Published online Nov 15, 2023. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v14.i11.1603
Peer-review started: August 31, 2023
First decision: September 4, 2023
Revised: September 14, 2023
Accepted: October 23, 2023
Article in press: October 23, 2023
Published online: November 15, 2023
Over the past several decades, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been considered a global public health concern. Currently, various therapeutic modalities are available for T2DM management, including dietary modifications, moderate exercise, and use of hypoglycemic agents and lipid-lowering medications. Although the curative effect of most drugs on T2DM is significant, they also exert some adverse side effects. Biologically active substances found in natural medicines are important for T2DM treatment. Several recent studies have reported that active ingredients derived from traditional medicines or foods exert a therapeutic effect on T2DM. This review compiled important articles regarding the therapeutic effects of natural products and their active ingredients on islet β cell function, adipose tissue inflammation, and insulin resistance. Additionally, this review provided an in-depth understanding of the multiple regulatory effects on different targets and signaling pathways of natural medicines in the treatment of T2DM as well as a theoretical basis for clinical effective application.
Core Tip: This review compiled leading articles about the therapeutic effects of natural products and their active ingredients on islet β cell function, adipose tissue inflammation, and insulin resistance and provided an in-depth understanding of the multiple regulatory effects of different targets and signaling pathways of natural medicines in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.