Mushroom and plant extracts as potential intervention supplements in diabetes management

Abstract

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases, characterized by impaired pancreatic insulin production or insufficient cell response to insulin, which lead to hyperglycemia-induced end-organ complications. Hyperglycemia-induced imbalance between reactive oxygen species overproduction and antioxidant defense leads to oxidative stress resulting in modification of proteins, lipids, and DNA and consequently impaired cellular function. The formation of advanced glycation end products is also an important factor that contributes to chronic stress conditions and diabetic complications. Plants and mushrooms have been used as alternative medicines in the treatment of diabetes. Their extracts are sources of metabolites such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, terpenes, alkaloids, and antibiotics with pronounced biological activities, including antioxidant, antitumor, antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, antimutagenic, antihepatotoxic, and immunostimulant properties. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available treatments and beneficial effects of Centaurium erythraea, Castanea sativa, Lactarius deterrimus, and β-glucan-enriched cereal grain extracts in the treatment of diabetes-induced complications.