Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic metabolic disorders affecting millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by prolonged high blood glucose levels caused by inadequate insulin production, impaired insulin action, or both. Although several synthetic drugs are available for the treatment of diabetes, their prolonged use may lead to undesirable side effects and increased economic burden. As a result, there is growing interest in traditional and ethnobotanical approaches that offer safer, affordable, and naturally derived therapeutic options.

Wild edible plants (WEPs) have long been used by local communities as both food and medicine and are now gaining scientific attention for their potential role in the management of Type II diabetes mellitus. These plants are rich sources of bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, phenolics, and tannins, which are known to possess significant antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. The hypoglycemic effects of these plants are mainly associated with mechanisms such as inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, improvement of insulin sensitivity, and reduction of oxidative stress.

The present review focuses on the documentation and therapeutic significance of wild edible plants found in the Western Vidarbha region. Special emphasis has been given to plants exhibiting antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, highlighting their ethnomedicinal value and their potential for future pharmacological and nutraceutical applications.