Review Study on Veli Paruthi (Abutilon Indicum L. Sweet) for Antidiabetic Activity

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent elevation of blood glucose and disturbances in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The continuing burden of diabetes and limitations associated with long-term drug therapy have encouraged investigation of medicinal plants as sources of complementary bioactive molecules. Veli Paruthi, commonly identified as Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet of the family Malvaceae, is a traditional medicinal plant distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Different parts of the plant have been used in Indian traditional medicine for several disorders, and antidiabetic use has received experimental attention. Published studies indicate that aqueous and other extracts can reduce postprandial glucose in diabetic animals, inhibit intestinal glucose absorption, stimulate insulin secretion, improve glucose utilization, and influence glucose-transport pathways. More recent in-vitro work has reported inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase and enhancement of glucose transport in muscle and adipocyte models. Phytochemical investigations have identified flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, saponins, phytosterols and phenolic compounds, with individual constituents such as β-sitosterol, oleanolic acid, daucosterol and vanillic acid reported from extracts. Although these findings support the traditional rationale for studying A. indicum, the evidence is still predominantly preclinical. Standardization, active-constituent identification, pharmacokinetics, chronic toxicity studies, drug-interaction assessment and well-designed clinical trials are neededbefore therapeutic claims can be established [1–6].