Plant by-products as a valuble source of natural antiglycemic compounds: Economic aspects and alternative raw...

Plant by-products, often considered as waste in various agricultural and food processing industries, have emerged as a valuable source of natural antidiabetic or antihyperglycemic compounds. These compounds, derived from plant materials that would otherwise be discarded, have the potential to mitigate the global burden of diabetes and offer sustainable solutions for glycemic control. Prominent groups of natural antidiabetic compounds found in plant by-products are polyphenols, as well as bioactive proteins and peptides. In addition, agro-industrial residues such as wheat bran, oat husks, and fruit peels are excellent sources of carbohydrates that can be incorporated into functional foods to help manage diabetes. In addition to their antidiabetic potential, plant by-products contribute to sustainability and waste reduction by turning materials that would otherwise be discarded into valuable resources. Furthermore, the utilization of natural antidiabetic compounds from waste materials promises to improve diabetes management and promote a more sustainable food industry. The paper will address the valorization of agro-industrial by-products as natural sources of antiglycemic compounds, including an economic analysis and exploration of different raw material sources. It will present both the advantages and the key challenges associated with the biological activity, metabolism, bioavailability, and toxicological profiles of these compounds, as well as their economic and environmental implications. Furthermore, the review will highlight the prospects for automating this process through the application of artificial intelligence (AI), which may facilitate greater standardization and efficiency in future development.