Abstract
Diabetic neuropathy, a debilitating complication of diabetes, arises from chronic
hyperglycemia-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to progressive
nerve damage. Current therapeutic strategies often focus on symptomatic relief
rather than addressing the underlying pathophysiology. Emerging evidence
highlights the therapeutic potential of phytobioactives with robust
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as promising alternatives for
diabetic neuropathy management. Phytobioactives such as flavonoids, polyphenols,
alkaloids, and terpenoids demonstrate significant potential by mitigating
oxidative stress, inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, and promoting
neuroprotection. Furthermore, combination approaches utilizing the synergistic
effects of these phytobioactives have shown enhanced efficacy in preclinical
models, targeting multiple pathways involved in the progression of diabetic
neuropathy. However, clinical translation is hindered by challenges including
low bioavailability, chemical instability, and suboptimal dosage. This review
explores the mechanistic roles, preclinical evidence, and clinical challenges of
phytobioactives in diabetic neuropathy therapy, emphasizing the need for
advanced formulation strategies and well-designed clinical trials to optimize
their therapeutic potential. Leveraging these phytobioactives could pave the way
for more effective and holistic diabetic neuropathy treatments.
Keywords
Diabetic neuropathy - phytobioactives - antioxidants - inflammation - oxidative stress
- neuroprotection
