Medicinal Potential of Isoflavonoids: Polyphenols That May Cure Diabetes (2025)

Effects Of Phytochemicals on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus -A Short Review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most prominent cause of mortality globally. It is a severe metabolic disorder marked by high blood glucose levels and insufficient insulin generation and activity. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) prevalence has risen dramatically due to population aging, obesity, and modern lifestyles. T2DM is distinguished by impaired beta pancreatic cell function and insulin production. Numerous studies have found that diabetes mellitus is related to increased free radical production and decreased antioxidant potential. Phytochemicals are essential in improving insulin sensitivity, which has free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties. Several phytoactive compounds, such as flavonoids, prophenylphenols, vicine, charantin, lignans, glycosides, and karavilosides, are also found to combat the complications of diabetes. The primary focus of this research will be the connection between T2DM and the preventative roles of several phytochemicals on diabetes through their antioxidant characteristics. These phytochemicals and photo sources may be employed to discover and create novel anti-diabetic medicines.

Flavonoids, isoflavonoids and others bioactives for insulin sensitizations

Current Diabetes Reviews, 2023

: Diabetes is a chronic condition that has an impact on a huge part of the world. Both animals and humans have been demonstrated to benefit from natural goods, and organisms (animals, or microbes). In 2021, approximately 537 million adults (20-79 years) are living with diabetes, making it the one of the biggest cause of death worldwide. Various phytoconstituent preserved β-cells activity helps to prevent the formation of diabetes problems. As a result, β-cells mass and function are key pharmaceutical targets. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of flavonoids' effects on pancreatic β-cells. Flavonoids have been demonstrated to improve insulin release in cell lines of isolated pancreatic islets and diabetic animal models. Flavonoids are thought to protect β-cells by inhibiting nuclear factor-KB (NF-KB) signaling, activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, inhibiting nitric oxide production, and lowering reactive oxygen species levels. Flavonoids boost β-cells secretory capacity by improving mitochondrial bioenergetic function and increasing insulin secretion pathways. Some of the bioactive phytoconstituents such as S-methyl cysteine sulfoxides stimulate insulin synthesis in the body and increase pancreatic output. The berberine increased insulin secretion in the HIT-T15 and Insulinoma 6 (MIN6) mouse cell line. Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate protects against toxicity accrued by cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and hyperglycemia. Quercetin has been proven to boost insulin production by Insulinoma 1 (INS-1) cells and also protect cell apoptosis. Overall flavonoids have beneficial effects on β-cells by prevented their malfunctioning or degradation and improving synthesis or release of insulin from β-cells.

The potential beneficial role of isoflavones in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Nutrition Research, 2018

Diabetes is a chronic global disease afflicting a substantial number of people worldwide. Different mechanisms have been highlighted in the progression of this disease such as dysfunction of pancreatic β-cells, insulin resistance, elevated levels of free fatty acids which result in overproduction of reactive oxygen species, as well as pancreatic β-cell failure and apoptosis. Isoflavones, are polyphenolic phytochemicals found in most leguminous plants, and have been identified as potentially useful antidiabetic agents. The pleiotropic effects of isoflavones include the targeting of numerous cell signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Several observational studies have supported the direct relationship between isoflavones intake and a lowered risk of diabetes. The aim of this review was to summarize relevant findings on the effects of isoflavone intake and risk of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to highlight some of the possible anti-diabetic molecular mechanisms of these polyphenols. Despite the promising therapeutic effects of isoflavones to moderate risk of T2DM, the underlying mechanisms for their preventive effects are still largely unknown. The acceptable human dosage levels of these polyphenols remain a debatable topic as these have a profound influence on the observed benefits. Considerable numbers of well-controlled, long-term human clinical studies of these phytochemicals are highly recommended. Furthermore, combinations of isoflavones and their derivatives in combination with other naturally isolated compounds, and perhaps even those drugs currently used therapeutically to control diabetes mellitus in clinical practice, may be worth exploring in the future.

