Modern Perspectives on Adiponectin: Targeting Obesity, Diabetes, and Cancer Together Using Herbal Products

Obesity, Diabetes, and Cancer are major health concerns worldwide. Studies are ongoing to find a molecular drug target that simultaneously regulates these diseases. One such protein is adiponectin which modulates numerous physiological processes and regulates pathways associated with these diseases. Here we have reviewed the potential of adiponectin as a drug target and discussed possible mechanisms by which herbal compounds can modulate its function. Adiponectin exerts its function by binding to its transmembrane receptors (adipoR1 and adipoR2), which stimulate signaling cascades involved in regulating these diseases. Adiponectin activity can be enhanced by the transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), or several natural compounds(like curcumin). The mechanism by which these phytocompounds influence adiponectin activity at the molecular level is unclear. Here we have summarized various natural compounds that can modulate adiponectin activity and in silico, examined the mechanism by which curcumin regulates adiponectin activity. Our molecular docking studies results indicate that curcumin can act as a ligand for PPARγ and activate adiponectin. Understanding the adiponectin activation mechanism will help develop new herbal drugs to cure obesity, diabetes, and cancer.