], [49], [50])
|
Flavonoids [51]. Main essential oil components: β-thujone and α-thujone, 1,8-cineole, camphor, chrysanthenone, trans-sabinyl acetate, trans-pinocarveol, and borneol [52]
|
Significant and time-dependent hypoglycemic effect in normoglycemic and alloxan diabetic
rabbits [53]. Preventive and antihyperglycemic effect in high-fat diet diabetes mice [54], [55]
|
2
|
Asteraceae
A. judaica L. (infusion of flowering tops [56], [57])
|
Judaicin: a bitter principle [58]. Piperitone, trans-ethyl cinnamate, ethyl-3-phenyl propionate, spathulenol, cis-ethyl cinnamate, 2,6-dimethyl phenol, methyl cinnamate [59]. Flavonoids [60]
|
Antidiabetic effect sin STZ-diabetic rats via acting as an insulin-mimetic reversing
the changes in the enzyme activities of cytochrome P-450 (2E1, 2B, and 2C) on androst-4-ene-3,17-dione metabolism [61]
|
3
|
Asteraceae
A. vulgaris L. (infusion of flowering head [15])
|
Estrogenic flavonoids [62]. Jaceosidine, eupafolin, luteolin, quercetin, apigenine, aesculetin, esculetin-6-methylether,
and scopoletin [63]. Yomogin [64]. Dicaffeoylquinic acids [65]. Sesquiterpene lactones and a novel aromatic compound [66]. Trans-thujone, cis- thujone, chrysanthenyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, sabinene, β-pinene, artemisia ketone, caryophyllene, oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes
[67]. Flavonoid aglycon: quercetin 3,7,3′-trimethyl ether [68]
|
None
|
4
|
Asteraceae
Cichorium intybus L. (decoction of flowers, roots [69])
|
Dietary fructans [70]. Anthocyanins [71]. Sesquiterpene lactones of guaiane and germacrane type. Lactucopicrin, 8-desoxylactucin,
and three sesquiterpene lactone glycosides: crepidiaside B, sonchuside A, and ixerisoside
D [72]. Lactucin and lactucopicrin: sesquiterpene lactones [73]. Quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, apigenin, crysoeriol and caffeoyl derivatives,
polyphenols [74]. Flavonoids [75]. A guaianolide sesquiterpene glycoside, cichotyboside [76]. Tannins, chlorogenic acid along with caffeic acid derivatives [77]
|
Antihyperglycemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetes mice [78] and clinically proven reduction on diabetes risk [79], which can be explained by a reduction in intestinal absorption of glucose [80]. Significant increases in catalytic concentration of glutathione S‐transferases in the liver of diabetic NOD mice [81]. Its dietary inulin-type fructans promote secretion of endogenous gastrointestinal
peptides involved in appetite regulation [82] and via reduction in the hepatic Glc-6-pase activity thus decreasing hepatic glucose
production, with no possibility of inducing insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells
[83], also through adipogenesis inhibition and PPARgamma upregulation, inhibition of
protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B and regulation of insulin signalling markers [77], [84]. α-Glucosidase inhibition [85]. Insulin-sensitizing and insulin-secreting principles [86]. Neuroprotection by stimulating AChE activity in brains of alloxan diabetic rats
[87]
|
5
|
Asteraceae
Cichorium pumilum L. (decoction of aerial parts [50], [69])
|
Flavonoids [88]; guaianolides [89]; eudesmanolides, eight lactucin-like guaianolides and phenolics, eudesmane-type
sesquiterpene lactones [90]
|
None
|
6
|
Cactaceae
Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (edible fruits [15])
|
Polyphenols and flavonoids: ferulic acid; the chief derivative of hydroxycinnamic
acid, rutin, and isorhamnetin derivatives [91]. Betacyanins and betaxanthins [92]. Kaempferol and isorhamnetin glycosides (glucoside and rhamnoside) [93]
|
Hypoglycemic effects [94]
|
7
|
Capparaceae
Capparis spinosa L. (decoction of flowers, fruits [69])
|
Saccharides and glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids and volatile oils, fatty
acids and steroids [95]. Antioxidative capparoside (4-hydroxy-5-methylfuran-3-carboxylic acid, 1) [96]. Phenolics: rutin, tocopherols, carotenoids, and vitamin C [97]. Flavonoids, indoles, and phenolic acids [98]
|
Potent antihyperglycemic activity in STZ rats without affecting basal plasma insulin
concentrations [99]. Hypoglycemic activity [95]
|
8
|
Cucurbitaceae
Citrullus colocynthis L. (Schrad) (infusion of dry fruits, seeds [15], [56], [64], [100])
|
