Natural Products in Diabetes Mellitus: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 February 2025 | Viewed by 8402

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
División de Estudios de Posgrado, C.A. Bioingeniería Básicay Aplicada, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, C. U. Cerro de las Campanas, S/N, Querétaro 76010, Mexico
Interests: nutraceuticals; secondary metabolite; prebiotics; value added
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease characterized by a state of hyperglycemia. This sustained increase in glucose levels induces oxidative damage, which can contribute in different ways to the development of chronic complications. Such complications have been directly or indirectly related to the high morbidity and mortality of DM. The increase in the prevalence of this disease is more marked in developing countries, although it does not exclude developed countries. Additionally, this disease represents a high cost to the health sector and to the patient. The prevention and control of DM consists of physical activity and diet modification. However, various natural products are used worldwide to aid in the control and prevention of DM.

Natural products come from various sources, such as plants, foods and microorganisms. They possess or generate bioactive compounds that may have antidiabetic activity, for which the mechanisms of action are diverse and range from the inhibition of enzymes such as alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase to the modification of hormonal activities involved in glucose homeostasis. Additionally, natural products can present diverse biological activities that can contribute to or generate synergy in the control and prevention of the predominant complications in DM, by reducing oxidative stress resulting from the increase in free radicals due to the high content of glucose in the blood. Therefore, natural products can contribute to antioxidant enzymatic activity.

However, the use of these natural products is generally part of traditional medicine, so there is not always information to support their use, dosage, toxicity, etc.

The study of the mechanisms of action of various natural products, either in isolation as an active substance or in a more complex form as an extract or in its natural state, is of interest since it provides knowledge for the development of therapeutic agents and adjuvant therapies for DM, in addition to generating information on dosage, toxicity, mechanisms of action, synergistic and/or antagonistic activity, etc.

For this Special Issue, we invite the submission of original contributions, reviews or short communications that contribute to the knowledge of natural products and their antidiabetic action, including either in vivo or in vitro models, therapeutic models, the characterization of compounds and extracts, and mechanisms of action.

Dr. Ana Angelica Feregrino-Perez
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pharmaceuticals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • natural products
  • hypoglycemia
  • phenolic compounds
  • diabetes mellitus
  • therapeutic
  • ROS

