A Comprehensive Review Of Neomarica Gracilis: Phytochemistry, Antidiabetic Activity, And Therapeutic Prospects

Abstract

A chronic metabolic disorder called diabetes mellitus is characterised by persistent hyperglycemia brought on by decreased insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The global prevalence of diabetes continues to increase, necessitating the development of safer and more effective therapeutic agents. Medicinal plants have gained significant attention due to their diverse bioactive compounds and minimal adverse effects compared to synthetic drugs. Neomarica gracilis, an ornamental perennial herb belonging to the Iridaceae family, has recently emerged as a promising medicinal plant because of its “rich phytochemical composition, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids”. These secondary metabolites have anti-inflammatory, glucose-lowering, and antioxidant properties that may be useful for managing diabetes. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats represent one of the most widely accepted experimental models for evaluating antidiabetic agents because STZ selectively destroys pancreatic β-cells, mimicking diabetic pathology. This review discusses the pharmacological significance of Neomarica gracilis, the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus, the mechanism of STZ-induced diabetes, phytochemical constituents responsible for antidiabetic activity, experimental approaches for evaluating antidiabetic efficacy, and possible molecular mechanisms underlying glucose regulation. The review also highlights current research gaps, future perspectives, and the potential of Neomarica gracilis as a natural source for developing novel antidiabetic therapeutics.