The Role of Flavonoids in Reducing Oxidative Stress and Low-Grade Inflammation in Obese Diabetic Patients

Bamuraza Nfukwe W.

Faculty of Medicine Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are chronic metabolic disorders intricately linked with oxidative stress and persistent low-grade inflammation, both of which contribute to the progression of insulin resistance and associated complications. Emerging research highlights the potential therapeutic role of flavonoids—natural polyphenolic compounds found abundantly in fruits, vegetables, tea, and other plant-derived foods—in modulating oxidative and inflammatory pathways. This review synthesizes current evidence on the biochemical and molecular mechanisms by which flavonoids exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in obese diabetic patients. It discusses key subclasses of flavonoids, such as flavonols, flavones, flavanones, and anthocyanins, and their impacts on relevant biomarkers including reactive oxygen species (ROS), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6). Clinical studies are analyzed to evaluate efficacy, bioavailability challenges, and safety profiles of flavonoid supplementation in this population. The review concludes with a discussion on the future directions of integrating flavonoids into dietary interventions and personalized nutrition for managing obesity-associated T2DM.

Keywords: Flavonoids; Oxidative stress; Inflammation; Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Obesity; Antioxidants; Cytokines; Polyphenols; Insulin resistance; Nutraceuticals

CITE AS: Bamuraza Nfukwe W. (2025). The Role of Flavonoids in Reducing Oxidative Stress and Low-Grade Inflammation in Obese Diabetic Patients. Research Output Journal of Engineering and Scientific Research 4(3): 9-15. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJESR/2025/4.3.915