Luffa aegyptiaca and Diabetes: A Review

Luffa aegyptiaca (sponge gourd) is a tropical plant widely used in traditional medicine across Africa and Asia for the management of metabolic disorders, including diabetes mellitus. This review critically examines the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological evidence supporting the antidiabetic potential of L. aegyptiaca. Available studies indicate that different parts of the plant—particularly the fruits, leaves, and seeds—contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, alkaloids, and triterpenoids, which are known to exert hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects. Experimental models suggest that L. aegyptiaca extracts may improve glycemic control through multiple mechanisms, including enhancement of insulin secretion and sensitivity, inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, modulation of oxidative stress, and protection of pancreatic β-cells. The review also discusses safety profiles, toxicological data, and current limitations in the literature, highlighting the need for standardized extracts, well-designed clinical trials, and mechanistic studies. Overall, L. aegyptiaca shows promise as a complementary therapeutic agent in diabetes management, but further research is required to validate its efficacy and ensure its safe integration into evidence-based practice.

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APA Referencing Format

Alerubo, J. O. (2025). Luffa aegyptiaca and Diabetes: A Review. International Journal of Sustainable Technology, Environmental Sciences and Conservation (IJSTESC), 1(1), 1-9.

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