Integrating clinical evidence with natural product therapies for elderly-onset type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Elderly-onset type 2 diabetes presents a distinct clinical profile, typically characterized by milder hyperglycemia and specific risks for complications. Age-related physiological changes and increased sensitivity to side effects often limit the use of conventional medications in this population. This review summarizes the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and management challenges of diabetes in older adults and explores the therapeutic potential of natural bioactive compounds—including Enteromorpha prolifera, Ficus species, genipin, gingerol, mulberry, myricitrin, quercetin, resveratrol, and saffron. These findings not only provide mechanistic insights into the role of natural bioactive compounds in diabetes management but also highlight their clinical relevance, suggesting potential applications as adjunctive therapies for elderly individuals with limited pharmacological tolerance, and guiding future research toward evidence-based integration of such agents into clinical practice.