Epigenetic Modulation of Diabetes Mellitus by Plant-Derived Polyphenols: Mechanistic insights and Therapeutic Prospects

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disease characterised by chronic hypoglycemia, which results from the insulin secretion, insulin resistance or both. In recent times, evidence has proven the significant role of epigenetic modulations, particularly DNA methylation and histone modifications, in the progression and long-term persistence of diabetes. These modifications influence the gene expression associated with insulin signaling, glucose metabolism, and β-cell function and inflammatory pathways, which result in the contribution of metabolic dysfunction. Plant-derived polyphenols like curcumin and rutin exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties. Moreover, these compounds have remarkable potential to modulate the epigenetic mechanisms that ultimately lead to beneficial changes in gene expression. This review highlights the epigenetic mechanisms through which curcumin and rutin exert their therapeutic potential in diabetes mellitus, identifying the challenges in ongoing research and future scope in this field.