Anti-diabetic actions of Berry polyphenols – Review on proposed mechanisms of action

Abstract

Abstract. The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has reached near-epidemic proportions in the Western world with other parts of the world following close behind. Glycemic control is paramount in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and T2DM. Berries may beneficially influence glycemic control through the action of their polyphenolic components. While clinical studies on the anti-diabetic effects of berry polyphenols are limited, epidemiological data have indicated favorable effects of berry/anthocyanins intake on development and/or management of T2DM. Furthermore, data derived from in vivo animal studies and in vitro cell culture models are promising. Various molecular targets and modulation of cell signaling pathways in pancreatic ␤-cells, hepatocytes, adipocytes, and skeletal muscle cells are among the proposed mechanisms for berry polyphenols and their metabolites' action. Berry polyphenols may exert anti-diabetic effects by (i) enhancing insulin production and reducing apoptosis and promoting proliferation of pancreatic ␤-cells, (ii) regulating glucose metabolism by interfering with absorption or by increasing peripheral tissue glucose uptake through insulin receptor-dependent or independent mechanisms via modification of oxidative stress, inflammation or perceived energy status of cell. This mini review discusses recent findings from our laboratory and other studies on the anti-diabetic effects of berry polyphenolic compounds with special emphasis on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of berry polyphenol compounds.

Effects of Acute Dietary Polyphenols and Post-Meal Physical Activity on Postprandial Metabolism in Adults with Features of the Metabolic Syndrome

“…The authors further stated that the activity of the insulin receptor and protein kinase B/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways were improved (cited and discussed by Park et al [56], but limited to abstracts for these findings). Nevertheless, the proposed mechanisms align with recent reviews of mechanisms by which berry polyphenols improve dysglycemia [30,82]. In contrast to the agreement on postprandial insulin between the clinical trials, postprandial TGs were unaffected by supplementation in one clinical trial [56], but were reduced in another [69].…”

“…Dietary choices are a key factor that influence IFG, IGT, and health across the lifespan. Dietary polyphenols are one of many dietary compounds that have received attention for their health benefits and potential to improve postprandial metabolism [27][28][29][30]. In vitro and in vivo studies with animals have shown that polyphenolic compounds inhibit carbohydrate digestion and absorption, thereby dampening PPG excursions [27].…”

Bioactive compounds from marine macroalgae and their hypoglycemic benefits

“…Less than 1% of the estimated 250,000 higher plants have been screened pharmacologically and very few in regard to diabetes (Arumugam, Manjula, & Paari, 2013 (Wu, Hsieh, Lin, & Yen, 2013). The bioactive compounds are found in many fruits, vegetables, herbs, tea, soy and beverage products, and mostly together responsible for efficacy (Edirisinghe & Burton-Freeman, 2016).…”

Anthocyanin-Rich Extract from Red Chinese Cabbage Alleviates Vascular Inflammation in Endothelial Cells and Apo E−/− Mice

“…Anthocyanin-enriched fractions from strawberries induce an improvement of the lipid profile showing antioxidant capacity in human hepatoma G2 cells [ 18 ]. Furthermore, anti-diabetic effects of berry polyphenols indicate that its biological activities spread to a regulation of cellular metabolism beyond their mere antioxidant capacity in vivo [ 19 ].…”