Published Paper Details:

This extensive review discusses the therapeutic value of Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle) in diabetes treatment, integrating evidence from traditional uses to recent research. C. roseus possesses major antidiabetic activity by different mechanisms such as inhibition of ?-glucosidase, increased glucose uptake, protection of pancreatic ?-cells, and modulation of major metabolic signaling pathways such as AMPK activation. In vitro experiments validate these mechanisms, whereas in vivo studies in diabetic animal models show significant glucose-lowering actions, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and prevention of diabetes complications. While encouraging preclinical data, clinical uses are hampered by standardization issues, alkaloid profile variability, limited pharmacokinetic information, and a lack of large-scale human trials. Traditional formulations and novel pharmaceutical preparations provide multiple administration routes, although best delivery systems are still in development. This review critically appraises the current evidence regarding C. roseus in the management of diabetes, weighs its possible integration into clinical practice, and recognizes essential research priorities such as advanced biotechnological means for standardized manufacture, exhaustive safety profiling, and stringent clinical trials to maximize fully its therapeutic potential as a complementary intervention in the worldwide battle to combat the emerging diabetes epidemic.