Functional Potential of Indonesian Tuberous Plants in Diabetes Mellitus Management: A Review

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a major metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and remains a significant global health challenge. Tuber plants are rich in bioactive compounds and have attracted increasing attention as potential natural antidiabetic agents. This review aimed to summarize the antidiabetic potential of tuber plants and the mechanisms of action of their bioactive compounds based on recent scientific evidence. A literature review was conducted by searching articles published between 2016 and 2026 in Google Scholar, PubMed, and other relevant scientific databases using the keywords tuber plants, diabetes mellitus, antidiabetic activity, and phytochemicals. Original research articles and review papers discussing the antidiabetic effects of tuber plants were included, while studies unrelated to diabetes or lacking sufficient scientific evidence were excluded. The reviewed studies indicate that tuber plants contain bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and scopoletin, which exhibit antidiabetic effects through multiple mechanisms, such as enhancing insulin secretion, improving insulin sensitivity, inhibiting carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, reducing oxidative stress, and protecting pancreatic β-cells. These findings suggest that tuber plants have promising potential as complementary natural agents for diabetes mellitus management. However, further clinical studies are required to confirm their efficacy and safety in humans.