THE EFFECT OF QUERCETIN ON DIABETES COMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Diabetes is a serious metabolic disorder with a numerous complications and one of the five leading causes of death worldwide. Diabetes, so called "soft killer" is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia associated with carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism abnormalities. However, the currently available diabetic drugs have numerous limitations because of their side effects including hypoglycemia, cell death, and high rates of secondary alterations. Recently, emphasis has been placed on complementary and alternative treatments for diabetes focused on functional food and its bioactive compounds. One of them is quercetin, a powerful antioxidant flavonoid, which posseses various biochemical and physiological effects (anti-diabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory). The aim of this study is a literature review focused on the impact of quercetin on diabetic complications. In vivo and in vitro studies suggest that quercetin is a promising bioactive compound for treatment of this disease, but its efficacy should be confirmed by clinical trials.