Biological functions of nutraceutical xylan oligosaccharides as a natural solution for modulation of obesity, diabetes, and related diseases

Abstract

Natural compounds have been used to regulate numerous metabolic dysfunctions such as obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia. Xylan oligosaccharides (XOS) alleviate obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia via the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolisms, and the modification of gut microbiota. Moreover, XOS is also shown to inhibit obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic disorders such as inflammation and oxidative stress, by regulating the related genes and enzymes that contribute to the respective disorders. The information currently available does not offer in-depth elucidation regarding the molecular mechanisms of action of XOS in controlling obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic disorders, thus remain to be elucidated. The present review discusses XOS and its mechanisms of action, and key roles in regulating obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic disorders, highlighting the potential use of this compound in the improvement of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of the aforementioned diseases.