Investigation on the Involvement of Phytoconstituents in Endocrine Disorder: A Review
Abstract
The endocrine system consists of various glands responsible for secreting hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, reproduction, and other physiological processes. Disruptions in this system, termed endocrine disorders, are linked to numerous health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndromes. Moreover, the significance of factors such as life stage, gender and dietary habits in influencing health risks associated with endocrine disruption cannot be overstated. Synthetic medications for these conditions often have adverse side effects like hypoglycemia and heart complications, highlighting the need for alternative treatments. Herbal and natural remedies have shown promise in managing these disorders due to their lower toxicity and minimal side effects. Phytochemicals and poly-herbal therapies are emerging as effective strategies for addressing endocrine and metabolic disorders, influencing molecular targets like AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) and nuclear factor erythroid-2- related factor (Nrf2). Specific disorders such as diabetes, Addison’s disease and hyperthyroidism are characterized by hormone imbalances, with molecular mechanisms involving insulin resistance, cortisol dysregulation, and thyroid dysfunction. Additionally, the role of factors such as life stage, gender, and dietary habits in modulating endocrine disruption-associated health risks is crucial. Natural products, including flavonoids, catechins, resveratrol, and terpenes, are being explored for their therapeutic potential in regulating hormone levels and improving metabolic health.
Keywords: AMPK, Cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes, Endocrine system, Metabolic disorders.
Keywords:
AMPK, Cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes, Endocrine system, Metabolic disordersDOI
https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v15i9.7377References
1. Khalid W, Maqbool Z, Arshad MS, Kousar S, Akram R, Siddeeg A, Ali A, Qin H, Aziz A, Saeed A, Rahim MA. Plant-derived functional components: prevent from various disorders by regulating the endocrine glands. International Journal of Food Properties. 2022 Dec 31; 25(1):976-95. https://doi.org/10.1080/10942912.2022.2070643
2. Bhandari S, Trivedi R, Garg V, Saini A, Gupta M, Singh R. Exploring the Role of Phytoconstituents for Endocrine Disorder: A Review. Pharmacognosy Research. 2025; 17(2):402-410. https://doi.org/10.5530/pres.20252070
3. Barbhuiya PA, Sen S, Pathak MP. Ameliorative role of bioactive phytoconstituents targeting obesity associated NAFLD by modulation of inflammation and lipogenesis pathways: a comprehensive review. Phytochemistry Reviews. 2024 Aug; 23(4):969-96. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-023-09912-w
4. Sharma S, Choudhary M, Budhwar V. Role of bioactive phytoconstituents as modulators of hepatic carbohydrates metabolising enzymes: a target specific approach to treat diabetes mellitus Current Diabetes Reviews. 2022 Nov 1; 18(9):57-72. https://doi.org/10.2174/1573399818666220210140745 PMid:35142270
5. Raghav SS, Kumar B, Sethiya NK, Kaul A. A mechanistic insight on phytoconstituents delivering hypoglycemic activity: a comprehensive overview. Future Pharmacology. 2022 Nov 9; 2(4):511-46. https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol2040032
6. Yadav K, Ghadge P, Langeh A, Kalbhare S, Phadtare P, Bhoite R. A review on herbal medicinal plant for treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development. 2020 Aug 15; 8(4):83-7. https://doi.org/10.22270/ajprd.v8i4.799 .
7. Sridevi V, Naveen P, Karnam VS, Reddy PR, Arifullah M. Beneficiary and adverse effects of phytoestrogens: A potential constituent of plant-based diet. Current Pharmaceutical Design. 2021 Feb 1; 27(6):802-15. PMid:32942973 https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612826999200917154747
8. Porwal M, Rastogi V, Chandra P, Sharma KK, Varshney P. Significance of Phytoconstituents in Modulating Cell Signalling Pathways for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia. 2025 Feb; 35(1):23-40. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43450-024-00589-6
9. Femi-Olabisi JF, Ishola AA, Olujimi FO. Effect of Parquetina nigrescens (Afzel.) Leaves on letrozole-induced PCOS in rats: a molecular insight into its phytoconstituents. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology. 2023 Aug; 195(8):4744-74. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-023-04537-3 PMid:37171758
10. Sikarwar MS. Effects of Phytoconstituents on Adipocytes in the Management of Obesity and Hyperinsulinemia. Journal of Young Pharmacists. 2025 Apr; 17(2):271-8. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.20251634
11. Hussain N. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), pathophysiological role of a SNP in CYP17 gene and PCOS management by phytoconstituents of food. J. Acad. Fam. Phys. Pak. 2022; 14:56-75.
