A review and a bibliometric analysis of tropical herbs and their bioactive compounds for modulating gut microbiota function and glucose regulation in type 2 diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) remains a pressing global health concern, with escalating incidence and mortality rates. Excessive sugar causes pancreatic β cell dysfunction and reduces insulin production, resulting in significant healthcare and economic burdens. In response, using natural herbal remedies for DM treatment is rising. This review focuses on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and examines herbal alternatives for lowering blood glucose levels. Research indicates that extracts and bioactive compounds from tropical herbs, such as bitter melon (Momordica charantia), curry tree (Murraya koenigii), garlic (Allium sativum), ginger (Zingiber officinale) and noni (Morinda citrifolia) exhibit anti-diabetic and anti-hyperglycaemic properties. Their alkaloids act on insulin-related pathways, effectively regulating insulin secretion, blocking glucose absorption, and maintaining glucose homeostasis. This article provides a descriptive explanation of how phytochemical compounds found in tropical herbs work to regulate glucose levels within human cells. This paper proposes that the metabolic pathways by which these bioactive compounds in tropical herbs function are significant as a foundation for treating T2DM. Additionally, the paper integrates a bibliometric analysis, offering comprehensive research into the trends of published papers. This analysis aids in understanding the connections among researchers, organizations, and countries. It uncovers emerging trends, assesses the impact of key research findings, and tracks the progression of specific topics.