Natural Polyphenols: A Potential Therapeutic Approach to Hypoglycemia

• Main Authors: Chao Zhao, Xuzhi Wan, Sheng Zhou, Hui Cao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Atlantis Press 2020-03-01
• Series: eFood
• Subjects: Polyphenols; hypoglycemic; absorption; gut microbiota; microRNAs
• Online Access: https://www.atlantis-press.com/article/125935601/view

Natural polyphenols have been reported much attention in recent years for their hypoglycemic actions and diabetes-related pathologies. Free and simple polyphenols can be digested and absorbed in the small intestine, while complex polyphenols are utilized by intestinal flora in the large intestine. Microbial metabolites of polyphenols may regulate the production of bile acids, thus affecting the metabolism of the host. Polyphenols generally reduce postprandial blood glucose level via inhibition of α-amylase and -glucosidase and regulate glucose metabolism by inhibition of intestinal absorption of glucose and the release of glucose from the liver, stimulation of pancreatic insulin secretion, and enhancement of glucose uptake by muscle cells and adipocytes. The importance of microRNAs as regulators of anti-diabetic effects was recognized. Polyphenols can also regulate the microRNAs as therapeutic targets. This review provides a summary of the mechanisms of polyphenols on lowering blood glucose and the potential hypoglycemic in treating diabetes mellitus.