Utilization of kersen leaves (Muntingia calabura L.) for diabetes mellitus patients: A systematic review

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by increased blood glucose levels. This is caused by insufficient production and activity of the insulin hormone. There is a significant increase of DM prevalence every year in Indonesia. However, it is necessary to develop better alternative drugs. Kersen leaves (Muntingia calabura L.) are traditionally used as an alternative therapy because it more contains compound which have anti-diabetic properties. This systematic review aimed to examine the working mechanism of kersen leaves in reducing blood glucose levels in diabetic patient. Articles were obtained from the electronic database Google Scholar published from 2011 to 2021. The keywords that used are “Kersen leaves (Muntingia calabura L.)” and “Diabetes Mellitus”. Based on the results of 5 selected journals, it shows that kersen leaves (Muntingia calabura L.) contains flavonoids, chalcones, and tannins. The flavonoids can work by regenerating pancreatic beta cells and are able to stimulate insulin secretion. Chalcone can increase insulin sensitivity, reduce gluconeogenesis and also increase Glucagon-like Polypeptide-1 hormone levels. The tannin has the effect to decreased of glucose uptake. So, it can be concluded that there is an effect of kersen leaves (Muntingia calabura L.) to threat for diabetic patient.