Geraniin: A Promising Multifunctional Nutraceutical for Diabetes Management

Abstract

ABSTRACT Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and end organ damage. Geraniin, a biologically active natural compound, has shown promising hypoglycemic benefits in many in vivo studies. This review highlights geraniin’s nutraceutical potential for diabetes management by exploring its antidiabetic effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of action. Upon oral ingestion, geraniin is metabolized by gut microbes into smaller metabolites, such as corilagin, ellagic acid, gallic acid, and various urolithins, for better intestinal absorption. These metabolites rectify hyperglycemia through various mechanisms, including inhibiting excessive absorption of dietary glucose, recovering the pancreatic β-cell homeostasis for insulin production, and improving the insulin sensitivity of organ tissues for carbohydrate utilization. Besides, geraniin’s metabolites also ameliorate diabetic complications by mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. The multifunctional properties of geraniin therefore distinguishes it from existing antidiabetic medications, which typically target only one mechanism, and may consequently address the limitation of prescribing multiple antidiabetic agents for patients severely impacted by diabetes. Nevertheless, further research is warranted to investigate geraniin’s long-term effectiveness and safety prior to its ultimate application in the food industry as a dietary supplement and/or a food additive.