**2. Antioxidants**

The decreased antioxidant level is found in the diabetic patient. In a previous study, the total antioxidant capacity in the plasma of type 1 DM was shown to be 16% lower than that of normal subjects. Antioxidants counter the action of free radicals via several mechanisms such as degradation of free radicals, regulating the metals that stimulate the production free radicals, and scavenging the free radical. Lately, researchers found out the beneficial use of antioxidants from natural resources to replace synthetic ones.

Among the natural resources, data from laboratory studies showed that plants contain a large amount of antioxidant properties. Antioxidants occur in all parts of any higher plants (wood, bark, stems, pods, leaves, fruit, roots, flowers, pollen, and seeds). Plants with high levels of antioxidant have a significant role in improving oxidative stress disorders like DM. A number of findings showed the protective effect of the antioxidant ingredients against DM and achieved good results [10]. Hence, classical antioxidant could regulate the process and progress of DM and its complications. The good impact antioxidant activity toward DM and its associated complications has highly gained attention in the recent therapeutic society. Plenty of plants are rich in antioxidant property. To name it few, the plant or natural herbs such as *Piper sarmentosum* [11], *Momordica charantia* (bitter gourd) [12], and *Piper betel* [6], the common herbs used in improving the diabetic status enriched with antioxidant compounds. Noticeable active compounds like naringenin and quercetin are also important in managing hyperglycemic condition as well as regulating the oxidative stress–induced complication in DM. Vitamin C and E are well-known antioxidant agents for DM [13]. The antioxidant-enriched herbs not only increase the antioxidant level but also reduce the serum glucose level as well as improve the deteriorative changes in DM.