Beneficial effects of commonly used phytochemicals in diabetes mellitus

ACTA Pharmaceutica Sciencia, 2016

Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder, is characterized by absolute or relative deficiencies in insulin secretion and/or insulin action associated with chronic hyperglycemia. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide, especially in developing countries. The diabetes treatment has higher costs, limited efficacy and side effects. As a result of these factors, patients often have used alternative forms of therapy such as herbal medicines. Plants often contain various amounts of phenolics, flavonoids and tannins and most of the studies are focused on the antidiabetic effects of these phytochemicals due to their antioxidant properties. In this review, the role of oxidative stress on diabetes and the effects of different phytochemicals (limonene, sinnamic acid and ursolic acid) to diabetes mellitus therapy will be discussed.

Recent advances in the therapeutic potential phytochemicals in managing diabetes

Journal of Clinical and Basic Research (JCBR), 2023

Diabetes and diabetic complications have been a global menace for a long time, putting a heavy burden on an individual, the health sector, and governments. Diabetic complications attributed to persistent hyperglycemia create a challenge in managing diabetes, considering the nature of the disease as a group of metabolic disorders. Various phytochemicals target different metabolic pathways and molecules through different mechanisms of action, acting individually or synergistically to achieve therapeutic goals. Phytochemicals such as alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, and flavonoids were reported to exert different anti-diabetic effects, including anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and insulinotropic activities. The present review focused on the recent advances in the therapeutic potentials of phytochemicals in managing diabetes and diabetic complications, emphasizing their in vitro and in vivo studies.

Soy Isoflavone Genistein Is a Potential Agent for Metabolic Syndrome Treatment: A Narrative Review

Journal of Advances in Medical and Biomedical Research

Metabolic syndrome has a high prevalence (about 22.4% in adult individuals) in developed countries. Inflammation due to obesity and fat accumulation is the most important factor in the progression of metabolic syndrome. In cells which have a receptor for insulin hormone, inflammatory mediators target the insulin signaling pathway and cause insulin resistance. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors are a group of ligand inducible transcription factors, whose activation can improve insulin resistance and their agonists such as Genistein, which seems to be useful in prevention of insulin resistance development. Genistein is one of the soy derived isoflavonoids that affects carbohydrate and lipid metabolism resulting in prevention of insulin resistance. The current narrative review has concentrated mainly on highlighting the usefulness of Genistein in the improvement of insulin resistance and therapeutic potential of it in both in-vitro and in-vivo models. Genistein can increase fatty acid β-oxidation, decrease lipogenesis and improve insulin resistance in hepatocytes. In adipocytes, Genistein prevents downregulation of adiponectin expression and facilitates the upregulation of adiponectin expression. In β-islet cells, Genistein initiates the special cascade which leads to proliferation of β cells, resulting in increased secretion of insulin. Based on findings of the studies, it can be concluded that Genistein can be a useful agent in prevention of de novo lipid synthesis as well as proliferation of β cells. In this way the development of metabolic syndrome can be prevented.

Role of Plant Based Natural Products in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

Chemistry and Chemical Technology, 2021

Diabetes mellitus is caused by the elevation of blood sugar levels and has become a serious health concern worldwide with the number of cases steadily increasing annually. Due to the increased side effects and costs associated with the use of conventional drugs, alternative treatment methods that use natural compounds from medicinal plants have been researched. This review summarizes the recent advances and discoveries of plant based natural compounds used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes as well as their mechanisms of action, which include the inhibition of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes, reducing oxidative stress, modifying the activity of the PPARγ receptor, and modifying the activity of glucose transporters. We also describe the most prevalent classes of chemical compounds that have been shown to exhibit significant antidiabetic activity, thereby showing promise for development into novel drug molecules. These classes include polysaccharides, polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenes and quinones among others.

