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.

Honey has a long history of therapeutic properties for multiple diseases, including inflammation and oxidative stress. This review aimed to provide a better understanding and renewed interest in the potential role of honey in obesity control, obesity-related diseases treatment and weight management, with specific reference to its components and the effect of honey overall. There is compelling evidence that honey possesses the desired properties for this purpose, as seen in the in vitro, in silico, in vivo and clinical analyses discussed in this review. This review also highlights the components potentially responsible for the health benefits of honey. Honey and its components reduce blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism by reducing triglycerides, and reduce total cholesterol and LDL levels while increasing HDL levels that prevent excessive weight gain and reduce the risk of obesity and its complications. Further controlled studies are necessary to validate the role of honey in the management of obesity, both as a preventive and as a therapeutic agent.

This study explores honey as a natural remedy for sleep disorders, highlighting its unique properties and soothing effects. The findings suggest that honey may improve sleep quality without drugs, though more research is needed on its holistic use.

Honey authenticity is one of the most critical honey trading issues worldwide. Fake honey (FH) represents almost 80% of the honey market in Malaysia. Apart from violating consumer’s rights, FH consists of none of the beneficial nutritional value other than pure honey (PH). Moreover, prolonged consumption of FH may cause harm to human health. However, data regarding these issues is limited. In this study, both PH and FH were tested using 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese Sprague Dawley rats. Initially, a physicochemical analysis was performed on both the honey samples according to the Codex Alimentarius Commission and International Honey Commission procedures. After 72 hr, PH significantly reduced lipid accumulation and triglyceride levels in the adipocytes. In the rats, low glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were significantly detected after orally administered for 16 weeks. Conversely, FH significantly induced higher lipid accumulation and triglyceride levels in adipocytes and excess high blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in rats. The results demonstrated that FH has negative effects on lipid metabolism, and prolonged consumption may cause health complications. Furthermore, prompt actions are required to address this problem.

Labisia pumila var. alata (LP) is an herbaceous shrub commonly used by women to promote health and vitality, alleviate postmenopausal symptoms, and enhance libido. Research indicates that LP possesses significant oestrogenic and antiproliferative properties towards breast cancer; however, the specific mechanisms involved remain unclear. We investigate the oestrogenic effects of LP in inducing apoptosis in human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells and the mechanisms underlying this process. Docking analysis reveals that the phytoestrogens in LP can bind to oestrogen receptors (ER), specifically ERα and ERβ. MTT assays demonstrate that LP has a dose- and time-dependent antiproliferative effect on MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, the antiproliferative activity of LP on MCF-7 cells is inhibited by Fulvestrant, indicating that its effects are mediated through oestrogen receptors. Flow cytometry analysis shows that the antiproliferative effect of LP results from the induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. The activation of caspase 3, along with caspase 8 and caspase 9, suggests that LP triggers apoptosis through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. The findings regarding the aqueous extract of LP and its impact on the proliferative activity of MCF-7 cells may have significant therapeutic and preventive implications for future drug development, particularly in the context of breast cancer.