Tertiary and quaternary alkaloids, glycoside and saponin components [101]. Phenolics and flavonoids [102]
|
Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effects in normal and alloxan diabetic rabbits
[101] and STZ diabetic rats [103] by partly preserving or restoring pancreatic beta-cell mass [104] and insulinotropic effect [105]. Clinical beneficial effect on improving the glycemic profile without severe adverse
effects in type 2 diabetic patients [106]
|
9
|
Fabaceae
Ceratonia siliqua L. (decoction of leaves [107])
|
Flavonoids: mainly myricetin [108]. Phenolics: mainly gallotannins and proanthocyanidins, tannins, flavonol-glycosides,
and traces of isoflavonoids [109], [110], [111], [112]. Tannins [113]
|
Significantly decreased the glucose response to and glycemic index of fibers-enriched
food in type 2 diabetic subjects. It also tended to decrease their insulinemic response
and insulinemic index [114]. Increases total and acylated plasma ghrelin accompanied by enhanced lipid metabolism,
thus suggesting higher lipid utilization and suppressed lipolysis, without affecting
fasting concentrations of glucose, TAG, total ghrelin, NEFA, insulin, and leptin [115]
|
10
|
Graminae
Avena sativa L. (infusion of seeds [69])
|
Beta-glucan, minerals, B complex vitamins, protein, fat, minerals [116]. Avenanthramide [117]
|
Improving glycemic, insulinemic, and lipidemic responses [118]. Oatmeal test seemed to be a good, noninvasive screening test in diabetic gastropathy
in type 1 diabetes, but has no diagnostic value in type 2 diabetes [119]. Depression of the glycemic index by high levels of beta-glucan fiber making it
a useful functional food component for reducing postprandial glycemia [120], [121]. Significantly improved whole-body insulin sensitivity [122], [123] induced changes of postprandial peptide YY and ghrelin responses [124] and increased postprandial cholecystokinin levels [125]. Dihydro-avenanthramide D protects pancreatic beta-cells from cytokine and STZ toxicity
[117]
|
11
|
Juglandaceae
Juglans regia L. (decoction of leaves [69], [107])
|
Ellagic acid [126]. Hydrolysable tannins [127]. Diaryl-heptanoids [128]. Unsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, phospholipids, sphingolipids, sterols, hydrocarbons,
and volatile compounds, phenolic compounds [129]
|
Dramatic hypoglycemic effect in experimental diabetes rats; where density of islets
in pancreatic tissue, percent of beta cells, and islets size increased significantly
thereby signifying regeneration of islets or beta cells [130], [131], [132], thus, recommended in prevention of DM and its late complications [133]
|
12
|
Labiatae
Mentha spicata L. (infusion of seeds, oil [56])
|
Protocatechuic aldehyde, protocatechuic acid, chrysoeriol, 5,6-dihydroxy-7,8,3′,4′-tetramethoxyflavone,
nodifloretin [134]. Two lignans named spicatolignan A and spicatolignan B [135]. Carvone; monoterpene ketone [136] and menthone [137]; flavonoids [138]; piperitenone oxide 1,8-cineole [139]
|
None
|
13
|
Labiatae
Origanum syriacum L. (decoction of leaves [15])
|
Monoterpene glucosides [140], oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes [141]. Polar phenolic analytes; hydroxyl-benzoates, hydroxyl-cinnamates, and flavonoids
[142]. Carvacrol, thymol, and thymoquinone [143]. Rosmarinic, oleanolic, and ursolic acids [144]. γ-terpinene and p-cymene [145]
|
None
|
14
|
Lauraceae
Laurus nobilis L. (decoction of fruit, leaves [56])
|
Cinnamtannin B-1 [146]. Flavonoid O-glycosides, flavonoid C-glycoside. Catechin and cinnamtannin B1 [147]
|
Hypoglycemic effects in normal and alloxan-diabetic rabbits [148]. Improvement of glucose and lipid profile of type 2 diabetes patients [149]
|
15
|
Liliaceae
Allium cepa L. (raw bulbs, oil, leaves [18], [56], [107])
|
Flavonoid glycosides [150]; S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxide metabolites [151], [152]; S-allylcysteine sulfoxide, S-methylcysteine sulfoxide, and diallyl trisulfide [153]; quercetin [154]; onionin A [155]
|
Antidiabetic [41] via stimulating effects on glucose utilization and partly dependent on the stimulation
of insulin secretions [156]. Hypoglycemic effect in STZ-diabetic rats coupled to decrease in the total serum
lipid, triglyceride, and atherogenic index and increase in HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol
