Abstract

10.Utilization of new research findings and pre-existing knowledge of plants of Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh for the prevention and cure of diabetes
Archana Verma
Life style diseases are diseases of civilization. Diabetes mellitus is the outcome of modern life style and affect our health immensely. Management of diabetes is still a major challenge. Thus there is a great demand for research on natural products with anti-diabetic properties. The Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh is inhabited by various tribes and villagers. They have a good knowledge of medicinal use of their local flora. An extensive survey of the forested area of Bundelkhand region was carried out to collect information about the ethno-medicinal plants used by the herbalists of various tribal pockets. The plant species were authenticated by herbaria present in Department of Botany Dr. H.S. Gour University.In spite of the 21 plants used by the rural people of Bundelkhand region, there is a new category of three important plants recently recognized as anti- diabetic plants. These are Allium sativum, Allium cepa and Aloe vera. All these plants are very common plants hence may play a very important role in prevention and cure of the diabetes mellitus and might open a door for the formulation of important anti-diabetic medicine from our easily available cheaper source.