Anti-diabetic Medicinal Plants of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hot spot in the world with a remarkable endemicity. It is reported to harbour 1414 medicinal plants in its biodiversity, many of which are endemic or indigenous to Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan traditional medical systems, the ayurveda practiced in Sri Lanka, and the folk medicines indigenous to Sri Lanka depend exclusively on these medicinal plants. There are about 20 different medicinal plants reported to be used in the management of diabetes in the above medical systems in the country. This chapter describes the chemistry, bioactivity, and pharmacology of the ten most used, scientifically validated anti-diabetic medicinal plants in Sri Lanka.