The 2011 ASHS Annual Conference

Plant-based medicinal products have been used to treat common ailments (such as cuts and bruises) to chronic illnesses (such as Type 2 diabetes and cancers) since ancient times.  Plant-based medicines account for 80% of the primary heath care of the world population.  About 25% of synthetic drugs are analogs of natural compounds. Synthetic drugs are the end products of a series of research and development processes in drug discovery beginning with anecdotal evidence or folkloric medicine.  About 800 plant species have been reported to possess antidiabetic properties. Several plant species have been used for prevention or managing diabetes by the Native Americans, Chinese, South Americans, and Asian Indians.

A limited number of medicinal plant species have been studied and validated for their hypoglycemic properties using laboratory diabetic animal models and in clinical studies using human subjects. Several medicinal plants and their products (active, natural principles, and crude extracts) have been reported in the literature as having been used to control diabetes in the Indian traditional system of medicine called ‘Ayurveda’. Plant species adapted to North America, such as prickly pear (Opuntia robusta), Rosemarinus officinalis, Ocimum gratissimum, and noni (Morinda citrifolia) have also been evaluated for their hypoglycemic properties using laboratory animal models in western countries.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. There is substantial evidence from traditional medicinal practices suggesting that plant constituents may prevent and control diseases of the gastro-intestinal tract, including cancer and inflammation.  Several vegetables, fruits, spices, and condiments  rich in antioxidants have reportedly anti-cancer properties as well. 

We present a review of published research on plant based remedies for Type-2 diabetes and colon cancer.  Findings from our research on validation and mode of action of antidiabetic effects of serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) leaf and stem extracts using cell culture techniques and anticolon cancer properties of basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) using cell culture and animal model studies will be discussed.