Antidiabetic effects of cashew leaves extract

Abstract

Diabetes, one of the most scared diseases next to cancer, is not a new dilemma and has been extensively studied over the centuries. Yet, the number of diabetes cases reported has increased tremendously, especially in developed and developing countries, mainly due to unhealthy life style (stress, lack of exercise) and poor eating habit (fast food craze, increase use of artificial food enhancers). At least 171 million people worldwide were reported to have diabetes (WHO and the International Diabetes Foundation, 2004). This figure is likely to more than double by 2030 to reach 366 million. Around 4 million deaths every year are attributable to complications of diabetes. The top 10 countries, in numbers of sufferers, are India, China, USA, Indonesia, Russia, Japan, UAE, Pakistan, Brazil and Italy.