ABSTRACT
[Objective]To summarize and analyze the research progress of flavonoids in the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus and its complications.[Methods]The role of flavonoids in diabetes mellitus and diabetic complications was summarized by searching the databases of Web of Science,PubMed,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,VIP,Wanfang and others for the reports of flavonoids and diabetes mellitus and diabetic complications from January 2013 to December 2022,and the role of flavonoids in diabetes mellitus and diabetic complications was summarized.[Results]Studies have confirmed that flavonoids(herbal flavonoid extracts,naringenin,galangal,kaempferol,etc.)are effective in preventing and treating diabetes and diabetes-induced retinopathy,nephropathy,cardiomyopathy,osteoporosis and diabetic foot.Overall regulation and comprehensive treatment are the characteristics of flavonoid components,which can inhibit inflammation,reduce oxidative stress,repair mitochondrial function,lower blood glucose,relieve insulin resistance and are able to influence the expression of related factors from multiple signaling pathways,thus treating diabetes and its complications.[Conclusion]The elaboration of the pharmacodynamic material basis,mechanism of action and constitutive relationship of Chinese medicine flavonoids against diabetes mellitus and its complications in multiple ways and at multiple levels are key issues to be solved in the development of flavonoids and an important direction for future research.