Potential of Curcuma longa and Withania somnifera for diabetes and associated neurological comorbidities

Abstract

Curcuma longa (turmeric) and Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) are the two perennial herbs and have been used for many centuries as potential medicine to promote longevity and immunizing the body against various ailments. However, in Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine, rhizomes of C. longa and roots of W. somnifera are often used for the treatment of various metabolic disorders including diabetes and associated disorders. Since the beginning of the 20th century, a number of bioactivity-graded studies using different extracts of these two plants have been done and confirmed their therapeutic claims as anti-diabetic herbs. Efforts were also been made to further explore their bioactive metabolites like curcuminoids and withanolides to describe their anti-diabetic action. Recently, these two plants caught attention as potential treatment for diabetes. Information available on pharmacological and chemical studies has revealed that, these two plants are relatively safe and inexpensive natural products that reduces hyperglycemia and prevents the progression of other associated complications. Here, we reviewed the literature on the pharmacological applications of both turmeric and ashwagandha for diabetes and associated neurological disorders. © 2018 by Apple Academic Press, Inc.