Antidiabetic effects of genistein: Mechanism of action.

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease recognized by abnormal glucose levels due to defects in ‎insulin action, insulin secretion, or both. Administration of soybean and isoflavones are accompanied by ‎a lower risk of diabetes. ‎The present review analyzed the previous published papers related to genistein. This isoflavone, which has been used for the prevention of ‎some chronic diseases can inhibit hepatic glucose production, increase β-cell proliferation, ‎reduce β-cell apoptosis, and show potential antioxidant and anti-diabetic effects. Therefore, ‎genistein may be useful in the management of diabetes. The beneficial effects of this isoflavone ‎on metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer have been ‎reported in animal and human studies. Moreover, genistein reduces hepatic ‎glucose production, normalizes hyperglycemia, and gut microbiota as well as shows potential ‎anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and hypolipidemic effects. However, studies on the underlying ‎mechanisms of the action of genistein are very limited. Therefore, the present study reviews ‎multifaceted aspects of genistein to reveal a possible anti-diabetic mechanism of this agent. Genistein by regulating several signaling pathways can be used for the prevention and management of diabetes.