The Role of Alkaloids in Regulating Glucose Homeostasis and Adiposity: Implications for Obesity and Diabetes Therapy

Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are globally prevalent metabolic disorders with multifactorial etiologies, including insulin resistance, impaired glucose homeostasis, and dysregulated lipid metabolism. In recent years, plant-derived alkaloids have emerged as promising bioactive compounds capable of modulating metabolic pathways, offering potential therapeutic benefits for managing obesity and diabetes. Alkaloids, known for their diverse biological activities, have demonstrated antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects through various mechanisms, such as enhancing insulin signaling, reducing adiposity, and improving lipid metabolism. This review comprehensively examines the role of alkaloids in regulating glucose homeostasis and adiposity, exploring their impact on insulin resistance, adipogenesis, and lipid metabolic pathways. Specific alkaloids, such as berberine, metformin, and capsaicin, have shown remarkable promise in preclinical and clinical studies. The underlying molecular mechanisms include modulation of key signaling pathways such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), and the insulin receptor. We also discuss the potential advantages and challenges of alkaloid-based therapies and highlight their implications for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. The review concludes with an exploration of future directions for the development of alkaloid-based drugs in the management of metabolic disorders. Keywords: Alkaloids, Glucose Homeostasis, Adiposity, Obesity, Diabetes, Insulin Signaling, Lipid Metabolism, Insulin Resistance, Plant-based Therapy