Natural Activators of AMPK Signaling: Potential Role in the Management of Type-2 Diabetes

Adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase involved in the homeostasis of cellular energy. AMPK has developed as an appealing clinical target for the diagnosis of multiple metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, inflammation, and cancer. Genetic and pharmacological studies indicate that AMPK is needed in response to glucose deficiency, dietary restriction, and increased physical activity for preserving glucose homeostasis. After activation, AMPK influences metabolic mechanisms contributing to enhanced ATP production, thus growing processes that absorb ATP simultaneously. In this review, several natural products have been discussed which enhance the sensitivity of AMPK and alleviate sub complications or different pathways by which such AMPK triggers can be addressed. AMPK Natural products as potential AMPK activators can be developed as alternate pharmacological intervention to reverse metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes.