Protein-Bound Anthocyanin Compounds of Purple Sweet Potato Ameliorate Hyperglycemia by Regulating Hepatic Glucose Metabolism in High-Fat Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluating Bioaccessibility, Bioavailability, and Antioxidant Activities of Butterfly Pea Flower Containing Bioactive Constitutes

The antioxidant properties of butterfly pea flower (BF), which is rich in natural anthocyanins, have garnered significant attention. The impact of digestion and metabolism on BF extracts and evaluate their subsequent antioxidant activities in vivo were explored in the present study. After in vitro digestion, 42.03 ± 2.74% of total anthocyanins from BF extracts remained, indicating a negative influence of the digestion process on the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds derived from BF. Furthermore, UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS2 analysis identified a total of four prototypes and twenty-seven metabolites in rat plasma or urine samples following the intake of BF extracts. The kinetics of key metabolites including delphinidin 3-glucoside (D3G), cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid were subsequently determined in blood, and the Cmax values were 69.034 ± 8.05 nM and 51.65 ± 3.205 nM. These key metabolites derived from BF anthocyanins, including C3G and D3G, and flavonoid quercetin exhibited main antioxidant attributes that improved the plasmic and hepatic activities of various antioxidant enzymes and the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in a D-galactose-induced rat model. These findings provide insights into the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of bioactive constitutes derived from BF extracts, which are crucial for determining the actual efficacy of BF as well as developing functional foods based on BF.

Effects of Anthocyanins on Components of Metabolic Syndrome-A Review

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a significant health problem. The co-occurrence of obesity, carbohydrate metabolism disorders, hypertension and atherogenic dyslipidaemia is estimated to affect 20-30% of adults worldwide. Researchers are seeking solutions to prevent and treat the conditions related to MetS. Preventive medicine, which focuses on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, including diet, plays a special role. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has documented health benefits, mainly due to the polyphenolic compounds it contains. Anthocyanins represent a major group of polyphenols; they exhibit anti-atherosclerotic, antihypertensive, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, as well as beneficial effects on endothelial function and oxidative stress. This review presents recent reports on the mechanisms involved in the protective effects of anthocyanins on the body, especially among people with MetS. It includes epidemiological data, in vivo and in vitro preclinical studies and clinical observational studies. Anthocyanins are effective, widely available compounds that can be used in both the prevention and treatment of MetS and its complications. Increased consumption of anthocyanin-rich foods may contribute to the maintenance of normal body weight and modulation of the lipid profile in adults. However, further investigation is needed to confirm the beneficial effects of anthocyanins on serum glucose levels, improvement in insulin sensitivity and reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

The Potential of the Flavonoid Content of Ipomoea batatas L. as an Alternative Analog GLP-1 for Diabetes Type 2 Treatment-Systematic Review

Ipomoea batatas L. (IBL) has gained significant popularity as a complementary therapy or herbal medicine in the treatment of anti-diabetes. This review seeks to explore the mechanism by which flavonoid compounds derived from IBL exert their anti-diabetic effects through the activation of GLP-1. The review article refers to the PRISMA guidelines. In order to carry out the literature search, electronic databases such as Science Direct, Crossref, Scopus, and Pubmed were utilized. The search query was based on specific keywords, including Ipomoea batatas OR sweet potato AND anti-diabetic OR hypoglycemic. After searching the databases, we found 1055 articles, but only 32 met the criteria for further review. IBL contains various compounds, including phenolic acid, flavonols, flavanols, flavones, and anthocyanins, which exhibit activity against anti-diabetes. Flavonols, flavanols, and flavones belong to a group of flavonoids that possess the ability to form complexes with AlCl3 and Ca2+. The intracellular L cells effectively retain Ca2+, leading to the subsequent release of GLP-1. Flavonols, flavones, and flavone groups have been found to strongly interact with DPP-IV, which inhibits the degradation of GLP-1. The anti-diabetic activity of IBL is attributed to the mechanism that effectively increases the duration of GLP-1 in the systemic system, thereby prolonging its half-life.

