Antidiabetic Effects of Genistein: Mechanism of Action

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease recognized by abnormal glucose level due to defects in insulin action, insulin secretion, or both. Administration of soybean and isoflavones are accompanied by a lower risk of diabetes. The present review analyzed the previous published papers related to genistein. This isoflavone, which has been used for the prevention of some chronic diseases can inhibit hepatic glucose production, increase β-cell proliferation, reduce β-cell apoptosis, and show potential antioxidant and anti-diabetic effects. Therefore, genistein may be useful in the management of diabetes. The beneficial effects of this isoflavone on metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer have been reported in animal and human studies. Moreover, genistein reduces hepatic glucose production, normalizes hyperglycemia, and gut microbiota and exhibits potential anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and hypolipidemic effects. However, studies on the underlying mechanisms of the action of genistein are very limited. Therefore, the present study reviews multifaceted aspects of genistein to reveal a possible anti-diabetic mechanism of this agent. Genistein by regulating several signaling pathways can be used for the prevention and management of diabetes.