Systematic review of saponins for type 2 diabetes and its complications
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Key Takeaway
Consider saponins as potential adjuncts for type 2 diabetes, but evidence is preclinical and requires further validation.
This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the antidiabetic effects of saponins in type 2 diabetes. The review focuses on the mechanisms by which saponins exert their effects, including modulation of signaling pathways such as Keap1/Nrf2, AMPK/PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB. Additionally, saponins demonstrate significant organ-specific protection against major diabetic complications, including nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy.
The review does not report pooled effect sizes, sample sizes, or specific study designs, indicating that the evidence is primarily qualitative. The authors do not specify the number of studies included or the populations studied, which limits the ability to assess the strength of the findings. No adverse events or safety data are reported, and the review does not discuss limitations or conflicts of interest.
Given the lack of quantitative data and the absence of clinical trial evidence, the findings should be interpreted cautiously. The review provides a foundation for further research but does not support immediate clinical application. Practitioners should recognize that saponins may have potential benefits, but more rigorous studies are needed before any recommendations can be made.
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View Original Abstract ↓
BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disorder that poses management challenges due to the limited efficacy and adverse effects of current therapies. Saponins, a class of bioactive phytochemicals widely distributed in medicinal plants and other natural sources, exhibit antidiabetic activities through multi-target mechanisms, have emerged as promising therapeutic candidates for T2DM. This review systematically summarizes the pharmacological mechanisms and therapeutic potential of saponins in management of T2DM and its complications.Materials and methodsStudies involving molecular, cellular, animal, and clinical studies of saponins in T2DM and its complications were screened and analyzed to provide a systematic overview. All the literature information in this review was collected from relevant literature published up to 2025 from the scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI).ResultsThe pathogenesis of T2DM is characterized by insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction, genetic susceptibility, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and metabolic disturbances, leading to hyperglycemia and systemic complications. This review demonstrates that saponins exert multifaceted antidiabetic effects through modulating key signaling pathways, including Keap1/Nrf2, AMPK/PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB. Furthermore, saponins demonstrate significant organ-specific protection against major diabetic complications, such as nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy.ConclusionSaponins represent a potent class of bioactive metabolites with multi-target therapeutic potential for T2DM and its complications. Their ability to simultaneously modulate metabolic, inflammatory, oxidative, mitochondrial, and gut microbiota-related pathways highlights clear advantages over single-target therapies. A growing body of research has underscored its potential clinical significance in T2DM, providing essential evidence for developing effective and safe therapeutic strategies.
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