Diabetes mellitus is one of the most challenging global public health problems, and the increasing prevalence as well as the rising mortality rate from it are indicating that more effective treatments are required, especially for its complications.
Traditional herbal medicine has a history of clinical applications for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, among them puerarin is a natural isoflavone consumed both as a medicinal herb and functional herb; and according to studies puerarin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective properties.
Those with diabetes mellitus may experience positive effects from puerarin that may help to lower their blood glucose levels, improve insulin resistance, protect pancreatic islets, inhibit inflammation, decrease oxidative stress, as well as inhibit Maillard reaction and formation of advanced glycation end products.
Additionally puerarin may help to delay and improve diabetes mellitus complications such as cardiovascular complications, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic neuropathy.
It was noted that more comprehensive studies are required to investigate the effects and mechanisms of puerarin on diabetes mellitus, especially since its efficacy is relatively low which is partially due to its pharmacokinetic profile.
Based on their findings the researchers believe that puerarin may be a potential adjuvant for the treatment of diabetes mellitus as well as its complications, and suggest that puerarin should be studied further.
