Maize silks are used worldwide as a natural-based treatment for various illnesses. The biological activity of maize silks is mainly attributed to their content of polysaccharides and polyphenols. Therefore, it is worthwhile the identification of maize varieties or races that accumulate large amounts of these compounds in their staminate flowers. In the present study, the compositional and antioxidant properties of silks from three maize races (Cónico, Gordo and Cristalino) natives to Mexico were investigated. In general, the content of phenolic compounds including flavonoids and anthocyanins as well as the antioxidant capacity of maize silks from the landrace Cónico were higher than values reported in silks of hybrid maize varieties. The presence of the flavonoid maysin was confirmed in the silks of the landrace Cónico but not in the other two races. Whereas, the largest amount of polysaccharides was observed in silks from the landrace Cristalino. Propiedades de composición y captación de radicales de las inflorescencias femeninas de Zea mays (sedas del maíz) de razas nativas de maíces mexicanos RESUMEN Las sedas del maíz (estigmas de maíz) se utilizan en todo el mundo como un tratamiento natural para diversas enfermedades. La actividad biológica de las sedas del maíz se atribuye principalmente a su contenido de polisacáridos y polifenoles. Por lo tanto, es importante identificar variedades o razas de maíz que acumulen una gran cantidad de estos compuestos en sus estigmas. En el presente estudio se investigaron las propiedades de composición y antioxidantes de las sedas de tres razas de maíces nativos de México (Cónico, Gordo y Cristalino). El contenido de polifenoles como flavonoides y antocianinas así como la capacidad antioxidante fue mayor en las sedas de la raza Cónico que lo reportado previamente para las sedas de maíces híbridos. La presencia del flavonoide maysina fue confirmado en las sedas de la raza Cónico, pero no en las otras dos razas. Mientras que la mayor cantidad de polisacáridos se observó en las sedas de de la raza Cristalino.

Maize silks have been used in Mexico for centuries as a natural‐based treatment for various illnesses, including obesity and diabetes. It has been shown in mice that intake of maize silk extracts reduces the levels of blood glucose. However, it is not clear how or what maize silk compounds are involved in such an effect. A hypothesized mechanism is that some maize silk compounds can inhibit carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes like α‐glucosidases. This work aimed to assess the capability of both saccharides and phenolic compounds from maize silks to inhibit intestinal α‐glucosidases. Results showed that saccharides from maize silks did not produce inhibition on intestinal α‐glucosidases, but phenolics did. Maize silk phenolics increased the value of Km significantly and decreased the Vmax slightly, indicating a mixed inhibition of α‐glucosidases. According to the molecular docking analysis, the phenolics maysin, methoxymaysin, and apimaysin, which had the highest predicted binding energies, could be responsible for the inhibition of α‐glucosidases. Practical applications The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reported in 2017 that diabetes affects over 424 million people worldwide, and caused 4 million deaths. Non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accounts for ∼90% of cases. T2DM is characterized by insulin resistance and pancreatic β‐cell failure. Therapy for T2DM includes the use of sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, biguanides, and α‐glucosidase inhibitors. Regarding the α‐glucosidase inhibitors, only few are commercially available, and these have been associated with severe gastrointestinal side effects. This work aimed to assess the capability of both saccharides and phenolic compounds from maize silks to inhibit intestinal α‐glucosidases. Results from this work evidenced that maize silk polyphenols acted as effective inhibitors of intestinal rat α‐glucosidases. Computational analysis of maize silk polyphenols indicated that maysin, a particular flavonoid from maize silks, could be responsible for the inhibition of α‐glucosidases.