Anthocyanins' effects on diabetes mellitus and islet transplantation

The incidence of diabetes mellitus is dramatically increasing every year, causing a huge global burden. Moreover, existing anti-diabetic drugs inevitably bring adverse reactions, and the application of islet transplantation is often limited by the damage caused by oxidative stress after transplantation. Thus, new approaches are needed to combat the growing burden of diabetes mellitus. Anthocyanins are of great nutritional interest and have been documented that have beneficial effects on chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus. Here, we describe the health effects of anthocyanins on diabetes mellitus and islet transplantation. Epidemiological studies demonstrated that moderate intake of anthocyanins leading to a reduction in risk of diabetes mellitus. Numerous experiments both animal and clinical studies also showed positive effects of anthocyanins on prevention and treatment of diabetes and diabetic complications. These effects of anthocyanins may be related to mechanisms of improving glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin resistance, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, damage and function of pancreatic islets after transplantation are also improved by anthocyanins. These findings suggest that daily intake of anthocyanins may not only improve nutritional metabolism in healthy individuals to prevent from diabetes, but also as a supplementary treatment of diabetes mellitus and islet transplantation. Thus, more evidence is needed to better understand the potential health benefits of anthocyanins.

Mechanism of Anti-Diabetic Activity from Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas): A Systematic Review

This study aims to provide an overview of the compounds found in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) that contribute to its anti-diabetic activity and the mechanisms by which they act. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct, with specific search terms and Boolean operators. A total of 269 articles were initially retrieved, but after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria only 28 articles were selected for further review. Among the findings, four varieties of sweet potato were identified as having potential anti-diabetic properties. Phenolic acids, flavonols, flavanones, and anthocyanidins are responsible for the anti-diabetic activity of sweet potatoes. The anti-diabetic mechanism of sweet potatoes was determined using a combination of components with multi-target actions. The results of these studies provide evidence that Ipomoea batatas is effective in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Nanoformulations for the Delivery of Dietary Anthocyanins for the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormal blood glucose levels-hyperglycemia, caused by a lack of insulin secretion, impaired insulin action, or a combination of both. The incidence of DM is increasing, resulting in billions of dollars in annual healthcare costs worldwide. Current therapeutics aim to control hyperglycemia and reduce blood glucose levels to normal. However, most modern drugs have numerous side effects, some of which cause severe kidney and liver problems. On the other hand, natural compounds rich in anthocyanidins (cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and petunidin) have also been used for the prevention and treatment of DM. However, lack of standardization, poor stability, unpleasant taste, and decreased absorption leading to low bioavailability have hindered the application of anthocyanins as therapeutics. Therefore, nanotechnology has been used for more successful delivery of these bioactive compounds. This review summarizes the potential of anthocyanins for the prevention and treatment of DM and its complications, as well as the strategies and advances in the delivery of anthocyanins using nanoformulations.

Food Polyphenols and Type II Diabetes Mellitus: Pharmacology and Mechanisms

Type II diabetes mellitus and its related complications are growing public health problems. Many natural products present in our diet, including polyphenols, can be used in treating and managing type II diabetes mellitus and different diseases, owing to their numerous biological properties. Anthocyanins, flavonols, stilbenes, curcuminoids, hesperidin, hesperetin, naringenin, and phenolic acids are common polyphenols found in blueberries, chokeberries, sea-buckthorn, mulberries, turmeric, citrus fruits, and cereals. These compounds exhibit antidiabetic effects through different pathways. Accordingly, this review presents an overview of the most recent developments in using food polyphenols for managing and treating type II diabetes mellitus, along with various mechanisms. In addition, the present work summarizes the literature about the anti-diabetic effect of food polyphenols and evaluates their potential as complementary or alternative medicines to treat type II diabetes mellitus. Results obtained from this survey show that anthocyanins, flavonols, stilbenes, curcuminoids, and phenolic acids can manage diabetes mellitus by protecting pancreatic β-cells against glucose toxicity, promoting β-cell proliferation, reducing β-cell apoptosis, and inhibiting α-glucosidases or α-amylase. In addition, these phenolic compounds exhibit antioxidant anti-inflammatory activities, modulate carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, optimize oxidative stress, reduce insulin resistance, and stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin. They also activate insulin signaling and inhibit digestive enzymes, regulate intestinal microbiota, improve adipose tissue metabolism, inhibit glucose absorption, and inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products. However, insufficient data are available on the effective mechanisms necessary to manage diabetes.

