Abstract:Lithocarpus litseifolius, called “sweet tea”, has already been approved as a new food material since 2017. This tea possesses significant activities such as hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. The main active compounds are phlorizin, phloretin, trilobatin and other dihydrochalcones, and its hypoglycemic activities is focused in this review. Persistent hyperglycemia is demonstrated to be common characterization in diabetes which is classified into a chronic metabolic syndrome. Generally, there are some restrictions and side effects on the application of existing hypoglycemic drugs in patients with diabetes. Recently, Lithocarpus litseifolius displays potent research and development value due to its health benefits on hypoglycemic effects with a long history. This article explains the generation of its sweetness in association with its low calories, and summarizes the hypoglycemic activities. Furthermore, the relevant mechanisms of Lithocarpus litseifolius are closely linked to improvement of insulin resistance, glucose transport, regulating enzyme activity, antioxidant defense and diabetic complications. In addition, the present research challenges are mentioned including unclear molecular target and research content limitation. Meanwhile, the related molecular mechanisms referring to hypoglycemic activities of Lithocarpus litseifolius are prospected. Together, this review can provide theoretical basis for Lithocarpus litseifolius to investigate hypoglycemic effects and promote its high value application.
