REVIEW

PPAR gamma Agonists – Plant Compounds

The nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPARg) controls adipocyte differentiation, as well as lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. As a result, PPARg is a promising candidate gene for a variety of human diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Hyperglycemia associated with the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes is treated with agonists of the nuclear receptor PPARg. The PPARg agonists of the thiazolidinedione type, despite being effective in normalizing blood glucose levels, have serious side effects, making the discovery of novel ligands extremely important. Natural products have historically proven to be a promising source of structures for drug development, and recent research has focused on the PPARg-activating potential of a wide range of natural products derived from traditionally used medicinal plants or dietary sources. This review highlights recent studies that have advanced our understanding of this receptor's role in metabolism, with a focus on the effects of compounds in the plant.