Piceatannol, a catechol analog of resveratrol, is more effective in improving glucose metabolism disorders

Resveratrol (RES) and its catechol analog piceatannol (PIC), natural polyphenols, exhibit benefits in relieving glucose metabolism disorders. This study compared their effects on glucose metabolism regulation through in vivo and in vitro studies combined with quantitative analysis. Results showed that PIC significantly ameliorated insulin resistance and inhibited gluconeogenesis in obese mice, exhibiting superior efficacy to RES. Specifically, the area under the curve (AUC) of the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) was 2007.38 mmol・L −1 ・h for PIC, lower than 2450.88 mmol・L −1 ・h for RES; the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) concentration was 172.80 ng・L −1 in the PIC group, lower than 182.12 ng・L −1 in the RES group. At equimolar phenolic hydroxyl concentrations, PIC promoted greater glucose uptake and glycogen accumulation in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells compared to RES. Additionally, PIC accelerated tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle flux toward glucose utilization. These findings indicate that PIC is more effective than RES in regulating glucose metabolism, highlighting the critical role of the catechol moiety. This study provides guidance for screening natural bioactive polyphenols.