An overview of the therapeutic efficacy of (-)-Epicatechin in the management of diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting global public health. Since ancient, natural-based compounds are widely used for multiple indications of diabetes. The natural-based (-)-Epicatechin has enormous biological functions including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This review mainly focuses on the importance of epicatechin in the control of pathogenesis involved in diabetic mellitus. Additionally, its possible mechanisms involved in beta cell regeneration, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity. The present article explored the potential antioxidant, mitochondrial protection, and anti-inflammatory properties using the preclinical and clinical model, and also established the role of (-)-Epicatechin in the mitigation of diabetic-associated complications. Lastly, the article mentioned the limitation of the use of epicatechin. This will provide new insight to budding scientists for the development of novel bioactive-based pharmaceuticals for the management of diabetic mellitus.