Limonoids: promising phytochemicals targeting PPAR γ as antidiabetic agents

Abstract

The peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPAR) are members of nuclear receptor supergene family that play a vital role in both glucose and lipid homeostasis. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) has high affinity to PPAR- receptors. But TZD scaffolds in antidiabetic drugs is responsible for fluid retention, weight gain, bone fractures, liver failure, hypoglycemia and allergic skin reaction. Investigators are searching for novel antidiabetic drugs with higher affinity and minimum side effects. Nowadays. phytochemicals are becoming promising compounds for health benefits. In this study, 11 limonoids (non-TZD) nomilin, obacunone, obacunoic acid, ichagin, limonite A- ring lactone, limonin, calamine, cyclocalamin, limonol, limonin and 17-beta-D-glucopyranoside have been analyzed via docking studies. Among them obacunone, limonite-A- ring lactone, nomilin. 7-alpha obacunol and limonol have demonstrated good binding affinity with PPAR- γ receptor that are promising lead antidiabetic compounds.