HYPOGLYCEMIC POTENTIAL OF GUAZUMA ULMIFOLIA LAM.: A REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/revgeov16n4-085Keywords:
Guazuma ulmifolia, Hypoglycemic Agent, Diabetes Mellitus 2, Natural ProductsAbstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the greatest global health challenges, demanding safe and effective therapeutic alternatives. Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. (mutamba), traditionally used in Latin American folk medicine, has sparked scientific interest due to its hypoglycemic potential. This review gathers and critically analyzes phytochemical, preclinical, and clinical evidence on the species. Studies indicate that its extracts are rich in flavonoids, condensed tannins, proanthocyanidins, and phenolic acids, compounds associated with modulation of glucose uptake, inhibition of digestive enzymes, antioxidant action, and anti-inflammatory activity. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrate increased glucose uptake mediated by the PI3K/Akt pathway, improved lipid profile, and reduced blood glucose levels in animal models. A preliminary clinical trial reported a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c, albeit in a combined formulation, which limits the attribution of the effects exclusively to G. ulmifolia. Despite the promising results, significant gaps remain, such as the scarcity of clinical trials with isolated extracts and the absence of chronic toxicity and pharmacokinetic studies. It is concluded that G. ulmifolia has significant potential as a candidate for the development of herbal remedies for the management of type 2 diabetes, but requires further investigation to consolidate its efficacy and safety.
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