Title: Advanced Glycation End Products in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Pathophysiological Insights and the Potential Role of Punica granatum and Peganum harmala as Natural Antiglycation Agents
Authors: Eman Falih Al-Yasiri¹, Jubran K. Hassan², and Ammar M.S. Almomin³
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 52-60
Publication Date: 2026/01/28
Abstract:
Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are a diverse collection of harmful compounds that originate from the non-enzymatic reaction of reducing sugars with proteins, lipids or nucleic acids. Their formation is accelerated in the presence of chronic hyperglycemia, which results as a major contributor for the initiation and progression of T2DM associated complications. The accumulation of AGEs and their ligand-receptor RAGE cause oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and tissue damage that aggravate the morbidity from diabetes. Traditional antidiabetic treatments mainly focus on hypoglycemic effects and are less effective in directly inhibiting the formation of AGEs or attenuating AGE-induced cellular injury. Therefore, there is a growing interest toward the natural agents possessing antioxidant and antiglycation activities. Of these, Punica granatum (pomegranate) and Peganum harmala (Syrian rue) have attracted considerable attention owing to their high level of polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids with proven antiglycation, anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects. The knowledge of the promise of these natural agents may help to formulate new strategies aiming at supplement or adjuvant treatments for decreasing problems related to AGE in diabetes.