An Insight of Alpha-amylase Inhibitors as a Valuable Tool in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Among the millions of people around the world, the most prevalent metabolic disorder is diabetes mellitus. Due to the drawbacks which are associated with commercially available antidiabetic agents, new therapeutic approaches are needed to be considered. Alpha-amylase is a membrane- bound enzyme which is responsible for the breakdown of polysaccharides such as starch to monosaccharides which can be absorbed. Methods: We searched the scientific database using alpha-amylase, diabetes, antidiabetic agents as the keywords. Here in, only peer-reviewed research articles were collected which were useful to our current work. Results: To overcome the research gap, the alpha-amylase enzyme is regarded as a good target for antidiabetic agents to design the drug and provide an alternate approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Basically, alpha-amylase inhibitors are classified into two groups: proteinaceous inhibitors, and non-proteinaceous inhibitors. Recently, non-proteinaceous inhibitors are being explored which includes chalcones, flavones, benzothiazoles, etc. as the potential antidiabetic agents. Conclusion: Herein, we discuss various potential antidiabetic agents which are strategically targeted alpha-amylase enzyme. These are having lesser side effects as compared to other antidiabetic agents, and are proposed to prevent the digestion and absorption of glucose leading to a decrease in the blood glucose level.

Identification and Comparison of Peptides from Chickpea Protein Hydrolysates Using Either Bromelain or Gastrointestinal Enzymes and Their Relationship with Markers of Type 2 Diabetes and Bitterness

“…Since there is a complex system in the control of glucose levels and insulin production in the body, there are multiple targets for foods and drugs to treat T2DM. Targets that have been explored in the past include dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. The enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase participate in the digestion of starch from food; therefore, the inhibition of these markers decreases the glucose available for intestinal absorption and metabolism.…”

Modeling and simulation in medical sciences: an overview of specific applications based on research experience in EMRI (Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute of Tehran University of Medical Sciences)

“…This data could be of use for synthesizing more potent inhibitors. Recently, many natural extracts and synthetic new molecules have been investigated with regard to their alpha-amylase inhibitory properties [37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48] and this line of study seems to be promising with regard to finding effective anti-diabetic aids.…”

So Uncommon and so Singular, but Underexplored: An Updated Overview on Ethnobotanical Uses, Biological Properties and Phytoconstituents of Sardinian Endemic Plants

“…One of the therapeutic approaches to treat diabetes consists of the inhibition of carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes (such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase). The former is responsible for the breakdown of polysaccharides such as starch to monosaccharides [169], the latter breaks down carbohydrates into monosaccharide glucose, allowing its absorption by the intestine [168]. Acarbose, miglitol and voglibose, as well as other synthetic enzyme inhibitors, reduce the absorption rate of glucose, causing a reduction in postprandial glucose levels [170].…”