8-β-D-Glucopyranosylgenistein (1), the major component of Genista tenera, was synthesized and showed an extensive therapeutical impact in the treatment of STZ-induced diabetic rats, producing normalization of fasting hyperglycemia, amelioration of excessive postprandial glucose excursions, and increasing β-cell sensitivity, insulin secretion, and circulating insulin within 7 days at a dose of 4mg/kg b.w./day. Suppression of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) fibril formation by compound 1 was demonstrated by thioflavin T fluorescence and atomic force microscopy. Molecular recognition studies with IAPP and Aβ1-42 employing Saturation Transfer Difference (STD) confirmed the same binding mode for both amyloid peptides as suggested by their deduced epitope. Insights into the preferred conformation in the bound state and conformers' geometry resulting from interaction with Aβ1-42 were also given by STD, trNOESY and MM calculations. These studies strongly support 8-β-D-glucopyranosylgenistein as a promising molecular entity for intervention in amyloid events of both diabetes and the frequently associated Alzheimer's disease.