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

26 pages, 7550 KiB  
Article
BuZhong YiQi Formula Alleviates Postprandial Hyperglycemia in T2DM Rats by Inhibiting α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase In Vitro and In Vivo
by Xin-Xin Zeng, Liang Wang, Ming-Yu Wang, Zhen-Ran Hu, Xiang-Ke Li, Guo-Jun Fei, Ling Ling, Yu-Ting Fan and Ze-Min Yang
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(2), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18020201 - 2 Feb 2025
Viewed by 276
Abstract
Background/Objectives: BuZhong YiQi Formula (BZYQF) can alleviate type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, its efficacy in managing postprandial hyperglycemia in T2DM needs to be further confirmed, and its underlying mechanism and pharmacodynamic material basis have not been sufficiently investigated. Methods: A T2DM rat [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: BuZhong YiQi Formula (BZYQF) can alleviate type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, its efficacy in managing postprandial hyperglycemia in T2DM needs to be further confirmed, and its underlying mechanism and pharmacodynamic material basis have not been sufficiently investigated. Methods: A T2DM rat model was induced to measure postprandial glycemic responses following glucose and starch ingestion. In vitro assays of enzymatic inhibition and the kinetic mode were performed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of BZYQF on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities. The main constituent contents of BZYQF in a simulated digestion assay were measured to screen the active constituents in BZYQF against α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities via Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses. Finally, the total flavonoids were purified from BZYQF to perform in vitro activity validation, and the flavonoid constituent activity was verified through molecular docking. Results: In vivo assays showed that BZYQF significantly reduced the blood glucose values of CON rats but not T2DM rats after glucose ingestion, while BZYQF significantly reduced the blood glucose levels by 15 min after starch ingestion in CON and T2DM rats, with more significant decreases in blood glucose levels in T2DM rats. In vitro enzymatic assays showed that BZYQF could inhibit the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase in competitive and non-competitive modes and in an uncompetitive mode, respectively. Furthermore, BZYQF showed a stronger inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase activity than on α-amylase activity. Simulated digestion showed that simulated gastric fluid and intestinal fluid changed the main constituent contents of BZYQF and their inhibition rates against α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, and similar results were rarely found in simulated salivary fluid. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the total flavonoids were the active constituents in BZYQF inhibiting α-amylase and α-glycosidase activities. This result was verified by examining the total flavonoids purified from BZYQF. A total of 1909 compounds were identified in BZYQF using UPLC-MS/MS, among which flavones were the most abundant and consisted of 467 flavonoids. Molecular docking showed that flavonoids in BZYQF were bound to the active site of α-amylase, while they were bound to the inactive site of α-glucosidase. This result supported the results of the enzyme kinetic assay. Conclusions: BZYQF significantly alleviated postprandial hyperglycemia in T2DM rats by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glycosidase activities, in which flavonoids in BZYQF were the active constituents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products in Diabetes Mellitus: 2nd Edition)
16 pages, 3994 KiB  
Article
Syringaldehyde Alleviates Cardiac Hypertrophy Induced by Hyperglycemia in H9c2 Cells Through GLP-1 Receptor Signals
by Yingxiao Li, Chao-Tien Hsu, Ting-Ting Yang and Kai-Chun Cheng
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(1), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18010110 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 427
Abstract
Background: Cardiac hypertrophy is a significant complication of diabetes, often triggered by hyperglycemia. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists alleviate cardiac hypertrophy, but their efficacy diminishes under GLP-1 resistance. Syringaldehyde (SA), a natural phenolic compound, may activate GLP-1 receptors and mitigate hypertrophy. This study [...] Read more.
Background: Cardiac hypertrophy is a significant complication of diabetes, often triggered by hyperglycemia. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists alleviate cardiac hypertrophy, but their efficacy diminishes under GLP-1 resistance. Syringaldehyde (SA), a natural phenolic compound, may activate GLP-1 receptors and mitigate hypertrophy. This study explores SA’s therapeutic potential in hyperglycemia-induced cardiac hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Methods: H9c2 cells were exposed to high glucose to induce hypertrophy. Cells were treated with varying SA concentrations, and hypertrophic biomarkers were analyzed using ELISA, qPCR, and Western blot. Results: SA reduced cell size and hypertrophic biomarkers in a dose-dependent manner while increasing GLP-1 receptor expression and cAMP levels. These effects were attenuated in GLP-1-resistant cells, highlighting the role of GLP-1 receptor activation. AMPK activation was essential, as its inhibition abolished SA’s effects. SA also decreased O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) expression via AMPK activation, contributing to reduced hypertrophy. Conclusions: SA alleviates hyperglycemia-induced cardiac hypertrophy in H9c2 cells by activating the GLP-1 receptor and AMPK signaling pathway. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products in Diabetes Mellitus: 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 5749 KiB  
Article
Application of Integrated Optical Density in Evaluating Insulin Expression in the Endocrine Pancreas During Chronic Ethanol Exposure and β-Carotene Supplementation: A Novel Approach Utilizing Artificial Intelligence
by Cristian Sandoval, Luciano Canobbi, Álvaro Orrego, Camila Reyes, Felipe Venegas, Ángeles Vera, Francisco Torrens, Bélgica Vásquez, Karina Godoy, Mauricio Zamorano, José Caamaño and Jorge Farías
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(11), 1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17111478 - 3 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1392
Abstract
