Kaempferol and Kaempferitrin: nutraceutical compounds contribute to Glucose Homeostasis by Acting at Multiple Biological Sites

摘要

Kaempferol is a flavonol that is relatively abundant in various plants and some edible berries. Kaempferol aglycone or its glycosilated forms contributes significantly to flavonoid intake in humans (about 33% from total flavonol intake), with intakes estimated around 10 mg per day in developed countries. These compounds have antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, lipolytic and anti-cancer effects. Emerging evidence suggests that kaempferol exhibits nutraceutical properties since it produces physiological benefits and is able to combat disease processes, among them those concerned to diabetes mellitus. Several results have demonstrated that kaempferol can influence glucose metabolism acting as antihyperglycemic and especially as hypoglycemic agent through in vitro and in vivo approaches. Kaempferol aglycone and/or glycosides stimulate glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis in skeletal muscle, inhibit intestinal glucose absorption and act per se as insulin-mimetic, probably, by influencing the pleiotropic mechanisms of insulin signaling. Thus, these nutraceutical compounds have attracted the interest of both academia and industry as possible therapy options. This review cover the frontiers of the development of chemistry and biological properties of kaempferol (aglycone/glycosides), especially those associated with glucose homeostasis and carbohydrate metabolism able to ameliorate diabetes status. Moreover, updates the debate about the development of new approaches to study the interactions of nutraceutical compounds with target-sites of action combining in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro pharmacological studies. Also, the perspectives of controlled delivering of these substances in multiple and specific biological locations useful to diabetes mellitus therapy are highlighted.