Trends in Food Science and Technology | 2021
Special emphasis on the therapeutic potential of microparticles with antidiabetic effect: Trends and possible applications
Abstract
Abstract Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. It is a growing global health problem, which results in a stroke, cardiac ischemia, irreversible macular edema, and other comorbidities. In this context, flavonoids have emerged as a potential tool to prevent the onset and/or progression of diabetes and its associated comorbidities. However, the main disadvantage of flavonoid compounds is their restricted bioavailability, caused mainly by their low stability and solubility in gastrointestinal environments, in addition to limited membrane permeability. Scope and approach The aim of this study is to show the fundamental role of encapsulation of flavonoids against diabetes and its associated comorbidities, presenting recent advances and pioneering research on these particles with animal models and human trials. In addition, the role of encapsulation systems to increase stability and bioavailability will be discussed. Key findings and conclusions Most in vitro and in vivo studies in the literature suggest that the use of encapsulated flavonoids, instead of free compounds, can be effectively used to relieve the symptoms of diabetes. The spray drying technique is an alternative for the encapsulation of flavonoids; however, some limitations will be highlighted. This review will provide valuable information that may be useful for identifying trends in the production of natural particles with antidiabetic properties, confirmed by several studies published to date.