diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder ranked
among the top 10 causes of mortality worldwide.
Diabetes often leads to neurological and vascular complications
that, in severe cases, can result in limb amputation.1 The World
Health Organization estimated that more than 180 million
people worldwide suffer from diabetes, a figure that could
double by 2030 due to population growth, aging populations,
urbanization, unhealthy diets, and soaring incidences of obesity
and sedentary lifestyles.2 Diabetes is associated with abnormal
insulin release and sensitivity, which result in increased hepatic
glucose production and reduced glucose uptake in muscles.3
The use of herbal remedies to treat DM has been practiced
since ancient times.4 Currently more than 1000 plant species
are being used as folk medicines for DM throughout the world.5
In Malaysia, extracts from Tinospora crispa Miers