Metformin: Paradigm of therapeutic pleiotropism (1922-2025)

Werner and Bell synthesized metformin in 1922. In 2006, the International Diabetes Federation recognized metformin as the first-line drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This review updates the pharmacological properties, adverse effects and therapeutic pleiotropism of metformin applied to the treatment of diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, appetite regulation, intestinal flora dysbiosis, cardiovascular and renal protection, treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, reduction of risk and mortality from various neoplasms, and prolongation of lifespan.