12. Kumar R, Saha P, Lokare P, Datta K, Selvakumar P, Chourasia A. A systemic review of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi): Morphological characteristics, phytoconstituents and therapeutic applications. International Journal for Research in Applied Sciences and Biotechnology. 2022 Apr 7; 9(2):221-6. https://doi.org/10.31033/ijrasb.9.2.15
13. Xian J, Huang Y, Bai J, Liao Q, Chen Q, Cheng W, Su Z, Li S, Wu Y, Li J, Zhang J. Recent Advances in the Anti‐Obesity Benefits of Phytoconstituents: From Phytochemistry to Targeting Novel‐Systems. Phytotherapy Research. 2025 Feb; 39(2):630-60. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8400 PMid:39629748
14. Santh Rani T, Premitha Rajya Lakshmi P, Manga Devi C. Network pharmacology and molecular docking study of the active ingredients in Saptasaram kashayam for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IJBB). 2023 Jan 24; 60(2):108-21. https://doi.org/10.56042/ijbb.v60i2.70684
15. Gade R, Dwarampudi LP, Dharshini SP, Raj R K. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): Approach to traditional systems, natural and bio-chemical compounds for its management. Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IJBB). 2022 May 30; 59(5):521-7.
16. Dias MI, Barros L, Dueñas M, Alves RC, Oliveira MB, Santos-Buelga C, et al. Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) flowers and berries. Food Chem. 2013; 139(1-4):91-8.
17. Aggarwal BB, Harikumar KB. Potential therapeutic effects of curcumin, the anti-inflammatory agent, against cancer, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurological diseases. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2009; 41(1):40-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocel.2008.06.010 PMid:18662800 PMCid:PMC2637808
18. Zhang Y, Li X, Zou D, Liu W, Yang J, Zhu N, et al. Berberine reduces insulin resistance induced by dexamethasone in the skeletal muscle of rats. J Endocrinol. 2010; 206(3):297-306.
19. Brasnyó P, Molnár GA, Mohás M, Markó L, Laczy B, Cseh J, et al. Resveratrol improves insulin sensitivity, reduces oxidative stress and activates the Akt pathway in type 2 diabetic patients. Br J Nutr. 2011; 106(3):383-9. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114511000316 PMid:21385509
20. Rivera L, Morón R, Sánchez M, Zarzuelo A, Galisteo M. Quercetin ameliorates metabolic syndrome and improves the inflammatory status in obese Zucker rats. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2008; 16(9):2081-7. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2008.315 PMid:18551111
21. Thielecke F, Boschmann M. The potential role of green tea catechins in the pr evention of the metabolic syndrome - a review. Phytochemistry. 2009; 70(1):11-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2008.11.011 PMid:19147161
22. Ryu J, Lee HJ, Woo KS, Lee MY, Jeong HS. Antidiabetic effects of ginsenosides: A literature review. J Ginseng Res. 2014; 38(4):248-54.
23. Wankhede S, Langade D, Joshi K, Sinha SR, Bhattacharyya S. Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015; 12(1):43. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9 PMid:26609282 PMCid:PMC4658772
24. Ju YH, Clausen LM, Allred KF, Almada AL, Helferich WG, Allred CD. Impact of steroidal saponin diosgenin on endocrine system. J Med Food. 2016; 19(10):921-7.
25. Godard MP, Johnson BA, Richmond SR. Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men. Obes Res. 2005; 13(8):1335-43. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2005.162 PMid:16129715
26. Guo JM, Kang GZ, Xiao BX, Liu DH, Zhang S. Effects of puerarin on the expression of ERalpha mRNA and apoptosis of osteoblast in rats with osteoporosis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005; 98(3):331-6.
27. Al-Logmani AM, Zari TA. Long-term effects of Nigella sativa L. oil on some physiological parameters in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2009; 8(1):12. https://doi.org/10.4236/jdm.2011.13007
28. Oseni T, Patel R, Pyle J, Jordan VC. Selective estrogen receptor modulators and phytoestrogens. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2008; 8(9):859-71. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0028-1088304 PMid:18843590 PMCid:PMC2587438
29. Li C, Schluesener HJ. Health-promoting effects of the citrus flavanone hesperidin. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2017; 57(3):613-31. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2014.906382 PMid:25675136
30. Zhou L, Zuo Z, Chow MS. Danshen: an overview of its chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical use. J Clin Pharmacol.2005; 45(12):1345-59. https://doi.org/10.1177/0091270005282630 PMid:16291709
31. Wellington K, Jarvis B. Silymarin: a review of its clinical properties in the management of hepatic disorders. BioDrugs.2001; 15(7):465-89. https://doi.org/10.2165/00063030-200115070-00005 PMid:11520257
32. You Y, Yoo S, Yoon HG, Kim HY. Antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of gallic acid in high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetic mice. J Med Food. 2016; 19(6):601-6.
33. Tabatabaei F, Hajghasemi M, Zohal MA, Rezaei-Tavirani M. A review study on endocrine disorders. Cell J. 2015; 17(4):689-704.
34. Heindel JJ, Skalla LA, Joubert BR, Dilworth CH, Gray KA. Review of developmental origins of health and disease publications in environmental epidemiology. Reprod Toxicol. 2017; 68:34-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.11.011 PMid:27871864
35. Miles A, Gethin A, Grodski S, Sidhu S. Prolactinoma management. Endocr Pract. 2019; 25(5):472-9.
Published
Abstract Display: 400 
PDF Downloads: 330 PDF Downloads: 38 How to Cite
Issue
Section
Copyright (c) 2025 Ms. Mahima, Ritika Gupta, Kapil Kumar Verma
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0). that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
How to Cite
.