Natural Products as a Source of Inspiration for Novel Inhibitors of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs) Formation #

Protein glycation, a post-translational modification found in biological systems, is often associated with a core defect in glucose metabolism. In particular, advanced glycation endproducts are complex heterogeneous sugar-derived protein modifications implicated in the progression of pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetic complications, skin diseases, rheumatism, hypertension, and neurodegenerative diseases. Undoubtedly, there is the need to expand the knowledge about antiglycation agents that can offer a therapeutic approach in preventing and treating health issues of high social and economic importance. Although various compounds have been under consideration, little data from clinical trials are available, and there is a lack of approved and registered antiglycation agents. Next to the search for novel synthetic advanced glycation endproduct inhibitors, more and more the efforts of scientists are focusing on researching antiglycation compounds from natural origin. The main purpose of this review is to provide a thorough overview of the state of scientific knowledge in the field of natural products from plant origin (e.g., extracts and pure compounds) as inhibitors of advanced glycation endproduct formation in the period between 1990 and 2019. Moreover, the objectives of the summary also include basic chemistry of AGEs formation and classification, pathophysiological significance of AGEs, mechanisms for inhibiting AGEs formation, and examples of several synthetic anti-AGEs drugs.

Automated summary

Protein glycation, a post-translational modification, is linked to glucose metabolism defects and the progression of various diseases. Research on antiglycation agents is lacking sufficient clinical data and approved drugs. Scientists are increasingly exploring natural compounds as potential inhibitors of advanced glycation endproduct formation.