Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1), a saponin extracted from Panax notoginseng, has been described as a potential candidate for DR treatment based on its capacity to enhance mitophagy and elevate the levels of PINK1, Parkin, and the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I in the retinas of leptin receptor KO mice (db/db mice) [358], a T2D model. This evidence concerns the gene PINK1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.