THE USE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS AND HERBAL MEDICINES IN THE GLYCEMIC CONTROL OF PATIENTS WITH TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This article analyzes the effects of medicinal plants and herbal medicines on glycemic control in people with Type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM2), by means of a literature review. The research included articles published in LILACS, PubMed, SciELO and Periódicos CAPES, selected using a qualitative approach. The results indicate that species such as Bauhinia forficata, Syzygium jambolanum, Cinnamomum spp., Baccharis trimera and Cissus verticillata have potential hypoglycemic effects, helping with insulin secretion, inhibition of glucose absorption and antioxidant activity. It is concluded that the appropriate use of these plants can contribute to glycemic control in individuals with DM2, being a complementary alternative to conventional treatment.