Anti-diabesity potential of various multifunctional natural molecules

Abstract

Diabesity represents a classic example of a multifactorial disease. The current strategy for the treatment of diabesity is the inhibition of enzymes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism using various drugs. Side effects caused by the drugs available in the market for the treatment of diabesity have necessitated the discovery and development of new novel drugs. In recent years natural molecules have gained importance in the management of multifactorial disease. These molecules are multitargeted in nature and can be useful in the management of diabesity. Some natural molecules are able to regulate gene expression involved in metabolic pathways like adiponectin gene expression, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. Apart from gene regulation they are able to inhibit the metabolic enzymes like lipases, amylases and glucosidases. Plants present good sources of natural multifunctional molecules. A number of natural molecules including flavonoids have been reported for multifunctionality. The structural configuration of flavonoids affects the enzymatic activity of lipases and glucosidases which can be useful for designing and development of new drugs for targeting diabesity. The consumption of food in the form of medicine can add a new dimension to the existing drug market. The further acceptance of natural molecules will need to be supported by large clinical studies including studies for toxicity and bioavailability. The present review will provide insight into the anti-diabesity potential of multifunctional natural molecules and will also explain some of the natural molecules in terms of biodistribution and safety. Data from clinical studies of a few such natural molecules is also presented.