Luteolin in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes is an increasing pandemic and several million people are affected by this disease worldwide. The treatment ofdiabetes includes lifestyle modifications, oral antidiabetic drugs and insulin. The chronic use of oral antidiabetic drugs produces undesirable side effects. Hence safe alternative medicines are always sought after. Plant phytochemicals are the best alternatives as they possess a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. Flavonoids are an important class of phytocomponent which is commonly present in fruits and vegetables. Luteolin belongs to flavone class of flavonoid which has multiple health benefits like antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Luteolin mediates several pharmacological actions of which the role of luteolin in the treatment of diabetes is well studied. In this review, the use of flavonoids as antidiabetic agents is discussed, with special reference to luteolin. Luteolin mediates its anti-diabetic potential by maintaining blood glucose levels and improving the sensitivity of body cells to insulin and these mode of actions have been discussed here.