Shifts in dietary patterns and risk of type-2 diabetes in a Caribbean adult population: ways to address diabetes burden

PURPOSE

As the French West Indies are facing an ongoing nutrition transition with increasing type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevalence, our study aimed to evaluate the effect of potential shifts in dietary patterns on T2DM risk in French West Indian adults according to several scenarios.

METHODS

We used a cross-sectional multistage sampling survey on dietary intake conducted in 2013 on a representative sample of Guadeloupeans and Martinicans adults (n = 1063). From previously identified current dietary patterns, we used PRIME-Diabetes, a comparative risk assessment model, to estimate the effect of potential shifts from the "transitioning" pattern to the "convenient," the "prudent," and the "traditional" ones on T2DM risks.

RESULTS

Potential shift in dietary intakes from the "transitioning" pattern to the "traditional" one reduced the T2DM risk in women (- 16% [- 22; - 10]) and in men - 14% [- 21; - 7]), as the shift in dietary intakes toward the "prudent" pattern (- 23% [- 29; - 17] and - 19% - 23; - 14], respectively). These risk reductions were mostly driven by increased whole grains, fruits, green leafy vegetable intakes, and decreases in potatoes, red meats, processed meats, and sugar-sweetened beverages. The shift in dietary intakes toward the "convenient" pattern did not affect the T2DM risks.

CONCLUSION

To curb the increase in T2DM prevalence and reduce this burden, one public health action could be to target transitioning adults and help them to shift towards a diet associated with a reduced risk of T2DM as a prudent or a traditional diet.

Anthocyanins as Promising Molecules Affecting Energy Homeostasis, Inflammation, and Gut Microbiota in Type 2 Diabetes with Special Reference to Impact of Acylation

Anthocyanins, the red-orange to blue-violet colorants present in fruits, vegetables, and tubers, have antidiabetic properties expressed via modulating energy metabolism, inflammation, and gut microbiota. Acylation of the glycosyl moieties of anthocyanins alters the physicochemical properties of anthocyanins and improves their stability. Thus, acylated anthocyanins with probiotic-like property and lower bioavailability are likely to have different biological effects from nonacylated anthocyanins on diabetes. This work highlights recent findings on the antidiabetic effects of acylated anthocyanins from the perspectives of energy metabolism, inflammation, and gut microbiota compared to the nonacylated anthocyanins and particularly emphasizes the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with the beneficial effects of these bioactive molecules, providing a new perspective to explore the different biological effects induced by structurally different anthocyanins. Acylated anthocyanins may have greater modulating effects on energy metabolism, inflammation, and gut microbiota in type 2 diabetes compared to nonacylated anthocyanins.

Hypoglycemic bioactivity of anthocyanins: A review on proposed targets and potential signaling pathways

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease with complicated interrelationships responsible for initiating its pathogenesis. Novel strategies for the treatment of this devastating disease have attracted increasing attention worldwide. Anthocyanins are bioactive compounds that are widely distributed in the plant kingdom, and multiple studies have elucidated their beneficial role in preventing and managing T2DM. This review summarizes and comments on the hypoglycemic actions of anthocyanins from the perspective of molecular mechanisms and different target-related signaling pathways in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials. Anthocyanins can ameliorate T2DM by functioning as carbohydrate digestive enzyme inhibitors, facilitating glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation, suppressing the effectiveness of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), promoting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion, inhibiting protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) overexpression, and interacting with sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT) to delay glucose absorption in various organs and tissues. In summary, anthocyanin is a promising and practical small molecule that can hyperglycemic symptoms and accompanying complications suffered by patients with diabetes. However, rational and potent doses for daily intake and clinical studies are required in the future.

