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Secondary Metabolites in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus: A Paradigm Shift
Deependra Singh Chauhan1, Paras Gupta2, Faheem Hyder Pottoo3
1Department of Pharmacology, DIPSAR, Pushp Vihar Sec-3, New Dehli, India.
Abstract:
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic, polygenic and non-infectious group of diseases that occurs due to insulin resistance or its low production by the pancreas and is also associated with lifelong damage, dysfunction and collapse of various organs. Management of diabetes is quite complex having many bodily and emotional complications and warrants efficient measures for prevention and control of the same. As per the estimates of the current and future diabetes prevalence, around 425 million people were diabetic in 2017 which is anticipated to rise up to 629 million by 2045. Various studies have vaguely proven the fact that several vitamins, minerals, botanicals and secondary metabolites demonstrate hypoglycemic activity in vivo as well as in vitro. Flavonoids, anthocyanin, catechin, lipoic acid, coumarin metabolites, etc. derived from herbs were found to elicit a significant influence on diabetes. However, the prescription of herbal compounds depend on various factors, including the degree of diabetes progression, comorbidities, feasibility, economics as well as their ADR profile. For instance, cinnamon could be a more favorable choice for diabetic hypertensive patients. Diabecon®, Glyoherb® and Diabeta Plus® are some of the herbal products that had been launched in the market for the favorable or adjuvant therapy of diabetes. Moreover, Aloe vera leaf gel extract demonstrates significant activity in diabetes. The goal of this review was to inscribe various classes of secondary metabolites, in particular those obtained from plants, and their role in the treatment of DM. Recent advancements in recognizing the markers which can be employed for identifying altered metabolic pathways, biomarker discovery, limitations, metabolic markers of drug potency and off-label effects are also reviewed.
Insights
This review explores plant-derived secondary metabolites for managing diabetes mellitus (DM). It highlights natural compounds like flavonoids and botanicals that show hypoglycemic activity, offering potential therapeutic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic, polygenic disease characterized by insulin resistance or deficiency, leading to widespread organ damage.
- Global diabetes prevalence is rising, with 425 million cases in 2017 projected to reach 629 million by 2045, necessitating effective management strategies.
- Herbal compounds, including vitamins, minerals, and secondary metabolites, have demonstrated in vivo and in vitro hypoglycemic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review various classes of secondary metabolites, particularly those from plants, and their role in diabetes mellitus (DM) treatment.
- To discuss recent advancements in identifying biomarkers for altered metabolic pathways and drug efficacy in DM management.
- To examine limitations, drug potency markers, and off-label effects associated with herbal therapies for diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating the hypoglycemic effects of plant-derived compounds.
- Analysis of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, catechins, and coumarins.
- Examination of factors influencing herbal prescription, including disease severity, comorbidities, and adverse drug reaction (ADR) profiles.
Main Results:
- Plant-derived secondary metabolites, including flavonoids and botanicals, show significant hypoglycemic activity.
- Herbal products like Diabecon®, Glyoherb®, and Diabeta Plus®, along with Aloe vera, are available for diabetes therapy.
- Cinnamon is noted as a potentially favorable option for diabetic hypertensive patients.
Conclusions:
- Secondary metabolites from plants offer promising avenues for diabetes mellitus (DM) treatment and management.
- Understanding biomarkers and limitations is crucial for optimizing herbal therapies and ensuring patient safety.
- Further research into plant-based compounds can lead to novel and effective strategies for controlling diabetes.
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