Work

Sweet-Tasting Plants in regulating glucose metabolism: Mechanisms, applications and future directions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Sweet-Tasting Plants such as Stevia rebaudiana , Siraitia grosvenorii , and Glycyrrhiza glabra possess dual significance in traditional functional foods, serving both as natural sweeteners and metabolic modulators. This review systematically elaborates on the effects of these plants on glucose uptake, glycolysis, glycogen synthesis and breakdown, gluconeogenesis, and hormonal balance, while providing an in-depth analysis of the molecular mechanisms that underpin their regulation of glucose metabolism. It further summarizes the current applications of these Sweet-Tasting Plants in clinical antidiabetic therapeutics, functional foods, and natural sweeteners, alongside the challenges associated with their use, and proposes directions for future research. These insights establish a robust theoretical foundation for the prevention and control of metabolic diseases, as well as for the innovative development of functional foods, ultimately facilitating the integration of traditional medicine with modern pharmacology. • “Sweet” means “gan” in traditional Chinese medicine, which have a long history in the treatment of metabolic diseases. • Sweet-tasting plants modulate glucose metabolism. • Sweet-tasting plants have great potential in the development of hypoglycemic functional foods.

Source: Journal of Functional Foods

DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2025.107089

Authors: Yan Zheng, Yuqi Si, Xinyi Li, Shuran Jin, Yaling Chen, Xumeng Chen

Institution: Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Natural Antidiabetic Agents Studies

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,800