Insulin-Related Liver Pathways and the Therapeutic Effects of Aerobic Training, Green Coffee, and Chlorogenic Acid Supplementation in Prediabetic Mice

Background

The liver controls blood glucose levels via regulation of anabolic (glycogen synthesis and gluconeogenesis) and catabolic (glycolysis and glycogenolysis) processes through activation of the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of aerobic training, green coffee, and chlorogenic acid supplementation on glucose metabolism-regulating pathways in prediabetic mice.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were exposed to a high-fat diet and physical activity limitation to induce a state of prediabetes. After 12 weeks, mice were fed a high-fat diet compared to the control mice. The prediabetic mice were further treated with either green coffee, chlorogenic acid, or training or combinations of the same for 10 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, metabolic data (FBG, GTT, HOMA for IR, plasma level of insulinfrom systematic, AST, and ALT assessed into blood), histopathologic, and analysis of gene and protein expressions were obtained for target tissues.

Results

Training along with green coffee and chlorogenic acid supplementation improved complications of prediabetes including weight gain and elevated fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin levels. These effects were associated with the changes in mRNA levels of genes important in hepatic glycogen synthesis (GYS2), glucogenesis (PCK and G6PC2), and glycolysis (GK, PK, and PFKL).

Conclusion

The training in conjunction with green coffee or chlorogenic acid is effective in the prevention of prediabetes in mice. As these interventions are relatively inexpensive and safe application to individuals with prediabetes appears warranted.

Elucidation of the interaction effect between dietary fiber and bound polyphenol components on the anti-hyperglycemic activity of tea residue dietary fiber

Dietary fiber intake is beneficial for the prevention of some chronic metabolic diseases. Considering the characteristic that dietary fiber from tea residues (TRDF) is rich in bound polyphenols, the study aimed to elucidate the interaction effect between dietary fiber components (TRDF-DF) and bound polyphenol components (TRDF-BP) on the anti-hyperglycemic activity of TRDF. A type 2 diabetes (T2D) rat model induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection was applied in this study. The results showed that bound polyphenol components rather than dietary fiber components were essential for the anti-hyperglycemic activity of TRDF, as evidenced by remarkable differences in fasting blood glucose (FBG), the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and the levels of serum oxidative stress between the TRDF and TRDF-DF groups, as well as the up-regulation of the expression of insulin signaling pathway-related proteins in the liver after TRDF and TRDF-BP administration. In addition, the synergistic effect between TRDF-BP and TRDF-DF components modulated gut microbiota dysbiosis and increased the content of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) via enriching beneficial bacteria and inhibiting harmful bacteria. The role of TRDF-BP and TRDF-DF as well as their interaction effect on the anti-hyperglycemic activity of TRDF are elucidated, which can provide theoretical basis for TRDF as a dietary supplement to manage T2D.

Acylated anthocyanins: A review on their bioavailability and effects on postprandial carbohydrate metabolism and inflammation

Anthocyanins, the natural red and purple colorants of berries, fruits, vegetables, and tubers, improve carbohydrate metabolism and decrease the risk factors of metabolic disorders, but their industrial use is limited by their chemical instability. Acylation of the glycosyl moieties of anthocyanins, however, changes the chemical properties of anthocyanins and provides enhanced stability. Thus, acylated anthocyanins are more usable as natural colorants and bioactive components of innovative functional foods. Acylated anthocyanins are common in pigmented vegetables and tubers, the consumption of which has the potential to increase the intake of health-promoting anthocyanins as part of the daily diet. For the first time, this review presents the current findings on bioavailability, absorption, metabolism, and health effects of acylated anthocyanins with comparison to more extensively investigated nonacylated anthocyanins. The structural differences between nonacylated and acylated anthocyanins lead to enhanced color stability, altered absorption, bioavailability, in vivo stability, and colonic degradation. The impact of phenolic metabolites and their potential health effects regardless of the low bioavailability of the parent anthocyanins as such is discussed. Here, purple-fleshed potatoes are presented as a globally available, eco-friendly model food rich in acylated anthocyanins, which further highlights the industrial possibilities and nutritional relevance of acylated anthocyanins. This work supports the academic community and industry in food research and development by reviewing the current literature and highlighting gaps of knowledge.