Background: β-carotene is an essential antioxidant, providing protection against type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular illnesses, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. This study investigates the impact of β-carotene on biochemical parameters and pancreatic insulin expression in mice exposed to ethanol. Methods: Thirty-six C57BL/6 mice ( [...] Read more.
Background: β-carotene is an essential antioxidant, providing protection against type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular illnesses, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. This study investigates the impact of β-carotene on biochemical parameters and pancreatic insulin expression in mice exposed to ethanol. Methods: Thirty-six C57BL/6 mice (Mus musculus) were divided into six groups: 1. C (control), 2. LA (3% alcohol dose), 3. MA (7% alcohol dose), 4. B (0.52 mg/kg body weight/day β-carotene), 5. LA+B (3% alcohol dose + 0.52 mg/kg body weight/day β-carotene), and 6. MA+B (7% alcohol dose plus 0.52 mg/kg body weight/day β-carotene). After 28 days, the animals were euthanized for serum and pancreatic tissue collection. Biochemical analysis and pancreatic insulin expression were performed. One-way ANOVA was used. Results: The B, LA+B, and MA+B groups improved insulin levels and decreased HOMA-β versus the C group, with the LA+B and MA+B groups also showing lower ADH and ALDH levels than their nonsupplemented counterparts (p < 0.05). The B, LA+B, and MA+B groups showed a greater β-cell mass area compared to the unsupplemented groups. Additionally, the LA+B and MA+B groups demonstrated significantly increased β-cell area and integrated optical density compared to the LA and MA groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In mice, β-cell loss led to increased glucose release due to decreased insulin levels. β-carotene appeared to mitigate ethanol’s impact on these cells, resulting in reduced insulin degradation when integrated optical density was used. These findings suggest that antioxidant supplementation may be beneficial in treating ethanol-induced type 2 diabetes in animal models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products in Diabetes Mellitus: 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 531 KiB  
Article
Adjunctive Therapy with Chinese Herbal Medicine Lowers Risk of Hearing Loss in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Results from a Cohort-Based Case-Control Study
by Hui-Ju Huang, Hanoch Livneh, Chieh-Tsung Yen, Ming-Chi Lu, Wei-Jen Chen and Tzung-Yi Tsai
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(9), 1191; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17091191 - 10 Sep 2024
Viewed by 871
Abstract
Hearing loss is a frequently observed complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Emerging evidence has found that Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) can effectively treat chronic disease; nevertheless, it is unclear if adding CHM to the routine management of T2D would modify sequent risk [...] Read more.
Hearing loss is a frequently observed complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Emerging evidence has found that Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) can effectively treat chronic disease; nevertheless, it is unclear if adding CHM to the routine management of T2D would modify sequent risk of hearing loss. This cohort-based case-control study was conducted to address this issue. First, a total of 64,418 subjects aged 20–70 years, diagnosed with T2D between 2002 and 2011, were extracted from a nationwide health claims database. Among them, we identified 4516 cases of hearing loss after T2D by the end of 2013. They were then randomly matched to 9032 controls without hearing loss at a 1:2 ratio. Following conditional logistic regression, we found the addition of CHM to conventional care reduced the risk of developing hearing loss, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.75 (95% confidence interval: 0.70–0.83). Specifically, taking CHM products for at least two years benefits T2D patients in lowering sequent risk of hearing loss. The findings herein implicated that integrating CHM into conventional care substantially correlated to lower risk of hearing loss for T2D patients, but further basic research is needed to secure the application of finished herbal products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products in Diabetes Mellitus: 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 4162 KiB  
Review
Polyphenolic Compounds in Fabaceous Plants with Antidiabetic Potential
by Lucia Guerrero-Becerra, Sumiko Morimoto, Estefania Arrellano-Ordoñez, Angélica Morales-Miranda, Ramón G. Guevara-Gonzalez, Ana Angélica Feregrino-Pérez and Consuelo Lomas-Soria
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(1), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18010069 - 9 Jan 2025
Viewed by 609
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic non-communicable disease with an increasing prevalence in Latin America and worldwide, impacting various social and economic areas. It causes numerous complications for those affected. Current treatments for diabetes include oral hypoglycemic drugs, which can lead to adverse [...] Read more.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic non-communicable disease with an increasing prevalence in Latin America and worldwide, impacting various social and economic areas. It causes numerous complications for those affected. Current treatments for diabetes include oral hypoglycemic drugs, which can lead to adverse effects and health complications. Other natural alternatives for DM treatment have been studied as adjunct therapies that could reduce or eliminate the need for antidiabetic medications. Several natural supplements may offer an alternative way to improve the quality of life for patients with DM, and they may have other nutraceutical applications. Due to their phenolic compound content, some leguminous substances have been proposed as these alternatives. Phenolic compounds, with their high antioxidant activity, have shown promising potential in insulin synthesis, secretion, and the functionality of the endocrine pancreas. This review provides valuable information on various leguminous plants with anti-diabetic properties, including antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anti-fat-induced damage, and anti-apoptotic properties in vitro and in vivo, attributed to the high content of phenolic compounds in their seeds. Natural products with antidiabetic and pharmacological treatment potential improve diabetes management by offering more effective and complementary alternatives. To integrate these herbal remedies into modern medicine, further research on phenolic compound type, doses, efficacy, and safety in the human population is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products in Diabetes Mellitus: 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