ratio, and reducing renal oxidative stress [157]. Clinical hypoglycemic effects in type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients [158]
|
16
|
Liliaceae
Aloe vera L. (infusion of leaves, juice [15])
|
Cinnamoyl, p-coumaroyl, feruloyl, caffeoyl aloesin [159]. Phenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, β‐carotene and α-tocopherol [160]. Mannose polymers with some glucose and other sugars; mainly acemannan, glycoproteins,
enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals [161]. Anthraquinones: aloesin, aloe-emodin, and barbaloin, N-terminal octapeptide derived from verectin [162] and triglucosylated naphthalene glycoside [163]
|
Hypoglycemic or antidiabetic effects [164] thereby indicated for the treatment of diabetes and dyslipidemia [165]
|
17
|
Moraceae
Morus nigra L. (decoction of leaves [107])
|
Anthocyanins [166]. Olcancolic acid, apingenin, cyclocommunol, morusin, cyclomorusin, kuwanon C, daucosterol
[167]. Essential minerals, nutritive components, total phenols, and alkaloid contents
[168]. A new 2-arylbenzofuran derivative, mornigrol D, G, and H along with norartocarpetin,
dihydrokaempferol, albanin A, albanin E, moracin M, and albafuran C [169]
|
Antihyperglycemic propensity via significant increases in catalytic concentration
of glutathione S-transferases in the liver of diabetic NOD mice [170], [171]
|
18
|
Myrtaceae
Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (decoction of leaves, oil [18])
|
Heteroxylan composed of galactosyl, 4-O-methyl-glucuronosyl and xylosyl residues [172]. Ellagic acid derivatives; 3-O-methylellagic acid 4′-O-α-L‐2′′-O-acetyl-rhamnopyranoside, 3-O-methylellagic acid 4′-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, ellagic acid, and 3-O-methylellagic acid [173]. β-sitosterol, betulinic acid, stigmasterol, euscaphic acid, 2a-hydroxybetulinic acid,
macrocarpal B, macrocarpal A, oleanolic acid, 3,4,3′-O-trimethylellagic acid, 3-O-methylellagic acid 4′-O-(2′′-O-acetyl) -α-L-rhamnopyranoside, camaldulenside (cypellocarpin C, 3-O-methylellagic acid 4′-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, 3-O-methylellagic acid, ellagic acid, and gallic acid [174]) and cypellocarpa C [175]
|
In vitro stepwise enhancement of insulin secretion from the clonal pancreatic beta-cell line
(BRIN-BD11) and enhancement of 2-deoxy-glucose transport, glucose oxidation, and incorporation
of glucose into glycogen in mouse abdominal muscle [176], [177]. Antihyperglycemic action not exerted via the stimulation of insulin secretion but
via enhancement of peripheral glucose uptake, exerting an antioxidative activity demonstrated
by the increase of catalase, superoxide-dismutase, and gluthatione-peroxidase activities
in the liver and kidney, and a lowering of lipids peroxidation level in these organs
[178]. Significantly improved the hyperglycemia, polydipsia, polyphagia, and also compensated
weight loss of diabetic rats, in addition to treatment of candidiasis in normal and
diabetic rats [179]. Noticeably, dose-dependent amelioration of diabetic states by partial restoration
of pancreatic beta cells and repair of STZ-induced damage in rats [180]
|
19
|
Plantaginaceae
Plantago major L. (decoction of seeds [69])
|
Ursolic acid [181]. Polysaccharides, lipids, caffeic acid derivatives, iridoid glycosides, terpenoids,
alkaloids [182]. Phenolic glycoside [183]. Antioxidative flavonoids [184]
|
Significant antihyperglycemic effect in experimental diabetic rats [185], [186]
|
20
|
Plantaginaceae
P. ovata Forsk. (decoction of seeds [69])
|
Neutral arabinoxylan [187]. Phytosterols; β-sitosterol and stigmasterol [188]. Saponin [189]
|
Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c showed a significant reduction, whereas HDL-Cholesterol
increased significantly. LDL/HDL ratio was significantly decreased in diabetic outpatients
[190]
|
21
|
Portulacaceae
Portulaca oleraceae L. (decoction of herb [69], [107])
|
β-sitosterol, β-sitosterol-glucoside, N,N′-dicyclohexylurea, and allantoin [191]. Portulene; a diterpene [192]. Phenolic alkaloids; oleracein A, oleracein B, and oleracein E [193]. Betacyanins [194]
|
Moderate antidiabetic activity via potent antioxidant potential in STZ-diabetic rats
[195]
|
22
|
Rosaceae
Crataegus aronia L. Bosc. ex DC (decoction of flowers, fruits [196])
|
Phenolics and flavonoids [197]
|