Potential Effects of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) in Hyperglycemia and Dyslipidemia-A Systematic Review in Diabetic Retinopathy Context

Hyperglycemia is a condition with high glucose levels that may result in dyslipidemia. In severe cases, this alteration may lead to diabetic retinopathy. Numerous drugs have been approved by officials to treat these conditions, but usage of any synthetic drugs in the long term will result in unavoidable side effects such as kidney failure. Therefore, more emphasis is being placed on natural ingredients due to their bioavailability and absence of side effects. In regards to this claim, promising results have been witnessed in the usage of Ipomoea batatas (I. batatas) in treating the hyperglycemic and dyslipidemic condition. Thus, the aim of this paper is to conduct an overview of the reported effects of I. batatas focusing on in vitro and in vivo trials in reducing high glucose levels and regulating the dyslipidemic condition. A comprehensive literature search was performed using Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Nature, and PubMed databases to identify the potential articles on particular topics. The search query was accomplished based on the Boolean operators involving keywords such as (1) Beneficial effect OR healing OR intervention AND (2) sweet potato OR Ipomoea batatas OR traditional herb AND (3) blood glucose OR LDL OR lipid OR cholesterol OR dyslipidemia. Only articles published from 2011 onwards were selected for further analysis. This review includes the (1) method of intervention and the outcome (2) signaling mechanism involved (3) underlying mechanism of action, and the possible side effects observed based on the phytoconstiuents isolated. The comprehensive literature search retrieved a total of 2491 articles using the appropriate keywords. However, on the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, only 23 articles were chosen for further review. The results from these articles indicate that I. batatas has proven to be effective in treating the hyperglycemic condition and is able to regulate dyslipidemia. Therefore, this systematic review summarizes the signaling mechanism, mechanism of action, and phytoconstituents responsible for those activities of I. batatas in treating hyperglycemic based on the in vitro and in vivo study.

Interference of anthocyanin extracted from black soybean coats on aflatoxin B1-human serum albumin in the binding process

The effect of the anthocyanin cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) and its main gastrointestinal metabolites (PCA and PGA) on the binding of AFB1 and HSA were studied via spectrometry. C3G is relatively stable in the gastric environment, and the intestinal environment promotes its metabolism into PCA and PGA. Binary fluorescence experiments showed that both AFB1 and C3G, including PCA and PGA, can react with HSA. AFB1, C3G and PCA can bind at site I and site II of HSA; PGA binds at site II. The presence of C3G/PCA/PGA inhibits the degree of quenching. C3G/PCA does not change the quenching mechanism; it is still static quenching; however, dynamic quenching occurs in the (AFB1-HSA)-PGA system. In addition, the apparent binding constant and number of binding sites of AFB1-HSA also diminish to different degrees. C3G and its metabolites (PCA and PGA) interfere with the interaction between AFB1 and HSA, and can reduce AFB1 transport at pH 7.4 in vitro.Abbreviations: C3G: cyanidin-3-O-glucoside; M: metabolite; PCA: protocatechuic acid; PGA: phloroglucinol aldehyde; AFB1: aflatoxin B1; HSA: human serum albumin.

Immune-Enhancing Effects of a Novel Glucan from Purple Sweet Potato Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam on RAW264.7 Macrophage Cells via TLR2- and TLR4-Mediated Pathways

PSPP-1 was obtained from purple sweet potato, and the effects of PSPP-1 on the immune modulation on macrophage cells were investigated for the first time. PSPP-1 promoted RAW264.7 proliferation and increased the total cell percentage in DNA synthesis and mitosis phases, and the cell morphology changed in volume and appearance. Additionally, the RAW264.7 immune functions of phagocytic activity and nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, and cytokine production were improved by PSPP-1. The western blot experiment showed that PSPP-1 could activate toll-like receptor 2 and toll-like receptor 4-mediated pathways, and the expressions of proteins in MyD88-dependent, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-signaling, NF-κB-signaling, AP-1 signaling, and TRIF-dependent pathways were improved markedly. Molecular docking and Biolayer Interferometry study further indicated that PSPP-1 could recognize and bind TLR2 and TLR4 by targeting the binding sites with a strong affinity. It suggested that PSPP-1 could enhance immunity via TLR2- and TLR4-mediated pathways, and it could be explored as an immunomodulatory agent.

