A recent systematic review published in the journal Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews highlights the therapeutic potential of citrus bioflavonoids in controlling blood glucose levels and managing metabolic complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes has become a major public health concern globally, characterized by reduced insulin secretion or sensitivity, impaired glycemic control, and metabolic complications. This condition increases the risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications, ultimately leading to organ failure.
High blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) and insulin resistance in diabetes contribute to the generation of free radicals and inflammatory mediators, resulting in various complications such as nerve damage, cardiovascular problems, liver and kidney damage, skin conditions, hearing impairments, and neurodegenerative disorders.
The primary treatments for diabetes and its complications currently include metformin, sulfonylureas, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors.
Citrus bioflavonoids, which are polyphenolic compounds found in citrus fruits like lemon, orange, and grapefruit, have strong antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
The systematic review involved an extensive search of scientific databases to identify relevant studies conducted between January 2012 and February 2023. A total of 129 studies focusing on the management of diabetes with citrus bioflavonoids were included.
The review highlighted the following key findings:
1. Hyperglycemia Management: Citrus bioflavonoids, particularly naringin and hesperidin, have been found to inhibit starch hydrolyzing enzymes and glucose transporters, effectively reducing carbohydrate digestion and absorption in the intestine. This leads to a decrease in glucose release into the bloodstream and helps control postprandial hyperglycemia.
2. Glucose Metabolism in the Liver: Citrus bioflavonoids have been shown to influence hepatic glucose metabolism by increasing glucokinase activity and reducing enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis. These effects are similar to those of metformin, an established anti-diabetic medication.
3. Insulin Sensitivity: Naringenin, a flavonoid derived from grapefruit, has been found to increase insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and improve insulin and glucose levels in mice with gestational diabetes. Citrus sinensis peel extract has shown potential in reducing insulin resistance by upregulating the expression of key proteins involved in insulin signaling.
4. Inhibition of DPP-4: Some citrus bioflavonoids have demonstrated the ability to inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), an enzyme involved in the degradation of incretin hormones that regulate insulin secretion. This inhibition can potentially enhance the effectiveness of incretin-based therapies for type 2 diabetes.
5. Management of Diabetes-Related Complications: Citrus flavonols like quercetin have been found to prevent the development of diabetic nephropathy in animal models. Quercetin supplementation also alleviated symptoms of diabetic neuropathy in patients. Hesperidin, another citrus bioflavonoid, showed promise in reducing diabetic retinopathy by reducing inflammation and preserving the blood-retinal barrier.
Despite these promising findings, it is worth noting that the bioavailability and bioactivity of citrus bioflavonoids are limited due to poor solubility and other factors. Further research is needed to fully understand their therapeutic potential and develop effective interventions for diabetes management.
This systematic review sheds light on the potential benefits of citrus compounds in managing type 2 diabetes and its complications. Further exploration of these bioactive compounds could lead to the development of novel therapies and interventions to improve the lives of individuals living with diabetes.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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