A comprehensive review on the anti-diabetic properties of various flavonoids

Abstract

Natural herbal constituents have been continuously utilised as a source of medicine since ancient times to cure diverse types of disorders that ail human body, like cardiovascular disease (CVDs), diabetes mellitus (DM), bacterial and viral infections. Several studies have recently been conducted on flavonoids derived from various parts of plants, and their diverse functions are being widely explored. Flavonoids are nutraceuticals that have a wide range of biological activities. Their antioxidant properties account for the majority of their protective effects including minimizing oxidative stress and inflammation besides their potential to modulate the activities of enzymes. Flavonoids are also used to manage and treat diabetes, as well as diabetes associated comorbidities. Increased risk of mortality during diabetes and diabetes associated comorbidities like hypertension, stroke, neuropathy, nephropathy etc. are directly related to the elevated glycemic index of diabetics. Here we discuss the importance of flavonoids derived from nature for their medicinal roles, factors leading to the onset of diabetes and its associated complications. Finally, this review discusses the potential role of various flavonoids as an alternative remedial approach to mitigate the condition of diabetes.