Title:Prevention and Management of Type II Diabetes Chronic Complications:
The Role of Polyphenols (Mini-Review)
Volume: 29
Issue: 6
Author(s): Arianna Pani, Francesco Baratta, Daniele Pastori, Mattia Coronati, Francesco Scaglione and Maria del Ben*
Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anaesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, viale del Policlinico
155, Rome, Italy
Keywords:
Polyphenols, phytochemicals, oxidative stress, diabetes, flavonoids, anthocyanins, stilbenes.
Abstract: The numerous complications of diabetes may be at least in part generated by
the oxidative stress associated with the constant state of hyperglycemia. Polyphenols are
plant-based secondary metabolites that have high potentials in the prevention and treatment
of some diseases, in particular those that involve oxidative stress, such as complications
of diabetes. The purpose of this narrative review is to show the main evidence regarding
the role of polyphenols in treating and preventing these complications. For the
bibliographic research, the papers published up to March 15, 2021, were considered, and
the search terms included words relating to polyphenols, their classes and some more
known compounds in association with the complications of diabetes.
There are numerous studies showing how polyphenols are active against endothelial damage
induced by diabetes, oxidative stress and hyperinflammatory states that are at the origin of
the complications of diabetes. Compounds such as flavonoids, but also anthocyanins, stilbenes
or lignans slow the progression of kidney damage, prevent ischemic events and diabetic
nephropathy. Many of these studies are preclinical, in cellular or animal models.
The role of polyphenols in the prevention and treatment of diabetes complications is undoubtedly
promising. However, more clinical trials need to be implemented to understand
the real effectiveness of these compounds.