The present invention describes the identification and isolation of chromones and novel chromone compositions from plant sources that exhibit up-regulation of adiponectin production by adipocytes and the normalization of virtually hundreds of genes related to glucose and fatty acid metabolic and signaling pathways. The chromone compositions are effective in enhancing adiponectin production by adipocytes and regulating genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids, steroid biosynthesis, gluconeogenesis, fat transpotr, PPARα/RXRαliver signaling and xenobiotic metabolism. The chromone compositions can be used to increase insulin sensitivity, improve glucose tolerance, lower triglyceride levels and balance glucose levels in mammals. Included in the present invention are methods for the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions including, but not limited to insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia, metabolic syndromes, dyslipidemia, and hypertriglyceridemia.本發明描述源自植物來源之色酮類及新穎之色酮組成物的鑑定及分離,該色酮類及色酮組成物顯現可向上調節由脂肪細胞製造之脂締素(adiponectin)並使近數百種與葡萄糖和脂肪酸代謝及訊號傳導途徑相關之基因正常化。該色酮組成物可有效地增加由脂肪細胞所製造之脂締素及調節涉及脂肪酸生物合成作用、粒腺體脂肪酸β-氧化作用、類固醇生物合成作用、糖質新生作用、脂肪轉運、PPARα/RXRα肝臟訊號傳導及異質物之代謝作用的基因。該色酮組成物可用於在哺乳動物體內增加胰島素敏感性、改良葡萄糖耐受性、降低三酸甘油脂量及平衡葡萄糖量。本發明包括用於預防及治療多種不同疾病和病況之方法,此等疾病和病況包括但不限於抗胰島素症、葡萄糖不耐症、高血糖症、代謝症候群、血脂異常及高三酸甘油脂血症。
