Horticultural crops as natural therapeutic plants for the therapy of diabetes mellitus

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus has increased over the years due to a high number of elderly people and sedentary lifestyles. Most synthetic drugs available lead to serious side effects compared to horticultural crops. A lot of plants have been reported as natural therapeutic plants for the therapy of diabetes worldwide. This review attempts to compile different horticultural crops in Nigeria and their antidiabetic properties for the therapy of diabetes mellitus. The horticultural crops evaluated in this review include; Citrus fruits, Aframomum melegueta (Alligator pepper), Persea americana (Avocado pear), Carica papaya (Pawpaw), Zingiber officinale (Ginger), Veronia amygdalina (Bitter leaf), Musa paradisiaca (plantain), Mangifera indica (Mango), Cinnamon cassia (Cinnamon), Parkia biglobosa (African locust bean), Moringa oleifera, Corchorus olitorius (Jute leaf), Annona muricata (soursop), Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra), Capsicum frutescens (Chilli pepper), Juglans regia (Walnut), Spinacia oleraceae (Spinach), Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato) and Curcuma longa (Turmeric). Various parts of these plants and their extracts were evaluated for hypoglycemic activity. These plants are easily available and have little or no negative side effects than conventional synthetic drugs. This review will be of help to researchers and diabetic patients for guidance.