Mechanistic insights into the role of salicin in mitigating oxidative and inflammatory pathways of diabetic complications.

Diabetes mellitus is a rapidly growing global health challenge characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and progressive complications affecting multiple organ systems. Despite the widespread use of conventional antidiabetic therapies, oxidative stress and inflammation persist, contributing to the development and progression of diabetic complications. This therapeutic limitation underscores the need for novel adjunctive strategies, particularly those involving natural bioactive compounds that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review critically evaluates the potential of salicin, a naturally occurring β-glucoside with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties predominantly derived from willow bark, in modulating oxidative and inflammatory pathways implicated in diabetic complications. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify relevant experimental, translational, and clinical studies examining salicin and salicin-rich extracts in the context of diabetes and its complications. The current evidence suggests that salicin exhibits antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects through multiple molecular and cellular pathways, thereby collectively contributing to improved pathological and metabolic regulation. These biological activities support its potential role in mitigating diabetes-associated tissue damage and position salicin as a promising natural adjunctive candidate for managing diabetes-related complications. However, the majority of evidence originates from in vitro and animal studies, and well-designed clinical investigations addressing long-term safety, optimal dosing, and therapeutic efficacy in diabetes are limited. This research gap underscores the need for rigorous translational and clinical studies to validate salicin's therapeutic potential in the management of diabetes-related complications.