Orally-active adiponectin receptor (AdipoR) agonist. Binds to AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 at low µm concentration. Activates 5′-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in cultured mammalian cells. Activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1alpha) which boosts mitochondrial proliferation and energy metabolism. Improves diabetes, glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity in cultured cells and in mice by AdipoR-dependent mechanisms. Rescued the shortened lifespan of db/db mice (AdipoRs KO) on high-fat diet. Reduces expression levels of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-6 and CCL-2 in WAT of WT mice but not db/db mice.