Hypoglycemic and antiperoxidative bioactivities in experimental diabetic rats [198]
|
23
|
Rosaceae
C. azarolus L. (decoction of flowers, fruits [107])
|
Polyphenols [199]
|
None
|
24
|
Rutaceae
Citrus limon (Linn.) Burm. (fresh fruits [56])
|
Hydroxycinnamates and polymethoxylated flavones in citrus peel molasses [200], [201]. Flavonoids: eriocitrin and hesperidin [202]. Phenolics and flavonoids [203]. Naringenin [204]. Limonoids: nomilin and limonin [205]. Ascorbic acid [206]. Flavonoid dimethylnobiletin [207]
|
Antioxidative in diabetic rats [202], [203]. Increases glucose uptake by skeletal muscle cells in an AMPK-dependent manner [204]. Cardiovascular friendly [208]. Anti-atherogenic bioactivities; inhibiting monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation
and foam cell formation as well as hypolipidemic activity via enhancing LDL receptor
gene expression and activity and decreasing acyl CoA: diacylglycerol acyltransferase
2 expression in HepG2 liver cells [207]
|
25
|
Rutaceae
C. paradisi Macfa (raw fruits [69])
|
Alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, and saponin [200]. Furanocoumarins [210]. Naringenin [204] and nootkatone [211]. 4′-geranyloxyferulic acid [212]. Limonoids: nomilin and limonin [205]
|
Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in normal and alloxan diabetic rats [209], [213]. Improving glycemic control in nondiabetic rats [214]. Increasing glucose uptake by skeletal muscle cells in an AMPK-dependent manner
[204], thus significantly reducing high-fat and high-sucrose diet-induced body weight
gain, abdominal fat accumulation, and the development of hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia,
and hyperleptinemia in C57BL/6J mice [211]
|
26
|
Rutaceae
C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck (decoction of peels [69])
|
Phenolics: chlorogenic acid, luteolin, myricetin, naringenin, p-coumaric acid, and quercetin; and flavonoids – mainly hesperidine [215], [216]. Flavanones [217]. Cyclic monoterpene, DL-limonene [218]. Ascorbic acid [219]
|
Maximum glucose lowering and antiperoxidative activities in alloxan diabetic mice
[220]. Antithyroidal, hypoglycemic, and insulin stimulatory properties, suggesting its
potential to ameliorate both hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus [221]. Significant decrease in fasting glucose levels in the overweight treatment group
of osteoarthritis patients [222]. Lack of α-glucosidase inhibitory effects [223]. Selective inhibition of aldose reductase [224] and reduction of advanced glycation end products and H2O2 induced oxidative stress in human adipocytes [225]
|
27
|
Rutaceae
Ruta chalepensis L. (decoction of leaves, buds, roots [49])
|
Alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, volatile oil, sterols and/or triterpenes
[226], and rutin, a flavone glycoside [227]
|
None
|
28
|
Umbelliferae
Coriandrum sativum L. (decoction of seeds [18], [56])
|
Polyacetylenes [228]. 1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, 1-O-β-D-fructofuranoside, 3-O-β-D-fructofuranoside, 4-O-β-D-fructofuranoside, 1-O-β-D-(6-O-4-hydroxybenzoyl)-glucopyranoside, and 1-O-β-D-(6-O-4-methoxybenzoyl)-glucopyranoside of 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol [229]. Monoterpenoids, glycosides, monoterpenoid glucoside sulfates, and aromatic compound
glycosides [230]
|
Antihyperglycemic, insulin-releasing, and insulin-like activity [231], [232]
|
29
|
Umbelliferae
Cuminum cyminum L. (dry fruits [18])
|
Monoterpenoid glucosides [233]. Sesquiterpene lactone glucosides and alkyl glycosides [234]. A flavonoid glycoside; 3′,5-dihydroxyflavone 7-O-β-D-galacturonide 4′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside [235]. Cuminlaldehyde, γ-terpinene, o-cymene, β-pinene, 2-caren-10-al, trans-carveol, and myrtenal [236]
|
Antihyperglycemic effect [237] comparable to glibenclamide and inhibition of advanced glycation end products formation
in STZ-diabetic rats [238]. Aldose reductase and α-glucosidase inhibition [239]
|
30
|
Umbelliferae
Eryngium creticum Lam. (decoction of aerial parts [100])
|
A unique n-propyl sesquiterpene [240]
|
Hypoglycemic effects [241] in rat models. Favorable acute antihyperglycemic trend in starch-fed rats despite
the lack of in vitro inhibitory activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase [23]
|