Anilkumar K.V.1*, Nagaraju B.1, Samhitha J.1, Shekar H.S.1, Neerajraj G.N.2, Padmavathi G.V.2
1Visveswarapura Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, BSK-2nd Stage, Bengaluru-560070 India
2UG-Medical, ESIC Medical College & PGIMSR, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru-560010 India
3Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Aditya College of Nursing, Kogilu, Bengaluru-560064 India
*Address for Corresponding Author
Anilkumar K. V.
Visveswarapura Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, BSK-2nd Stage, Bengaluru-560070 India
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), represents a major global health challenge requiring long-term pharmacotherapy. Parallel to the widespread use of conventional oral hypoglycemic agents, there has been a marked increase in the consumption of herbal medicines and nutraceuticals for glycemic control. Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) is one such widely consumed medicinal plant, traditionally used for diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Concurrent use of Noni with oral hypoglycemic drugs raises significant concerns regarding potential herb-drug interactions that may alter therapeutic efficacy or safety. This review critically examines the necessity of conducting pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interaction studies between oral hypoglycemic agents and Noni. The review discusses global trends in herbal medicine use, mechanistic bases of herb-drug interactions, pharmacological properties of commonly prescribed oral hypoglycemic agents, and the phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Noni. Emphasis is placed on the scientific rationale for preclinical interaction studies, regulatory perspectives, and translational relevance to clinical practice. Understanding such interactions is essential to ensure patient safety, optimize therapeutic outcomes, and provide evidence-based guidance for the combined use of herbal products and antidiabetic drugs.
Keywords: Herb-drug interaction, Morinda citrifolia, Noni, oral hypoglycemic agents, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, diabetes mellitus
