Study on the Regulatory Effect and Mechanism of Eriocitrin on Blood Glucose Homeostasis

With the change of lifestyle, the incidence of diabetes is increasing year by year, and the regulation of blood glucose homeostasis is crucial. As a natural flavonoid compound, eriocitrin shows good potential in blood glucose management. This paper summarizes domestic and foreign studies and expounds its mechanism in regulating blood glucose homeostasis from the aspects of eriocitrin inhibiting α-glucosidase activity, regulating insulin secretion and sensitivity, and affecting the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), so as to provide a theoretical basis for the development of new anti-diabetic drugs and functional foods.

Keywords: Eriocitrin; Blood Glucose Homeostasis; α-glucosidase; Insulin

1. Introduction

The maintenance of blood glucose homeostasis is the basis of normal physiological activities of the human body, and the metabolic disorders caused by its imbalance have become a major challenge in the global public health field. Blood glucose-related diseases represented by diabetes are affecting the health of hundreds of millions of people worldwide, not only reducing the quality of life of patients, but also causing a heavy social medical burden. In this context, exploring components with blood glucose regulating activity from natural products has become a hot research direction. As a flavonoid compound widely existing in plants, the potential value of eriocitrin in regulating blood glucose balance has gradually attracted attention, providing a new research perspective for metabolic health management.

2. Basic Characteristics of Eriocitrin

2.1 Source and Distribution

The natural distribution of eriocitrin has significant plant group specificity, mainly enriched in plants of the genus Citrus in the subfamily Aurantioideae of Rutaceae. As a typical representative of this genus, lemon contains high levels of eriocitrin in its fruit, peel and juice, which is an important source of natural extraction. In addition, eriocitrin in different concentrations has also been detected in common citrus varieties such as oranges and grapefruits. Except for citrus, although it is distributed in small amounts in some other families and genera of plants, the content is usually low, so it has no practical value for large-scale extraction. In plants, eriocitrin mostly exists in a bound form, participating in the secondary metabolic process of plants by forming complexes with other biological molecules.

2.2 Structural Characteristics

As a member of flavonoids, eriocitrin has the unique basic parent nucleus structure of this type of substances, which is composed of multiple aromatic rings connected in a specific way and modified with various functional groups. These structural features endow it with specific chemical stability and physiological activity, enabling it to play a regulatory role through specific interactions in organisms. Although there is no need to deeply analyze the details of its molecular configuration, clarifying the relationship between its structure and function is of great significance for understanding its blood glucose regulation mechanism.

3. Physiological Significance of Blood Glucose Balance and Consequences of Imbalance

3.1 Regulatory Mechanism of Blood Glucose Homeostasis

The blood glucose level of the human body is maintained within a relatively constant range through a precise regulatory network. After eating, glucose produced by the digestion and decomposition of carbohydrates enters the blood circulation, causing an increase in blood glucose concentration. At this time, the secretion of insulin by pancreatic islet β cells increases, promoting the transmembrane transport of glucose into cells for metabolic utilization, thereby reducing blood glucose levels. When the blood glucose concentration is too low, the glucagon secreted by pancreatic islet α cells increases, promoting the decomposition of liver glycogen into glucose and releasing it into the blood, so that the blood glucose level rises. In addition, the perception and regulation of the nervous system and the synergistic effect of various hormones together constitute a complex system to maintain the dynamic balance of blood glucose.

3.2 Pathological Impact of Blood Glucose Imbalance

The destruction of blood glucose homeostasis can cause multi-system damage to the body. Long-term hyperglycemia can lead to microvascular and macrovascular diseases, causing various complications such as retinopathy, kidney damage, neurological dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases. When hypoglycemia occurs, due to insufficient energy supply to brain tissue, symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction and consciousness disorder may appear, and even life-threatening in severe cases. Therefore, maintaining blood glucose balance is of irreplaceable importance for ensuring the normal physiological functions of the body.

4. Pathways of Eriocitrin in Regulating Blood Glucose Homeostasis

4.1 Enhancing Insulin-Related Functions

Insulin is at the core of blood glucose regulation. Eriocitrin can indirectly promote the release of insulin from islet β cells by stimulating the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), increase the level of circulating insulin, thereby promoting the uptake and utilization of glucose. At the same time, eriocitrin can improve the sensitivity of cells to insulin, improve insulin resistance, so that the body can complete glucose metabolism more efficiently under the same insulin level. The dual effects together promote the reduction of blood glucose levels.

4.2 Inhibiting Digestion and Absorption of Carbohydrates

As a key enzyme in the digestion process of carbohydrates, α-glucosidase is responsible for decomposing polysaccharides into absorbable glucose. Eriocitrin can inhibit the activity of this enzyme, delay the hydrolysis rate of polysaccharides, reduce the production and absorption rate of glucose, thereby avoiding a sharp increase in postprandial blood glucose and helping to maintain the stable fluctuation of blood glucose. This regulation of the digestion and absorption process provides an important intervention target for postprandial blood glucose management.

5. Scientific Basis for Eriocitrin in Regulating Blood Glucose Balance

5.1 Evidence from Clinical Studies

A number of human clinical studies have confirmed the blood glucose regulating effect of eriocitrin. In a 12-week intervention study, after subjects took the preparation containing eriocitrin daily, their blood glucose level decreased by an average of 5%, and the insulin resistance index improved by 11%, showing its positive impact on blood glucose homeostasis. Another study showed that continuous intake of eriocitrin extract for 12 weeks could increase the GLP-1 level in subjects by 17%, providing direct evidence for its role through regulating the incretin system. These clinical data provide important support for the application of eriocitrin in blood glucose management.

5.2 Evidence from Experimental Studies

Animal experiments have further verified the blood glucose regulating effect of eriocitrin. In diabetic animal models, after eriocitrin intervention, the blood glucose level of experimental animals was effectively controlled, and the insulin resistance state was significantly improved. At the same time, the general physiological status of animals, such as body weight, food intake and activity, also showed positive changes, indicating that eriocitrin has a positive effect in overall metabolic regulation. These experimental results provide an important reference for in-depth understanding of its mechanism of action and lay a foundation for clinical application.

6. Application Advantages and Prospects of Eriocitrin in Blood Glucose Management

Blood glucose management products containing eriocitrin have unique advantages. Its natural source makes it highly safe and suitable for long-term use. Compared with traditional drugs, eriocitrin has a milder effect, which can avoid sharp fluctuations in blood glucose, and has potential in preventing and assisting in improving blood glucose abnormalities. With the improvement of public health awareness and the increase in the incidence of metabolic diseases, the market demand for such products continues to grow, showing broad application prospects. At the same time, further optimizing the extraction process and improving the stability of active ingredients will provide technical support for its wider application.

7. Summary and Outlook

As a natural flavonoid compound, eriocitrin plays an important role in regulating blood glucose balance by promoting insulin secretion, improving insulin sensitivity and inhibiting carbohydrate digestion and absorption. Both clinical studies and experimental evidence have confirmed its effectiveness in blood glucose management, and the development and application of related products have also made initial progress, providing a new intervention option for the field of metabolic health. Future research needs to further clarify its metabolic process in vivo and its interaction with other biological molecules, optimize extraction and preparation technologies, and improve its bioavailability. At the same time, carrying out larger-scale and longer-term clinical studies to systematically evaluate its long-term safety and effectiveness will provide a more solid scientific basis for its wide application in clinical practice and health industry, and promote the application of natural active ingredients in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.

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