Abstract:
Metformin is a plant-based drug belonging to the class of biguanides and is known to
treat type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The drug, combined with controlling blood
glucose levels, improves the body’s response to insulin. In addition, trials have
identified the cardioprotective potential of metformin in the diabetic population
receiving the drug. Activation of 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is the major
pathway for these potential beneficial effects of metformin. Historically, much
emphasis has been placed on the potential indications of metformin beyond its
anti-diabetic use. This review aims to appraise other potential uses of metformin
primarily mediated by the activation of AMPK. We also discuss various mechanisms,
other than AMPK activation, by which metformin could produce beneficial effects for
different conditions. Databases including PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase were
searched for literature relevant to the review’s objective. Reports from both
research and review articles were considered. We found that metformin has
diverse effects on the human body systems. It has been shown to exert antiinflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, metabolic, neuroprotective, anticancer, and antimicrobial effects and has now even been identified as effective
against SARS-CoV-2. Above all, the AMPK pathway has been recognized as
responsible for metformin’s efficiency and effectiveness. Owing to its extensive
potential, it has the capability to become a part of treatment regimens for
diseases apart from T2DM.