Antidiabetic Properties of Plant Secondary Metabolites

Abstract

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is one of the major medical problems that the modern world is currently facing. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus both result in early disability and death, as well as serious social and financial problems. In some cases, synthetic drugs can be quite effective in the treatment of diabetes, though they have side effects. Plant-derived pharmacological substances are of particular interest. This review aims to study the antidiabetic properties of secondary plant metabolites. Existing review and research articles on the investigation of the antidiabetic properties of secondary plant metabolites, the methods of their isolation, and their use in diabetes mellitus, as well as separate articles that confirm the relevance of the topic and expand the understanding of the properties and mechanisms of action of plant metabolites, were analyzed for this review. The structure and properties of plants used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, including plant antioxidants, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and insulin-like plant substances, as well as their antidiabetic properties and mechanisms for lowering blood sugar, are presented. The main advantages and disadvantages of using phytocomponents to treat diabetes are outlined. The types of complications of diabetes mellitus and the effects of medicinal plants and their phytocomponents on them are described. The effects of phytopreparations used to treat diabetes mellitus on the human gut microbiota are discussed. Plants with a general tonic effect, plants containing insulin-like substances, plants-purifiers, and plants rich in vitamins, organic acids, etc. have been shown to play an important role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the prevention of its complications.

Momordica balsamina improves glucose handling in a diet-induced prediabetic rat model

“…We therefore speculate that MB may also increase insulin sensitivity via IRS-1 since the protein expression of GLUT 4 was increased. Some studies reported that MC stimulates phosphoinositol-3-kinase which phosphorylates Akt and downregulates mTOR to attenuate insulin resistance [ 49 , 50 ]. Indeed, this study showed that MB in both the presence and absence of diet intervention resulted in the reduction of insulin concentrations which was further evidenced by the decrease in HOMAR-IR index, hence, suggesting an attenuation in insulin resistance.…”

Diabetes cardiomyopathy: targeted regulation of mitochondrial dysfunction and therapeutic potential of plant secondary metabolites

“…Secondary metabolites derived from plants have the properties of being safe, effective, and low in toxicity. Research on the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications using these metabolites has attracted increasing attention ( Sukhikh et al, 2023 ). Previous studies have reported that the research on plant secondary metabolites for diabetes mainly focuses on regulating lipid and protein metabolism pathways, insulin signaling pathways, anti-inflammatory responses, and anti-oxidant stress ( Shehadeh et al, 2021 ).…”

Beneficial Effects of Natural Alkaloids from Berberis glaucocarpa as Antidiabetic Agents: An In Vitro, In Silico, and In Vivo Approach

“…10 Since more than a decade, researchers have been looking for safe and effective antidiabetic medication bases in plants, but the mechanisms by which antidiabetic activity develops and the best ways to focus their search are still unknown. 11 Natural plant-derived molecules and extracts, such as capsaicin, berberine, curcumin, ginsenosides, genistein, gingerols, catechins, resveratrol, stevioside, simple phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and hesperidin, obtained from various species, are used to treat diabetes and have been found to have various mechanisms of action. 12 Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing, varied, basic chemical compounds with low molecular weight that are present in fungi, bacteria, animals, and plants.…”

“…According to Samarakoon et al, natural herbal remedies for diabetes (more than 400 herbs may be found in the literature) are secure and effective alternatives to Western medicines . Since more than a decade, researchers have been looking for safe and effective antidiabetic medication bases in plants, but the mechanisms by which antidiabetic activity develops and the best ways to focus their search are still unknown . Natural plant-derived molecules and extracts, such as capsaicin, berberine, curcumin, ginsenosides, genistein, gingerols, catechins, resveratrol, stevioside, simple phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and hesperidin, obtained from various species, are used to treat diabetes and have been found to have various mechanisms of action .…”