A systematic review exploring the mechanisms by which citrus bioflavonoid supplementation benefits blood glucose levels and metabolic complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Citrus bioflavonoids are polyphenolic compounds that are derived from citrus fruits and vegetables. Although they are well known for their powerful antioxidant properties, their effects on glycemic control are not well understood. This review aims to highlight the potential benefits of using citrus bioflavonoids in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its metabolic complications, as well as the medicinal effects of known subclasses of naturally occurring citrus bioflavonoids.

METHODS: In this systematic review, a survey of studies was conducted from January 2012 to February 2023 using various databases (PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Scopus) to determine the effects of citrus bioflavonoid supplementation on reducing oxidative stress, improving lipid profiles, and glycemic index in patients with diabetes mellitus, as well as the proposed mechanisms of action.

RESULTS: The results of the survey indicate that citrus bioflavonoids may have a positive impact on reducing oxidative stress levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition to reducing oxidative stress, citrus bioflavonoids may also have a positive impact on other markers of diabetes. For example, studies have shown that they can reduce non-enzymatic protein glycation, which is a process that occurs when glucose molecules bind to proteins in the body.

CONCLUSION: The reduction in oxidative stress that can be achieved using citrus bioflavonoids may help to maintain antioxidant levels in the body, thereby reducing the severity of diabetes and its complications. These findings suggest that citrus bioflavonoids may be a useful complementary therapy for patients with diabetes.