Targeting Diabetic Neuropathic Pain with Flavonoids: Mechanistic Insights and Pharmaceutical Perspectives

Diabetic neuropathy is a prevalent and painful condition impacting the nervous system and a common clinical consequence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Effective management of various forms of Diabetic Neuropathy (DN), such as peripheral neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, proximal neuropathy and mononeuropathy, remains challenging. Management of blood glucose levels in diabetic patients may delay the onset of diabetic neuropathic conditions. Recently, considerable research on natural products, including isolating bioactive phytochemicals from plants and investigating their potential impact on DN, is underway. Flavonoids are abundant secondary metabolites in plants and this review primarily focuses on the possible applications of key flavonoids (such as quercetin, rutin, catechin, diosmin, kaempferol and naringin) for preventing and treating DN. In recent times, herbal medicine, especially flavonoids for treating pain, inflammation, DM and other conditions, has been investigated thoroughly to develop them as promising candidates for DN. This paper discusses the probable mechanism of action of flavonoids against DN. Clinical and pharmaceutical challenges for the management of DN and developing flavonoids as drug molecules targeting DN are also highlighted.