Minireview: Therapeutic potential of myricetin in diabetes mellitus

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious health burden for both governments and healthcare providers. Myricetin, a natural flavonol with hydroxyl groups at 3, 5, 7, 3′, 4′ and 5′ positions, is commonly ingested through human diets such as fruits, vegetables, tea, berries and red wine. Although few epidemiological and clinical studies have reported the health benefits of myricetin on DM, increasing evidences from in vitro and animal studies have confirmed its hypoglycemic effect. Importantly, myricetin has the function to ameliorate insulin resistance. Moreover, myricetin can execute the functions including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, anti-aldose reductase, anti-non-enzymatic glycation and anti-hyperlipidemia. All of these functions may provide the contribution to the prevention of DM and diabetic complications. In this article, a comprehensive discussion to address the potential benefits of myricetin on DM and its underlying mechanisms has been conducted.