Role of Nutraceuticals and Ayurvedic ingredients in Prevention and Management of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial metabolic disorder and a growing global health concern, with India at the forefront in terms of disease burden. Lifestyle factors such as sedentary behaviour and poor diet have accelerated the onset of type 2 diabetes and its associated complications including cardiovascular disease, obesity, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Conventional therapies often require long‐term use and are associated with multiple side effects, creating a need for safer adjunctive strategies. This review explores the synergistic role of nutraceuticals and Ayurvedic interventions in the prevention and management of diabetes and its secondary complications. Nutraceuticals—including omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, alpha-lipoic acid, polyphenols, dietary fiber, and bioactive peptides—exert antidiabetic effects via modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin signalling pathways. Similarly, Ayurvedic herbs such as Gymnema sylvestre, Neem, Karela, Triphala, and Guduchi demonstrate glucose-lowering activity by enhancing insulin secretion, improving β-cell function, and inhibiting carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. Integrative use of nutraceuticals and classical Ayurvedic formulations offers a holistic and multi-targeted approach for diabetes management, with potential benefits in glycemic control, lipid profile improvement, and prevention of long-term complications. Although promising, these interventions require further standardisation and clinical validation to determine optimal dosing, safety, and efficacy. Ultimately, a personalised and evidence-based integration of nutraceuticals and Ayurveda may provide an effective complementary strategy alongside conventional therapies in the comprehensive management of diabetes mellitus.