Ameliorative property of Sesbania grandiflora on carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in the liver and kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

In diabetic condition, endogenous glucose synthesis will be elevated due to defect in the action of vital enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, which is the main cause for hyperglycemia. The current study was designed to explore the anti-hyperglycemic efficacy of Sesbania grandiflora flower (SGF) extract by evaluating the concentration of C-peptide, insulin, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), hemoglobin (Hb), glycogen and carbohydrate metabolic enzymes activities in diabetic rats. The study found to lower the level of glucose, HbA1C and simultaneously ameliorated concentrations of C-peptide, insulin, hemoglobin (Hb), glycogen and carbohydrate metabolic enzymes activities in SGF treated (250 mg/kg body weight for 45 days) diabetic rats. Moreover, SGF administered diabetic rats showed diminished consumption of food and water at the same time improved body weight. The results obtained from the present study were compared with glibenclamide treated (600 µg/kg body weight) diabetic rats. SGF were supplemented to normal rats to rule out toxic effect of SGF, to explore any significant alteration in the above parameters. Hence, the results depict that SGF modulated the carbohydrate metabolic enzymes activities through ameliorating the secretion of insulin and diminishing the level of glucose concentration in STZ-induced diabetic rats by its bioactive compounds.

Targets and mechanisms of dietary anthocyanins to combat hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia: a comprehensive review

Hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia are both metabolic disorders related to excessive amount of metabolites in blood, which are considered as high risk factors for the development of many chronic diseases. Enzymes, cells, tissues and organs, which are relevant to metabolism and excretion of glucose and UA, are usually regarded to be the targets in treatment of hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia. Several drugs have been commonly applied to combat hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia through various targets but with unignorable side effects. Anthocyanins have become promising alternatives against hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia because of their bio-activities with little side effects. Structurally different anthocyanins from berry fruits, cherries and purple sweet potato lead to the diverse functional activity and property. This review is aimed to illustrate the specific targets that are available for anthocyanins from berry fruits, cherries and purple sweet potato in hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia management, as well as discuss the structure-activity relationship, and the underlying mechanisms associated with intracellular signaling pathway, anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation. In addition, the relationship of hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia, and the possibly regulative role of anthocyanins against them, along with the effects of anthocyanins in clinical trial are mentioned.

Brás N, Mateus N, de Freitas V, Fernandes I. Anthocyanins as Antidiabetic Agents-In Vitro and In Silico Approaches of Preventive and Therapeutic Effects

Many efforts have been made in the past two decades into the search for novel natural and less-toxic anti-diabetic agents. Some clinical trials have assigned this ability to anthocyanins, although different factors like the food source, the amount ingested, the matrix effect and the time of consumption (before or after a meal) seem to result in contradictory conclusions. The possible mechanisms involved in these preventive or therapeutic effects will be discussed-giving emphasis to the latest in vitro and in silico approaches. Therapeutic strategies to counteract metabolic alterations related to hyperglycemia and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) may include: (a) Inhibition of carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes; (b) reduction of glucose transporters expression or activity; (c) inhibition of glycogenolysis and (d) modulation of gut microbiota by anthocyanin breakdown products. These strategies may be achieved through administration of individual anthocyanins or by functional foods containing complexes of anthocyanin:carbohydrate:protein.

Metabolic Impact of Flavonoids Consumption in Obesity: From Central to Peripheral

The prevention and treatment of obesity is primary based on the follow-up of a healthy lifestyle, which includes a healthy diet with an important presence of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. For many years, the health benefits of polyphenols have been attributed to their anti-oxidant capacity as free radical scavengers. More recently it has been described that polyphenols activate other cell-signaling pathways that are not related to ROS production but rather involved in metabolic regulation. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge in this field by focusing on the metabolic effects of flavonoids. Flavonoids are widely distributed in the plant kingdom where they are used for growing and defensing. They are structurally characterized by two benzene rings and a heterocyclic pyrone ring and based on the oxidation and saturation status of the heterocyclic ring flavonoids are grouped in seven different subclasses. The present work is focused on describing the molecular mechanisms underlying the metabolic impact of flavonoids in obesity and obesity-related diseases. We described the effects of each group of flavonoids in liver, white and brown adipose tissue and central nervous system and the metabolic and signaling pathways involved on them.