24 pages, 1579 KiB  
Review
The Potential Therapeutic Use of Agarwood for Diabetes: A Scoping Review
by Mohammad Adi Mohammad Fadzil, Norhashimah Abu Seman and Aswir Abd Rashed
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(11), 1548; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17111548 - 18 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1218
Abstract
Introduction: In 2019, 9.3% (463 million) of adults worldwide had diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). By 2030, the number will rise to 10.2% (578 million) and 10.9% (700 million) by 2045 if effective prevention methods are not implemented. Agarwood is [...] Read more.
Introduction: In 2019, 9.3% (463 million) of adults worldwide had diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). By 2030, the number will rise to 10.2% (578 million) and 10.9% (700 million) by 2045 if effective prevention methods are not implemented. Agarwood is a pathological product and valuable plant due to its numerous medicinal properties, and it is used as an essential ingredient in medicine. Therefore, we conducted this review to determine agarwood’s potential health benefit effect on type 2 diabetes. Results and Discussion: Although no clinical trials were found, the evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies is promising. Agarwood has shown the ability to reduce the activity of α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and lipase, promote adiponectin secretion during adipogenesis, and reduce oxidative stress. Animal studies elucidated hypoglycaemic, antidyslipidemia, anti-obesity, and organ protective effects from agarwood. Materials and Methods: Original articles were searched in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) using the medical subject heading (MeSH) term “diabetes” crossed with the term “agarwood” from 2008 to 2024. Synonyms and relevant search terms were also searched. Conclusions: This effect underscores the need for further research and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries in the field of diabetes treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products in Diabetes Mellitus: 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 2397 KiB  
Review
Updated Progress on Polysaccharides with Anti-Diabetic Effects through the Regulation of Gut Microbiota: Sources, Mechanisms, and Structure–Activity Relationships
by Xiaoyu Zhang, Jia Wang, Tingting Zhang, Shuqin Li, Junyu Liu, Mingyue Li, Jingyang Lu, Min Zhang and Haixia Chen
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(4), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17040456 - 2 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2839
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common chronic metabolic disease worldwide. The disturbance of the gut microbiota has a complex influence on the development of DM. Polysaccharides are one type of the most important natural components with anti-diabetic effects. Gut microbiota can participate in [...] Read more.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common chronic metabolic disease worldwide. The disturbance of the gut microbiota has a complex influence on the development of DM. Polysaccharides are one type of the most important natural components with anti-diabetic effects. Gut microbiota can participate in the fermentation of polysaccharides, and through this, polysaccharides regulate the gut microbiota and improve DM. This review begins by a summary of the sources, anti-diabetic effects and the gut microbiota regulation functions of natural polysaccharides. Then, the mechanisms of polysaccharides in regulating the gut microbiota to exert anti-diabetic effects and the structure–activity relationship are summarized. It is found that polysaccharides from plants, fungi, and marine organisms show great hypoglycemic activities and the gut microbiota regulation functions. The mechanisms mainly include repairing the gut burrier, reshaping gut microbiota composition, changing the metabolites, regulating anti-inflammatory activity and immune function, and regulating the signal pathways. Structural characteristics of polysaccharides, such as monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, and type of glycosidic linkage, show great influence on the anti-diabetic activity of polysaccharides. This review provides a reference for the exploration and development of the anti-diabetic effects of polysaccharides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products in Diabetes Mellitus: 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop