Plant-Derived Flavonoids as Natural Inhibitors of Adipogenesis and Glucose Dysregulation in Obese Diabetic Patients

Odile Patrick Thalia and Bizimana Rukundo T.

Faculty of Biological Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

The escalating global prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) necessitates innovative therapeutic approaches to address the intertwined pathologies of adipogenesis and glucose dysregulation. Flavonoids, a heterogeneous group of polyphenolic compounds ubiquitously present in plant-based foods, have emerged as dual-action agents capable of suppressing adipose tissue expansion and enhancing glycemic control. This review consolidates contemporary research on the molecular mechanisms underpinning the anti-adipogenic and glucose-lowering effects of flavonoids, including their modulation of key pathways such as PPARγ, Wnt/β-catenin, AMPK, and PI3K/Akt. Preclinical studies underscore their efficacy in reducing adipocyte differentiation and improving insulin sensitivity, while clinical trials reveal mixed outcomes attributed to bioavailability limitations and interindividual variability. We explore therapeutic strategies to optimize flavonoid bioavailability, such as nanoformulations and dietary synergies, and propose future research directions, including personalized nutrition and combination therapies with conventional antidiabetic agents. By bridging preclinical insights with translational challenges, this review highlights flavonoids as promising candidates for holistic management of metabolic disorders, advocating for rigorous clinical validation to harness their full therapeutic potential. 

Keywords: Flavonoids, Adipogenesis, Glucose Metabolism, Obesity, Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, Natural Products, Therapeutic Applications. 

CITE AS: Odile Patrick Thalia and Bizimana Rukundo T. (2025). Plant-Derived Flavonoids as Natural Inhibitors of Adipogenesis and Glucose Dysregulation in Obese Diabetic Patients. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES 5(2):36-41. https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJSES/2025/523641