The Promising and Diverse Therapeutic Effects of Metformin

The repositioning of metformin represents a salient and intriguing area of research, serving as a valuable alternative to molecular target-based drug discovery through the implementation of an off-target strategy for therapeutic repurposing. The repurposing of an already approved anti-diabetic medication mitigates the substantial expenses associated with the protracted conventional drug development process related to the additional pharmacological applications mentioned. Metformin has demonstrated efficacy in inhibiting dyskinesia associated with Parkinson's disease, as well as in preventing cancer recurrence across various malignancies, including neuroendocrine tumors, colorectal carcinoma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, and fibrosarcoma; Furthermore, metformin is also reported to enhance the healing process for liver injuries and improve cardiovascular health. This positions it as a potential treatment for conditions like cardiovascular disease and Fragile X syndrome. Metformin exhibits significant benefits for neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, as it upregulates neurotrophic factors and mitigates dopaminergic neuronal death in models of Parkinson’s disease. Being one of the most prevalently prescribed oral antidiabetic agents, metformin also ameliorates serum lipid profiles, emphatically impacts hemostatic functions, alleviates cognitive impairments, and possesses notable anti-inflammatory characteristics. Findings from numerous clinical studies affirm that the prolonged administration of metformin in diabetic cohorts correlates with enhanced cognitive function, in comparison to individuals utilizing alternative antidiabetic therapies. The repositioning of metformin is presented as a cost-effective strategy, as it avoids the lengthy and expensive process of developing new drugs from scratch. This makes it an attractive option for addressing various health issues. This evidences substantiates the status of metformin as a preferred treatment and suggests its potential advantages for non-diabetic populations. In conclusion, this paper presents metformin as a promising multi-therapeutic agent with a wide range of potential applications, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases, cancer treatment, and cognitive health, while also highlighting its cost-effectiveness in drug repositioning.