An Overview on Plant Derived Phenolic Compounds and Their Role in Treatment and Management of Diabetes

Journal of Pharmacopuncture

In recent decades, the trend for treating diabetes mellitus (DM) has shifted toward alternative medicines that are obtained from plant sources. Existing literature suggests that phenolic compounds derived from plants possess promising health-promoting properties. This study aimed to discuss the role of plant-derived phenolic compounds in the effective treatment and management of diabetes. Methods: Information about plant secondary metabolites, phenolic compounds, and their role in the treatment and management of diabetes was collected from different databases, such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Keywords like secondary metabolites, phenolic compounds, simple phenol, flavonoids, lignans, stilbenes, and diabetes were searched. Research and review articles with relevant information were included in the study. Results: Anti-diabetic studies of the four major classes of phenolic compounds were included in this review. The plant-derived phenolic compounds were reported to have potent anti-diabetic activities. However, each class of phenolic compounds was found to behave differently according to various mechanisms. Conclusion: The obtained results suggest that phenolic compounds derived from natural sources display promising anti-diabetic activities. Based on the available information, it can be concluded that phenolic compounds obtained from various natural sources play key roles in the treatment and management of diabetes.

Pharmaceutical Drugs and Natural Therapeutic Products for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Pharmaceuticals

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most widespread form of diabetes, characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance, and inefficient insulin secretion and action. Primary care in T2DM is pharmacological, using drugs of several groups that include insulin sensitisers (e.g., biguanides, thiazolidinediones), insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulphonylureas, meglinides), alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and the newest incretin-based therapies and sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors. However, their long-term application can cause many harmful side effects, emphasising the importance of the using natural therapeutic products. Natural health substances including non-flavonoid polyphenols (e.g., resveratrol, curcumin, tannins, and lignans), flavonoids (e.g., anthocyanins, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, naringin, rutin, and kaempferol), plant fruits, vegetables and other products (e.g., garlic, green tea, blackcurrant, rowanberry, bilberry, strawberry, cornelian cherry,...

A novel botanical formula prevents diabetes by improving insulin resistance

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and the prevalence has increased significantly in recent decades to epidemic proportions in China. Individually, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seed, mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) root can improve glycemia in various animal models and humans with impaired glucose metabolism and T2DM. The aim of this study was to design an optimized botanical formula containing these herbal extracts as a nutritional strategy for the prevention of insulin resistance and T2DM. Methods: Cell-free α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme assays were used to determine inhibitory potential of extracts. Glucose uptake was examined in differentiated human adipocytes using radiolabeled 2-deoxyglucose. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided and glycemia balanced into 5 groups: two controls (naïve and model) and three doses of the botanical test formula containing standardized fenugreek seed, mulberry leaf and American ginseng extracts (42.33, 84.66 and 169.33 mg/kg BW). Insulin resistance and T2DM was induced by feeding animals a high fat diet and with an alloxan injection. Glucose tolerance was examined by measuring serum glucose levels following an oral glucose load. Results: Fenugreek seed and mulberry leaf dose dependently inhibited α-amylase (IC50 = 73.2 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 111.8 ng/mL), respectively. All three botanical extracts improved insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in human adipocytes, which lead to the design of an optimized botanical test formula. In a rat model of insulin resistance and T2DM, the optimized botanical test formula improved fasting serum glucose levels, fasting insulin resistance and the development of impaired glucose tolerance. The reduction in epididymal adipose tissue GLUT4 and PDK1 expression induced by high fat diet and alloxan was blunted by the botanical test formula. Conclusions: A novel botanical formula containing standardized extracts of mulberry leaf, fenugreek seed and American ginseng at a ratio of 1:1.3:3.4 prevented the development of insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and T2DM. Given the rising need for effective non-drug targeting of insulin resistance and progression to T2DM, complementary and alternative nutritional strategies without intolerable side effects could have meaningful impact on metabolic health and diabetes risks.